‘IT'S BEEN AN AMAZING JOURNEY'

AS SIR TOM JONES RELEASES HIS 41 ST STUDIO ALBUM WE REFLECT ON THE WELSH SINGING LEGEND’S STELLAR CAREER

- CHARLOTTE RAWLINGS

There aren’t many people who could impress Elvis Presley, but Sir Tom Jones did just that. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll introduced Tom at one of his shows in 1974 with the words, “There’s somebody in the audience I’d like you to meet. To me, he’s my favourite singer. He’s one of the greatest performers I’ve ever seen, and the greatest voice, Tom Jones.”

High praise indeed, but it wasn’t as if the singer was unknown. His song It’s Not Unusual had topped the UK charts back in 1965. Overnight he had gone from performing in local clubs to winning Grammys and hanging out with The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones.

And 80-year-old Tom is still recording. His 41st album, Surrounded By Time, with covers of Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens songs, is out this month.

Looking back at his career he’s said, “It is unbelievable. And the longer you go on, the more unbelievable it is. It’s been an amazing journey.”

Born Thomas John Woodward in Pontypridd, Wales, young Tom began singing in his school choir and performed at family gatherings. “Any chance I got to get up and sing, I took it,” he said.