Tom Jones

The Early Life

Thomas Jones Woodward was born to a coal miner and his wife in Wales, England. Tom discovered his gift of singing early by participating in his school choir and singing at local weddings. When he was a teenager, he was bedridden for several months with tuberculosis. Although this would be difficult to accept for any teenager, Tom used the opportunity to improve his voice and study music.

Shortly after his recovery, he dropped out of high school. Without any training or diploma, he took on construction and salesman jobs to make ends meet. During this same time, he married Linda Trenchard and they soon had a son. Tom started performing at local pubs for extra money, and he slowly began making a name for himself among the local music scene.

Tom Jones: The Making of a Legend

When Tom was 23, he became lead singer for a local group called Tommy Scott and the Senators. They developed a large local following and were successful enough to get a producer to help them make an album. The album didn’t travel far, however, and the group was left in the nightclubs of Wales.

During one performance, Tom was “discovered” by a music manager from London who convinced Tom to travel with him to the London recording studios. Initially, Tom’s reviews were poor: he was seen as too sexy and raw for pop music. Eventually, one record company decided to give him a chance, and Tom recorded his first single in 1964. Although the song didn’t make any waves, his second single, It’s Not Unusual, was an instant hit, topping the charts in England and reaching number 10 in the United States.

US Popularity

During the mid 1960s, Tom strengthened his hold on American audiences by modeling himself after popular crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin with his release Green Green Grass of Home. Tom’s sex appeal helped him stand out from others in the genre -- women went crazy for him every time he performed, with many female fans showing their adoration by throwing underwear on stage.

Tom made several appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show and became a somewhat regular fixture in Las Vegas. During this time, he released one of his most popular songs, What’s New Pussycat? and recorded the theme song to the James Bond film Thunderball.

From 1969-1971, Tom had his own television variety show, This is Tom Jones. He continued releasing new music, including She's A Lady and The New Mexican Puppeteer, but his popularity had dropped off as music fans were more interested in the growing disco craze.

New Audiences

Looking to appeal to a younger audience, Tom Jones began recording hits by other artists, including Prince’s Kiss and Talking Heads’ Burning Down the House. He also collaborated with other artists, like The Cardigans, and had Wyclef Jean produce his 2002 album.

Tom Jones’ Personal Life

Despite a series of well-publicized affairs, Tom remains married to Linda Trenchard. Over the years, he romanced Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, and the winner of the 1973 Miss World competition. One affair produced a daughter, whom Tom tried to deny until DNA testing proved the child was his.

In early 2006, Tom joined the ranks of Elton John and Mick Jagger by being knighted by Queen Elizabeth. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Tom continues to tour, perform in Las Vegas, and work on new music. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife.