Tom Jones International

On the Tom Jones Facebook page, someone posted a comment allegedly from Sir Tom: “We’ve finished filming the blind auditions of The Voice. I have my 10 contestants and what a great bunch they are! I can’t wait for the next stage, but I don’t want to see anyone go!”

---

A little bit o’news from The Voice UK. Must say that Will.i.am is no slouch in the “cool” department himself, but it’s so nice he’s saying that about Tom.

Will.i.am praises his ‘igloo-cool’ fellow The Voice coach Tom Jones

TellyMix.co.uk | January 27, 2012 | by Matt Scott

Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am has praised his fellow The Voice panellist Tom Jones, describing the Welsh singer as ‘igloo-cool’!

The 36-year-old rapper gushed about him in an interview with The Mirror, stating: “Tom Jones is a frickin’ legend. He’s like ‘Damn, man, let me tell you all about the time me and Sammy Davis Jr and Frank Sinatra hung out.

“And then the time I partied with Elvis, we were rocking’.

“I love working with him, he’s too cool. Tom Jones is like igloo-cool.”

He also had kind words for the other two coaches, describing The Script frontman Danny O’Donoghue as ‘dope’ and ‘talented’, and adding that he’d like to make a song with ‘fresh’ talent Jessie J.

The Voice UK, which will be presented by Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates, launches on BBC One in the Spring.

---

If you missed the post below, do check it out. It was posted in fun and there was a lively discussion of impersonators. Some guy named Jon, calling himself (the appropriately icky screen name) “Goo Moo” deeply objected that I responded to any posts, saying the moderator has no right to do so and that I am choosing to remain anonymous, hiding behind the word “moderator.” He informed me that no other websites have moderators and insulted everyone who posted with the advice to “get a life.”

The guy was ignorant – his spelling was awful and it isn’t because he comes from a non-English-speaking country, just California — and I cannot imagine what caused his furor. He lied and said he’s “a personal friend” of Tom’s and Tom is not aware of my site or of the one or two people who visit it. For better or worse, I know for an absolute fact that Tom is aware of TJI.com and has been for six years.

It’s nice to know that the hundreds and hundreds of people who visit are a lot smarter and heaps nicer than Goo Moo. As your moderator, I want to say loudly and clearly and emphatically that I appreciate each of you.

On Saturday night I went with friends to see Engelbert in Primm, about 40 minutes west of Las Vegas.

There, like at any TJ show, I met fans from around the world, people who have been following his series of one-nighters.

After the show we were welcomed backstage. If the guy with Enge in the photo at right looks familiar — doesn’t he? — it’s because he’s a Tom Jones tribute artist. His name is Harmik and people actually thought he was Tom (clearly they haven’t seen Sir Tom in several years).

We were fortunate to be given — without asking — front row seats. When the fan chosen from the audience was being escorted by security up onto the stage so Enge could sing to her, she passed Harmik’s seat, looked at him and shouted, “I love you, Tom!!” It was funny.

Backstage after the show was, as always, a very cordial affair, with good food, good drink and good company. One of Enge’s sons looked at Harmik, extended his hand and said in all seriousness, “It’s good to see you, Mr. Woodward.”

You may recognize Harmik because you’ve seen his show. You may also recognize him from a video he did with the real TJ. That was the first time he’d actually met Tom and he was ecstatic. Check him out in the video of Tom Jones International. (Harmik’s the guy wearing the same suit as Tom who’s not Tom Jones.)

If you missed the first reports from the recording of The Voice, check the post below.

Kat, a very devoted TJ fan,spent a great deal of time putting together a Chinese horoscope for Sir Tom Jones, born in the year that is just beginning — the Year of the Dragon. Kat also created the wonderful symbolic art at the top of the post. With many thanks to her, TJI invites you all to read:

SIR TOM JONES
Born 7th JUNE 1940
The year of THE DRAGON
Chinese name; L’ong.

Ranking order: Fifth; Season & principal month — Spring, April.
Hours ruled; 7am to 9 am 9am.
Direction: East/southeast
Corresponds with western sign: Aries
Element: Wood.
Yin/Yang; Yang (positive)

Dragon Poem:
I am unquenchable fire,
The center of all energy
The stout heroic heart
I am truth and light
I hold power and glory in my sway
My presence disperses dark clouds
I have been chosen to tame the fates.
I AM THE DRAGON

Dragons have the following characteristics;
They are excitable and possess strength; success; enthusiasm; pluck; good health; sentimentality,

Dragon’s sins may include; rigidity; mistrust; infatuation; volubility; dissatisfaction; stubbornness.

According to legend many years ago Buddha summoned all the animals in the kingdom to his side. Only twelve showed up. The Dragon was the Fifth one to appear to Buddha and, to compensate the dozen animals that answered Buddha’s request, they were each awarded a year in the Chinese calendar, and the years were assigned in the order that the animal appeared to Buddha.

The first was the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally the Pig.

For the people of China the Dragon is a national emblem, he symbolizes the emperor or the male, a symbol of power and strength. Those born in the year of the Dragon are said to wear the Horns of Destiny.

The Dragon is the splendid and magnificent leader of the carnival who brings with him four great blessings, long life; virtue; harmony and wealth.

For the rest of the Dragon horoscope, to learn of other famous people born under the sign of the dragon and to discover the relationship between the Dragon and Gemini, please click here to Read the rest of this entry »

TJI has heard from a few people about the recording of The Voice that took place on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. More to be recorded today.

The show, they were told, will be on the air in March but no date was given. They apparently fell a bit behind schedule that first day — but it is TV where that does happen — and KT said that she’ll send more details later — check back later today — but that “Tom looked great but nervous. Tom got the first girl who was on to coach. She’s a very intense singer.”

On Saturday, KT said, “Tom was more laid back and looked even better than the first night. He wore black jeans, a black jacket, black jeans and boots. Security was very tight with security people planted in the audience. They said they’d track down anyone who posted anything on Twitter and FB.The audience was full of fans and they cheered every time he said anything. Tom also said, since Etta James had died Friday, he wanted to find someone like her.”

“This time they talked more to the contestants. We saw nine singers this time. Each coach is allowed to pick 10 singers. Tom has one duo and the rest are all girls.”

Meanwhile, according to the Irish network RTÉ the coaches — Tom Jones, Will. I. Am, Jessie J and Danny O’Donoghue — performed together.

The coaches on The Voice UK formed a supergroup to launch the forthcoming BBC talent show, according to a report.

The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue, Jessie J, Tom Jones and will.i.am teamed up to perform a version of the Black Eyed Peas hit single I Gotta Feeling, according to The Sun.

Their performance took place during auditions at the BBC Television Centre in London on Thursday, an onlooker told the newspaper.

The source said: “It was incredible to see such big names in music perform together. Hopefully this has set the bar for the rest of the show.

“Everyone was jumping out of their seats and dancing along. It was really exciting. The whole concept seems to be very different from The X Factor, which will be very refreshing.”

The Voice UK is expected to air on BBC One in the Spring.

It’s a perfect song to mark the beginning of the show. I saw the Black Eyed Peas do it in October 2009 when they opened for U2 here in Las Vegas. You can listen to the original and judge for yourself if you agree that it’s a fine number. Click here to listen to I Gotta Feeling.

Maybe the next party song they do as a group can be the number from 24 Hours that Tom used to close his show in 2010, Take Me Back To The Party.

Blacked Eyed VIPs
The Voice judges form supergroup

The Sun |Exclusive | By LAURA CAROE | Published: 22nd January 00:21

BBC bosses have created a pop supergroup with the coaches on new talent show The Voice.

Veteran crooner Tom Jones, US rapper Will.i.am, singer-songwriter Jessie J and heart-throb Danny O’Donoghue join forces to sing the Black Eyed Peas hit I’ve Gotta Feeling on the show.

Set to rival The X Factor, filming has already begun and it has been leaving studio audiences jumping out of their seats.

The foursome wowed hundreds of onlookers as they belted out their own version of the song in an intimate introduction to the talent contest at the BBC TV Centre in London on Thursday.

Do It Like A Dude singer Jessie — dressed in a print catsuit — got up close and personal with legend Tom as they twirled across the stage.

Meanwhile, Dubliner Danny, from The Script, played the piano as Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am wowed the crowd with his energetic performance.

An onlooker said: “It was incredible to see such big names in music perform together. Hopefully this has set the bar for the rest of the show.

“Everyone was jumping out of their seats and dancing along. It was really exciting. The whole concept seems to be very different from The X Factor, which will be very refreshing.”

The Voice — hosted by Reggie Yates and Holly Willoughby — is a singing contest with a difference — wannabes are judged solely on their voice and not their looks.

The new talent competition will see the coaches compete against each other to pick their teams of ten acts.

The mentors each sit in a huge red chair with their backs to the stage.

When a voice blows one of them away, they can choose the act by pressing a button which spins the chair around — giving the singer a stab at stardom. If more than one judge chooses a performer, then it is up to the contestant to choose who they want as their coach.

Intense one-on-one sessions will follow as the stars share the secrets of their success before the acts go head-to-head.

Two singers from each team are then pitted against each other and after singing the same song, one is eliminated.

Remaining contestants will compete in a series of live broadcasts with the TV audience helping the mentors to decide who will proceed. It will see one singer rise from obscurity to hit the big time by landing a recording contract.

Pop Idol winner Will Young was left fuming, having been lined up as a coach then dropped at the 11th hour.

The show is expected to air on BBC1 in March.

Great News! With 13,000,000 people taking time to make their feelings heard, Congress dropped those noxious internet bills. Here’s the story. Thanks to all who participated!

---

FRIDAY, JANUAY 21: From The Hollywood Reporter:

Etta James, Legendary R&B Singer, Dies at 73
The soulful artist battled personal demons throughout her six-decade career headlined by her signature ballad “At Last.”

Moderator’s Note: Etta James wrote the foreword to a book called Heart & Soul: A Celebration of Black Music Style in America 1930-1975 and said in that, “I think Ruth Brown had the biggest influence on me. She had those beautiful, big doe eyes nd that lipstick that came up and over her lips like Carmen Miranda and those curls that hung way down. I used to say to myself ‘I’m going to be just like Ruth…’” When I bought the book (along with a copy of it for Ruth) it was so nice to read that. Bonnie Raitt (below) was also a very dear friend of Ruth’s. Ms. Raitt sure knows her blues!

The Hollywood Reporter quoted Bonnie Raitt about Etta James: “She can be so raucous and down one song and then break your heart with her subtlety and finesse the next,” Bonnie Raitt once told Rolling Stone magazine, which three years ago ranked James No. 22 on its list of the 100 top singers of all time. “As raw as Etta is, there’s a great intelligence and wisdom in her singing.”

---

In response to those who asked, TJI has heard from solid sources that The Voice will begin in March and will be broadcast on Saturday nights. Not positive, but I’ll let you know when more info comes in. Word is that Tom “looked great, but nervous.” (Saturday night is an odd time slot, as that’s the night when television viewing is at its lowest.)

---

If you haven’t heard them, be sure to go to the story below and hear all of the versions of Delilah. It’s fun and, once again, proves that regardless of who has the title at the moment, Sir Tom Jones is The Voice.

And, a wish to have a terrific time to the TJI friends going to any of the eight recordings of The Voice being done today through Friday and Saturday and Sunday. Check the Applause Store for availability of the free tickets.

---

Another half-true/half cheesy story from a British tabloid. Tom never said he’s “plotting” to get Simon’s job. It’s difficult to believe that he’d be that mean-spirited. In another context, saying one person is “plotting” against another when it’s not true, it is actionable. You’d think the tabloids in the UK would have learned from the News of the World debacle. Tom being “a” judge doesn’t mean Simon can’t also be on the show. And, failing that, he can always come to the US to do The X Factor, The Voice or, perhaps, take the next available seat on the American Idol panel. If this story gets picked up by other news outlets that say Tom wants Cowell’s job — and it definitely will — watch for a denial from OFFICIAL TomJones — a wise thing to do as there’s no reason to get Cowell annoyed (even though he probably knows it’s a silly story.) And, did he say he’d “like” to be a judge or that he’d “love” to be a judge. The story says both. Maybe that’s because it took two minds to write it.

SIR TOM JONES PLOTS TAKEOVER OF SIMON’S ROLE
Tom Jones says he would love to be a judge on The X Factor

Daily Star 18th January 2012 By Jessica Brown with Sonja Stephen

WELSH sex god Tom Jones says he would love to be a judge on The X Factor.

Sir Tom, 71, has just landed a judging role on new BBC talent show The Voice, but he’s also got his eye on Simon Cowell’s seat over at ITV.

Sex bomb Tom told us: “I would like to be a judge on The X Factor for sure.

“These talent shows are a good thing, but only as long as the kids are treated properly.

“They go straight in at the deep end and are not ready for it.

“That’s my only fear.”

Sir Tom is set to be a judge on The Voice alongside Jessie J, 23, frontman for The Script Danny O’Donoghue, 31, and Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am, 36.

The veteran singer revealed the high points of his life include being asked to play James Bond and splashing his cash on a Roller.

He told us: “When I was younger I was suggested for James Bond and it would have been a pretty easy part to fall into, but it didn’t happen.

“The highlight of my career was being knighted – that was my biggest achievement.

“Also, I guess, owning my first Rolls-Royce. I bought a Rolls when I made my first million.

“It’s a great car and to own a Rolls-Royce was a real statement for me.”

He added: “Life has been good to me. I’ve had a lot of success – whether it be in one of the pubs in Wales or one of the working men’s clubs.

“I was having a lot of fun then, so it’s great to be appreciated for something that you do.”

Ahh, we love Tom Jones – what a ledge.

And, from the same testament to excellence in journalism, comes:

JESSIE J seems more concerned with Welsh legend Tom Jones’s diet than her chart-topping success.

The Domino star and the veteran hip swinger have teamed up as judges on new BBC music show The Voice.

But rather than compare vibratos, Jessie, 23, can’t wait to see if Sir Tom, 71, is still on the Caveman Diet which helped him shed pounds last year.

The triple BRITs nominee told me: “I get to hang out with Tom Jones soon. We’re going to dinner together. I’m just looking forward to seeing what he orders, to see what he eats.

“Is he a no-carbs man? Does he just have soup or salad?”

Moderator’s Note: Jessie J is good. Saw her several days ago on one of the late-night shows. Considering what she’s said too often about where she pees, I was surprised that I enjoyed her music.

We all know that one of the songs Tom Jones is most famous for recording is Delilah, by Les Reed (music) and Barry Mason (lyrics). But Tom was not the first to record the number. That distinction goes to P.J. Proby, (photos above right) a Texan who made a name as a singer in the UK. He also made a name as a singer whose pants always ripped onstage. The press cast the two as rivals but a few books have said that wasn’t really true. When Proby recorded Delilah and had to choose songs for a single, he chose another, so Reed brought the tune to Tom and his manager, Gordon Mills. They liked it and recorded it.

Ironically (“ironic” in retrospect, now that Tom has recorded the vinyl to be released March 7), composer Barry Mason told the International Songwriters Association’s Songwriter magazine that, “For Delilah, I was inspired by Jezebel, the old Frankie Laine hit. I used to love ‘story songs’ when I was a kid. I did a thing called Drive Safely Darlin.”

Delilah was recorded on December 20, 1967 and released as a single with the B-side being Smile written by Gordon Mills, not the standard we all know composed by Charlie Chaplin. It entered the UK chart on February 23, 1968, staying on the chart for 17 weeks and peaking at #2. Song entered the US chart on March 16, 1968, peaked at #15 and was on the chart for 15 weeks.

In other countries, it did very well: German, Swiss and Irish Singles Charts it reached #1. It got to #2 in Norway, #3 in Austria and #5 in Canada.

Delilah was also recorded and/or performed by Connie Francis (1969); Engelbert (1971); Jerry Lee Lewis (1971); Jay Black and the Americans (1981); The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (charted in 1975); the Finnish group, the Leningrad Cowboys who performed it with the Russian Army Choir (1995); Luciano Pavarotti sang the song with at his annual benefit in 2001; Ray Conniff (! yes, it surprised me, too) in 2001; Christopher Walken — who began his career as a dancer — danced to it in the 2003 Jim Jarmusch indy movie Coffee and Cigarettes with Susan Saranodon; a version by the Platters was released in 2008. To celebrate the release of his 70th birthday album, P.J. Proby performed the song. And, of course, Delilah is a regular part of just about any tom Jones show. In the summer of 2009 sang the song at Glastonbury.

Here are some of the versions noted above and if you check the link at the end of the post, you’ll find the rest, including a TJ rendition.

Click here to listen to P.J. Proby’s original Delilah.

Here’s Connie Francis singing Delilah in 1969.

This is Elvis rehearsing Delilah.

Now, Engelbert Sings Delilah in Las Vegas in 1971.

Even Jerry Lee Lewis had a go at Delilah on his TV show in 1971.

Here’s Delilah as elevator music by Ray Conniff in 2002.

The Platters released Delilah on a 2009 album.

You can watch more Delilah by Jay and the Americans (first video), The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (1975, the second video); The Russian Army Choir with the Finnish group, the Leningrad Cowboys in the third video; Tom and Luciano Pavarotti in a 2001 performance at Pavarotti’s annual fundraiser in Modena, Italy (fourth video); Christopher Walken dancing to Delilah in 2004 in the Jim Jarmusch film Coffee and Cigarettes in the next video.

In the last two videos the singers are each getting up there. First is what looks like a cellphone video of P.J. Proby singing the song at the celebration marking the release of his 70th birthday album in 2008. Last — worth waiting for — is Tom at Glastonbury in 2010.

You can see all of this — and I hope you like it because it honestly took hours to organize — in the TJI.com Video Library.

And, happy birthday Carole. May all your pizzas be appropriately celebratory!

Because it’s been an extraordinarily busy several days, I apologize for not updating TJI.com. But, check back Tuesday for a veritable orgy of Delilah.

When Tom’s recordings with Jack White were announced, some people asked who he is. I tried to answer as best I could, but now I can show you who Jack White is!

The video here is from a TV show that I watch (actually, DVR) faithfully, along with Pawn Stars on the History Channel Monday nights. It is called American Pickers and it follows two guys — Frank (with the beard) and Mike — as they wander the nation from their home base in Iowa searching for lost treasures in barns, garages and homes.

In this episode, they’ve opened a store, their second, in Nashville and, for that, they’ve picked a taxidermist’s collection, spending a bundle on an elephant’s head (fake tusks). They get to Nashville and Danielle, their assistant, tells them she’s had the elephant sent to a potential customer, Jack White and hasn’t given him a price. You can watch the video here. (Note, too, that at the beginning, in Third Man’s photo studio they encounter a redhead who they learn is named Tempest Storm. She’s a stripper born Leap Year day, 1928 (!). She lives in Las Vegas and I’ve seen her at several events. She’s amazing!)

Now for some Tom! In 1997, Mark and Brian, DJs at KLOS, 95.5 in Los Angeles, had Tom as a guest on their radio show.

On Wednesday night, driving home from the Bellagio, I set my iPhone music on “shuffle” and this song came up. I knew I’d heard it before but couldn’t remember where. So, thanks to Patti, Tom and Lois for refreshing my memory. It’s an hilarious three minutes-sixteen seconds.

It’s well worth taking the time to listen to Tom Jones when he sang Help Yourself with Mark and Brian playing backup horns. Have fun!

Clearly, the server hosting TJI.com was having lots of problems. Sorry for the inconvenience.

TOM’S OFFICIAL SITE FINALLY UPDATED/POSTING NEWS ABOUT THE JACK WHITE-PRODUCED RECORDINGS: Tom’s official site yesterday posted “news” about the Jack White “side project” (their words, not mine). They’ve still not commented on the lack of 2011 Las Vegas dates. Their announcement isn’t exactly kind to White and Mojo. (And what, pray tell, is the “bonkers-epic” approach to music ascribed to White? And if Tom loved the recording experience, why are they so rude? His Management is very perturbed that:

“As you all know, Jack White unexpectedly let the cat out of the bag regarding his collaboration with Tom in a yet-to-be-published article in Mojo Magazine. This was unintentional, as the interview would have been published after the announcement of the project, so talking about it would have made sense. But someone at MOJO decided, without any consideration to the parties involved, that this was an interesting tidbit of info to get out to the press. This caught us all unawares, and consequently the announcemen’t [sic] was a bit slap-dash.

“Here’s the story: Jack and Tom had been chasing each other for a session for a few years. They admired each others work and knew instinctively that a collaboration would be great fun and had the possibility of turning into something special. Many dates to get together were put forward, but between the two busy diaries, none ever seemed to work. Then last year Tom was in Nashville, booked to play at the Ryman, and Jack just happened to be home at the time. A session was hastily put together with Jack and his band, Tom hopped over to Jack’s place (he has an amazing studio in the grounds of his house) and in about 3 hours, they had the two tracks. Tom loved the experience, loved Jack and the way he worked, and we’ve heard the feeling was mutual.

“The two tracks, Jezebel and Evil are sensational – Jack’s bonkers-epic approach is in full flight, the band plays out of it’s skin, and Tom shows how he does it, nails it, and why no-one else can do it like he can. The release is on Jack’s label Third Man Records, which is a dead-cool little business that specialises in vinyl.

The added that this is a “side project” (which TJI knew was done when Tom was in Nashville in April) and that his follow-up to Praise and Blame>, another work produced by Ethan Johns, will be out in the summer when — I assume — Tom will tour again as his TV stuff will be complete by then.

If you missed the post below, be sure to check it out to read the article about Tom from Wales On Sunday and for info on tickets to see The Voice.

From the Third Man Records website:

January 6, 2012 WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT?

Third Man Records is proud to announce the most virile entry in the history of its Blue Series singles: The man, the legend himself Mr. Tom Jones laying his unmistakable voice over Howlin’ Wolf’s Evil and the Frankie Lane classic Jezebel (as covered over the years by the likes of Edith Piaf and Anna Calvi). Both tracks were produced by Jack White at Third Man studios and will be available on 7” and iTunes March 5th.

Third Man Records was originally founded by Jack White in Detroit, MI in 2001. In March of 2009 a physical location was established in Nashville, TN. Third Man Records in its current state contains a record store, record label offices, photo studio, dark room and live venue with analog recording booth.

Almost all of our records are recorded, printed and pressed in Nashville, TN and produced by Jack White. In this fashion TMR strives to bring a spontaneous and tangible aesthetic back into the record business.

UPDATE: Early reports said that the version of Jezebel is the one written by Wyclef Jean, Jerry Duplessis and Tom for the Wyclef collaboration, Mr. Jones. It is not.

According to Third Man Records, Tom will be singing the Wayne Shanklin-composed Jezebel as recorded by Jezebel as recorded by Frankie Laine. It won’t be an exact duplicate, as it’ll be bluesy and a lot funkier. I like it much better than his other song titled Jezebel. Click here to listen to Tom sing Jezebel from the Mr. Jones CD.

According to Third Man Records, the WORLDWIDE RELEASE DATE FOR BOTH THE VINYL AND DIGITAL VERSIONS OF THE RECORDING IS TUESDAY, MARCH 6. It’ll be available wherever records are sold and on any iTunes in the world. Links will be posted on TJI.

Finally, I like the picture above, but wonder if I am the only one who finds the angle or the lens used on the photo a bit odd? When I look at it, Tom’s face looks extraordinarily long and lean. Or, am I wrong?

TIME TO GET TICKETS FOR THE VOICE

The first chance to get FREE tickets to see Tom on The Voice! The dates are Wed 18th Jan 2012 – Time: 13:15; Thu 19th Jan 2012 – Time: 13:15; Sat 21st Jan 2012 – Time: 13:15; Sun 22nd Jan 2012 – Time: 13:15. You must be 18 or over to attend. (I believe these are the dates the show will be recorded, not broadcast.)

If you can be there, you may want to visit the Applausestore.com for free tickets to The Voice. After you register, just move your cursor to the right and click The Voice on the list of shows. More dates will be announced soon. (Thanks, Chas)

---

First, let’s take a moment to think of Elvis Presley on this day that would have been his 77th birthday. He lives on through his music and we’re still so fortunate that he shared it with us!

Their fans know Tom and Elvis were great friends — singing gospel together and gaining inspiration from each other.

Their friendship is part of the reason we’ve been given such wonderful gifts of music from each of them.

We are, indeed, fortunate, aren’t we?

MORE NEWS! The record — yes! the vinyl! — Tom recorded with Jack White will be released on March 7 and will be available digitally on iTunes the same day. Come back for the next post (Tuesday) for more news about that. (By the way, you can see Jack White Monday night in the USA on American Pickers on the History Channel. It’s on a few times, so check listings.)

So, of course, with a release date announced, this recording happening and we apparently don’t, in this instance, have to wait for the “OFFICIAL” word that it’s true. Though dozens of news organizations have carried stories about this. OFFICIAL Tom Jones is still touting those recipes (in which you learn that the “ingredient in pork shank” is — wait for it! — “pork shank”). You’d think they’d care more about discussing a much-anticipated recording than telling his fans what Sir Tom enjoyed eating last year. Really.

---

Tom Jones ends his 42-year love affair with Las Vegas

Wales On Sunday | 8 January 2012

HE’S made everything from the Statue Of Liberty to part of the Orient Express disappear, but now David Copperfield has gone one bigger – he’s made Sir Tom Jones vanish from Las Vegas.

The award-winning US illusionist has taken over from the Voice Of The Valleys’ resident Vegas slot –putting an end to the legendary Ponty singer’s record-breaking 42-year run.

But, for the legion of fans who’ve made the pilgrimage to Sin City to catch Jones in action since his 1969 debut at The Flamingo Hotel, the biggest mystery is why the singer seems to have voluntarily given up his crown as The King of The Strip.

“People would literally come from all over the world to see him here and they just can’t get their heads around why this decision’s been made, I know I can’t,” said Ellen Sterling, the Vegas-based journalist behind the online US fansite dedicated to the star, www.tomjonesintl.com

“The Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand is a wonderful, intimate venue and would always be packed out for Tom. It was much more than just your standard gig experience too, because you could rub shoulders with Tom by the hotel pool and in the restaurant or casino.

“He’d always be very accessible and would happily pose for pictures, sign autographs or just have a chat – he’d would never fail to be polite and welcoming.”

And Sterling estimated that Sir Tom’s tally of Vegas appearances since that first late 60s foray probably ran into thousands.

“I once counted all my ticket stubs from 2005 to 2010 and figured out Tom was doing roughly about 10 weeks there each year, that’s about 140 shows every 12 months,” she said.

“In August 2010, the last time Tom came here, the tickets were $92.50 – but even then the majority of his 14-night stint was sold out, with the remaining shows close to the 700-seat capacity. So it’s not like he was failing to do good box office business.”

However, there is speculation that the move could be a further attempt to reinvent Jones’ credibility and image away from that of the medallion-wearing, hen-party favourite.

It was announced late last year that Sir Tom would be a “mentor” on new BBC talent show The Voice.

The 71-year-old performer recently ditched the hair dye to embrace his natural grey look, as well as taking a new musical direction on his 2010 album Praise & Blame.

It was also announced this week he would be teaming up with former White Stripes frontman Jack White to cover the Howlin’ Wolf song Evil.

“Put it this way, I don’t think anything that happens in Tom’s career happens by accident, everything is subject to careful thought and planning and I’d imagine that’s the case here too,” said Sterling.

“Ultimately, only those who manage Tom’s career can say why this has happened, but I know there are lots who’ve been deeply saddened by the news.”

And the sentiment was borne out by many of the subscribers to Sterling’s website.

One, calling herself SusannePDX, said: “Tom has callously tossed aside his old band (Jones ditched his veteran backing group for a younger model in 2009) and now us. Happy New Year Tom!”.

Meanwhile, Cyndy Stiff wrote, “This is heartbreaking. Tom is so loved over here and I just feel like he or his management have turned their backs on all of us.”

Another posted: “Stunned and saddened, my Vegas trips were the highlight of the year,” while one Llantrisant-born Californian called Shirley recalled first seeing Jones live in his early days at Wood Road Working Men’s Club in Pontypridd.

“We could only afford to have one night out a week and we always made it one of the nights Tom would be singing somewhere,” she said.

“Since moving abroad though, I saw Tom at the MGM almost every time he played. He’s been part of my life for so long and I never thought that would end.”

Jones’ management were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.