Celebrating Sir Tom’s big day
Sir Tom Jones is turning 80 on June 7, and is still wowing audiences with that voice. MARION McMULLEN looks back at his six decades in showbusiness
SIR Tom Jones is turning 80 on June 7, and is still wowing audiences with that voice.
We take a look look back at the Welsh superstar’s six decades in showbusiness.
1964
Sir Tom was born Thomas John Woodward on June, 7, 1940 in Pontypridd, Glamorgan, South Wales, the son of a coal miner. Fast forward 24 years and young Tom was making waves with local beat group Tommy Scott and The Senators. He was spotted by a London-based manager who urged the young singer to change his name to cash in on the popularity of the recent film Tom Jones.
1965
Tom’s incendiary voice and performing style made him stand out from the crowd. He’s pictured here towelling down after a performance at The Atlanta Ballroom, Woking, Surrey and below, at the Paget Rooms in Penarth. Even then fame came with certain sacrifices, his wife Lyn, right, could not wear her ring for fear of upsetting Tom’s female fanbase.
1966
Surrounded by family and friends at the piano of his local, The Wheatsheaf, in Pontypridd, he sings The Green, Green Grass of Home. He is surrounded by his mum (to Tom’s left), dad (back to window, holding pint glass), aunts and uncles.
1965
That famous voice was temporarily silenced as Tom had his tonsils out at the London Clinic, putting him ‘out of action’ for the next three weeks. He’s pictured here recovering with a copy of Pins and Needles with a picture of himself on the cover, alongside Sister Margaret Wilkinson of Barmouth, North Wales.
1969
Preparing for his American tour, opening at the Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas.
1970
Performing during a TV show with Raquel Welch
1974
Tom marks his 34th birthday party in Las Vegas with actress and singer Debbie Reynolds.