Tom Jones International

Our friend Steve McCoy was just nominated for a “Cloney” award, the honor given by International Guild of Celebrity Impersonators & Tribute Artists (IGCITA). He was, of course, nominated for his impersonation of Sir Tom.

The Cloneys will be awarded at the group’s conference in Orlando in the fall.

Steve says, “I do not think I am Tom Jones. I enjoy performing and it just so happens that the guy I impersonate is a charismatic performer and personality and a phenomenal singer. I used to watch Tom Jones on TV with my Mom and my sister on Thursday nights. We went to see him at the Latin Casino in Jersey — where they had a sign up that simply said, ‘HE IS HERE’ (which got a lot of the local clergy upset) — and he came out in a tuxedo and drove the people nuts. I was a 13 year-old kid and I saw the women taking off their blouses and bras! What an experience. I never forgot it. He was my idol and I’m so lucky I have a full life and am able to get up and perform in front of people and, for the time I’m onstage, know they will forget their problems. That’s a blessing and I am grateful.”

You can check out video of all the nominees here.

We wish Steve the best of luck. We’ll let you know what happens.

You can see Steve at Belterra Casino in Florence, Indiana August 3 through 7 and August 25 and 26th at Sprit Mountain Casino near Portland, Oregon. Check him out — especially his 200 Pounds.