Tom Jones International

We heard from lots of fans about Tom’s return to touring in the US November 24 at the Superstar Theater at Resorts in Atlantic City. If you have photos or a review of these shows, please send them in.

To begin, here’s Audrey’s review and two of her photos:

THANKFUL INDEED!!!!!!!!!!

Reading the Thanksgiving post on this site prior to experiencing yet another Tom Jones performance was a timely reminder of how fortunate we as TJ fans are. Not that we needed to be reminded, but as Sir Tom took the stage, I for one realized how true the thoughts written in that post are. Our guy did not need assistance getting on stage, or forget words, and his voice truly was better than ever!

The new song list did not disappoint. There are some real winners thrown in the mix, especially The Reason, and Cry For Home.

The highlight of the evening for me, were the three standards, Here’s That Rainy Day, Fly Me To The Moon, and That Old Black Magic.

Even though the concept of artists doing old standards has been done, you all know what I’m going to say……….It’s has rarely been done the way Tom can deliver these songs. Another nice thing about the standards is the way it gives the band an opportunity to show case their talent. They are in a word, magnificent. If I had a say in the matter, I would have preferred to bag the rest of the song list, and listen to Tom and the band do standards the balance of the evening. In my opinion, it was that good.

The Atlantic City audience on Friday was very well-behaved, with the exception of two very small annoyances hardly worth mentioning, so I won’t. An elderly couple made their way up front to photograph a memory of their evening. Mom posed with knickers, while Pop got the picture. When the knickers finally flew, they did not even make it to the stage, but it didn’t matter because they got their photo, and everyone thought they were cute.

Tom seemed to be in his usual good mood, smiling and pleasant, and referring to the stool brought out on stage as a “set change.”

He danced around the stool a couple of times joking that he does not see set changes often, so he was going to enjoy it. We feel your pain Big Guy, enough said. The new program is nice, using photos from different decades is a nice touch.

As this Thanksgiving weekend comes to an end, let me say that we are thankful also for Ellen and Ursula for the excellent work they do with this site. Your efforts are very much appreciated. Your site has become a source for Tom’s fans to network and sometimes even meet each other. Meeting other fans and sharing experiences (thanks again Brianne) enables us to enjoy to the fullest our interests and passion. I am anxious to hear how Saturday and Sunday shows went, so if you were there, please share.

—Audrey

We are pleased to tell you that we have donated Tom Jones memorabilia to be auctioned on eBay to benefit MusicCares and the GRAMMY Foundation. We believe this is the first time Tom is represented in this event.

Because we had the responsibility to donate the four fan tribute books Tom autographed for charity, we asked his management to suggest a cause and MusiCares was the one they named. So we put this package together for the online auction.

This MusiCares-GRAMMY package includes an autographed copy of the limited edition tribute book from fans. Only 100 of these hard-covered books were printed. It was presented to Tom to mark the 40th anniversary of his recording of It’s Not Unusual in 2004. There’s also a photo autographed specifically for this event, a copy of Music Week printed for his 65th birthday Ponty concert in 2005, a rare promo card from a New York concert and a t-shirt.

The auction runs from Monday, November 27 through Thursday, December 7. You can find it on eBay.

Other items in the auction include memorabilia and “experiences” donated by many artists, including lunches with Josh Groban and Eric Benet; guitars donated by Les Paul, Tom Petty, Slash, Sting, Dave Navarro and others; memorabilia from Trace Adkins, KISS, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis and lots more.

Earlier this year, we donated a book that was auctioned in Canada to benefit Parkinson’s disease research and one will be auctioned in January for another good cause through our site.

In advance, we thank you for supporting MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation. Remember, it’s a great cause and this will make a great holiday treat for yourself or for that special Tom Jones fan you know.

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate an awareness, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music American culture – from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of the future generations of the music professionals.

This is more sludge from the British tabloid The Daily Mail in which they recycle old quotes and try to make something of nothing. Why reprint it? Because it gives us two opportunities:

First, the opportunity to say we like Tom looking mature with silver on the edges. We find that way preferable to the other photo in the article from the late 90s (run much smaller; shown here on the right).

Second, the opportunity to ask: did you see Tony Bennett’s special on NBC last night? Here’s a man who is — in a word — elegant and all — in another word — class. And Bennett, at 80, doesn’t try to look any younger. He looks tan and fit and fabulous. And there’s nothing wrong with that. People love his music and he’s got a special status we’d love to see Tom share. To fans, Tom’s looks are a bonus. It’s the voice, inn’t it? We think in their photo Tom looks just fine. Relaxed. And we love that nice half-smile. And the surgeon they quote says Tom has lines from being expressive and laughing. Since when is that bad? We further thnk they are idjits. (And we probablly overreacted. Sorry.) You can respond to this trash here. Don’t forget to point out that, on the right side of the webpage, next to the article, they say Tom is 70. Just another reason why credibibility isn’t their long suit.

We also must note that Tom gets heaps more respect from the US press than he seems to at home. And it must be terrible to nicely stop so someone can take your photo, to look at the camera and smile and to have that photo used in this way.

---

Tom Jones looking his age at last

by CLEMMIE MOODIE Last updated at 22:42pm on 22nd November 2006

As his legion of knicker-wielding female fans will testify, Sir Tom Jones, nearing his 70th birthday, remains the ultimate pensioner pin-up.

But with heavily wrinkled eyes and deep facial crevices, it seems that 40 years of plastic surgery have taken their toll on the Welsh star.

Indeed, as he took an afternoon stroll through the streets of Beverly Hills, near his Californian home, the Sex Bomb singer looked every one of his 66 years.

Wearing a casual black top and trousers and carrying a snazzy leather “man-bag,” Sir Tom’s greying goatee beard and sideburns did little to help matters.

His ageing appearance comes just seven months after he admitted that, following years of cosmetic surgery, he has been warned that his face will collapse if has any more work done.

And last night top plastic surgeon Alex Karidis said: “Years of sun damage from the harsh Californian sun has not done Tom’s Welsh skin much good.

“He also has very prominent dynamic lines caused from where the muscles in the face contract and tighten, as well as very pronounced laughter lines. A career of smiling and expression have taken their toll.

(more…)

The new Jools Holland CD, with 22 cuts, most of them duets, including two with Tom (I Wish I Was 18 Again and Friends Not Lovers) was released this week.

Tom and Jools share co-writing credit on Friends Not Lovers.

When we saw the first song Tom does is I Wish I Was 18 Again it brought a smile to our faces. Our friend Frankie Scinta does the number in his family’s act at the Sahara as part of his impression of George Burns, who made the song famous. From the bit we heard we can tell you, though, that Tom’s version is more melodic than Burns’. What’s really odd (from a George Burns point of view; not from a Tom Jones point of view) is that the song was written by Jerry Lee.

The CD is available from eBay and from amazon.uk. So far, the buy-it-now eBay prices are high but you know that’ll go down. If you must have it now, go to the amazon page. Otherwise, wait. Either way, you can hear clips from the songs.

Let us know what you think of the CD.

Thanks to mharding who sent us a link to a very funny commercial for the CD by comic Vic Reeves. It has a tiny clip of Tom recording. You should watch.

There is a website where you can learn about the CD and buy a copy, too.

As we begin Thanksgiving week here in the US, we naturally think of all those things for which we are thankful. On that list is, as you might expect, Tom Jones.

Our appreciation of Tom grew by leaps and bounds — or, maybe, it was just reaffirmed — when, a few weeks ago, we went to see Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Chuck Berry. Now, at 71, 74 and 80, respectively, these guys are game. Billed as “The Foundation of Rock and Roll,” they each come out and for 30 minutes or so revisit their glory days.

(Before we continue, we just want you to know that we never feel it’s necessary to put others down to build Tom up. We’re merely writing about our impressions, what we saw and heard and hope that message comes through clearly.)

It’s great to know they’re still around and performing and each is still a phenomenal musician. But Jerry Lee walked slowly onstage with someone on either side looking, it seemed, ready to help if he should fall. Richard came out on his own, but using a cane in either hand (although he repeated several times that he is the “prettiest Jew you’ll ever see” and he is pretty) and Berry came out on his own but he seemed to lose his lyrics, unable to keep the words and music in sync.

They are all still amazing musicians, as we mentioned above. No matter the ravages of time and of past high living their muscle memory is breathtaking. They all play pretty much like they did back in the day. No, Jerry Lee and Little Richard do not jump around and Chuck doesn’t crouch and glide across the stage, but they sure can play. That was wonderful to hear.

We’ve also seen Wayne Newton and Frankie Avalon. Wayne’s voice is definitely gone and has been for years. Frankie Avalon’s voice is the same as it has always been, but his show is pure nostalgia. Nothing new in decades. He still looks good. Poor Wayne looks as if he’s been embalmed. And, of course, neither has ever come close to having the vocal talent or energy that Tom has. That’s still true today.

Needless to say, we walked away from all these performers appreciating Tom Jones. Younger than all but Newton (whose voice is akin to Rod Stewart on a bad day), but from the same era, Tom has taken care of himself. Sure, he’s been known to party and we’d bet he’s had lots of good times. Luckily while he may have lived large, Tom generally managed to avoid the worst temptations that did in so many of his musical contemporaries.

Of course, Tom’s voice has also changed. And, while he may not be able to reach the heights attained in the first few notes of the original Till, can still wallop a song out of the ballpark. His voice is richer than ever before and carries lots more meaning.

So, Tom, this Thanksgiving season we salute you. We are grateful for all you’ve given us and for what we know is still to come.

We are thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and enjoy your Tom turkeys.

—Ellen & Ursula

Poster photo of Tom is from a photo by Nathalie Lanoir taken last month in Cardiff. Thanks so much, Nathalie!

We are so sorry to tell you that Ruth Brown, Grammy winner, Tony winner and, as she was always introduced, “proud member of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame,” died today.

She was an extraordinary person whose life was, to mere mortals like us, just amazing. She knew everyone — Billie Holliday, Elvis, BB, Springsteen. She performed for presidents and royalty. She never sang at home, she said, but she loved to sing…..and, oh! could she ever sing!

She started as one of the first artists signed to the then-fledgling Atlantic Records in the early 50s. Hit followed hit until Atlantic became known as “The House That Ruth Built.” She didn’t get royalties as in those days many musicians — especially black musicians — didn’t.

But, years later, broke and cleaning houses on Long Island, she decided to do something about that. Her efforts resulted in her getting a relatively small settlement but, most important, her suit led to the creation of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, a not for profit that, it tells us on its website, “provides financial support, medical assistance and educational outreach through various grants and programs to support R&B and Motown artists of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.”

Ruth continued to perform and, when she was hospitalized a few weeks ago, was planning on doing a number with her dear friend Bonnie Raitt when Bonnie opened for the Stones at the MGM last week and was also signed to go to Alabama to be in a film with Danny Glover, Keb Mo’ and Mary Steenburgen.

You may ask why we are writing about Ruth Brown here. The fact that she was a beloved friend of Ellen’s and that Ursula, too, knew her, is of course important. But, for this site, what’s most important is how she felt about Tom Jones.

Ellen took Ruth to see Tom in 2004. At that point she was kind of down and performing (although she did so) had become less fun for her. But after seeing Tom (who introduced her from the stage that night as “The Original Diva” and backstage later he and Don — along with most of the band and backup singer Tony Reynolds — showed they were clearly, definitely fans. After that, she was inspired and ready once again to work. And work she did. Ruth played all over the country, lauded with the kind of recognition she deserved.

The last time she appeared in Las Vegas (August), she told a friend whom Ellen had brought to the show, “I love Tom Jones. He sings everything, but he keeps the old songs alive. He’s my boy.”

Ursula wants you to know especially that, to the end, Ruth’s voice and the joy she felt in music never dimmed. She was wonderful.

If you like the blues and have a moment, go to Amazon.com and listen to some of Ruth Brown’s music. Like Tom’s, her voice grew richer as she grew older until, like his, her version of Love Letters speaks volumes about the singer’s life and experiences. It is exquisite. And, for the best laugh, give a listen to her singing If I Can’t Sell It, I’ll Keep Sittin’ On It. The three CDs to check out and sample are Blues On Broadway (1989 Tony for Best Performance In A Musical), R+B=Ruth Brown (great stuff, inncluding a duet with Bonnie Raitt) and The Best of Ruth Brown for early recordings.

In a statement, Raitt said, “Ruth was one of the most important and beloved figures in modern music. You can hear her influence in everyone from Little Richard to Etta (James), Aretha (Franklin), Janis (Joplin) and divas like Christina Aguilera today.

”She was my dear friend, and I will miss her terribly,” Raitt concluded.

Meanwhile, check out Ruth singing and talking about her biggest hit, Mama He Treats Your Baby Mean. Her story of her reluctance to record it is vewry similar to Tom’s story about when he was asked to record Pussycat. And in her voice you’ll hear a prime example of what Raitt meant. Listen and you’ll know why Little Richard has said, “When I grew up I wanted to be Ruth Brown. Now I am.”

So, we say goodbye to Ruth. “May flights of angels sing you to your rest.”

The photo on the left is ©Ruth Barohn, November 2005. It is used by permission. The photo on the right of Don, Ruth and Tom was taken March 14, 2006, backstage at the Hollywood Theater.

It’s September, 1999 and Gut Records is about to release Reload. To celebrate the occasion they host a midnight release party at the Virgin Megastore in Piccadilly.

The event showcased Tom Jones at this best — relaxed and casual — and we’ve been fortunate to get a recording of some of the night. The crowd noise just adds to the immediacy of the event. Hope you enjoy it and thanks to the fan who let us post it.

Intro & Sex Bomb
Lookin’ Out My Window
Mama Told Me
Ain’t That A Lot of Love

Finally, don’t know how long it will remain posted, but here’s a clip from the Reload electronic press kit (EPK) that’s posted now on YouTube.com. The link was sent by Dre, so our thanks go out to him.

Andre kindly sent us this magazine article from June 1970. Thought this would relieve the tension of the discussion below. You can use your browser’s “view” menu to increase the size of the type. Enjoy.

Tonight PRINCE is having a small press party to unveil his new show at his new club – 3121 – at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino. He’s doing it in our town, Las Vegas. For those of you who don’t know, PRINCE shares the same birthday with our favorite singer. Both are June 7th babies, born under the sign of Gemini with favorable aspects and leanings towards entertainment.

But, we digress.

You see, what makes us happy for PRINCE’s fans is the same thing that makes us ineffably sad in relation to TJ. The new showroom that PRINCE is occupying seats about 800 people, a few more than the Hollywood Theater at the MGM where Tom plays. Since he’s only invited a smattering of press types, PRINCE is filling the showroom with people who are special to him — people who he invited to this very special events as his guests. For free.

These are the same people who are allowed to buy the first few rows of any concert he performs and who can buy their tickets 24 hours in advance of sale to the general public. These are people he cherishes.

These are his fans.

That’s right, kids — you heard us correctly. His fans. Free. His fans. Invited to a special opening because they have supported him throughout his career. His fans. Who can buy tickets — up-front tickets — 24 hours ahead of general sale. His fans.

When we heard about this we were thrilled for people we know who are PRINCE’s fans. But, of course, we felt bad for all of us devoted TJ fans. These are the times we wonder why any of us continue to care; how Tom keeps such devoted fans.

Yes, we love Tom’s music and seeing him when we can. But, having just added Prince to the growing list of entertainers who recognize their fans in a tangible way — a list that includes entertainers as diverse as Barry Manilow, U2, Bob Dylan and Julio Iglesias among others — we are feeling disheartened.

—Ellen & Ursula

PS: For an update, please see comment #36 below.

A brief notice was just posted on tomjones.com about Tom being named “The Best Singer in Las Vegas.” Because it’s worth repeating (and because we think the editorial staff of the paper is probably more in tune with what’s happening than the general public), here’s the story as it appeared in the Las Vegas Review Journal on March 26 and our post about it on the 31st. We love what they wrote about Tom.

---

There is probably more live, top-notch entertainment in Las Vegas year-round than in any other US city except, perhaps, New York. Thus, for the public’s entertainment dollar and their loyalty, Las Vegas is one of — if not the — most competitive venues anywhere. It takes a lot for an entertainer to get noticed and to consistently win critical raves.




Each year, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the city’s daily paper, polls its readers to find out who and what are “The Best of Las Vegas.” The 2006 picks were in the Sunday, March 26 edition.




The readers usually make the obvious choices so, in an effort to get a more balanced view, the staff — if they don’t agree with the public’s votes — notes their own pick. And, usually, their choices are more discriminating.

Case in point:

Best Singer — Reader’s Pick

Céline Dion
Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas , NV

This is the third year readers have put the power of love behind the Canadian singer with one foot on the bow of the Titanic and one foot in [suburban] Henderson. Clint Holmes is the second-place choice for all three of those years, this year coming within 15 votes of a singer who has sold a lot more records.

Best Singer — Staff Pick
Tom Jones
MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas , NV

Yeah, baby! The Tomcat turned 65 last summer. But you can take that AARP card and shove it — in your wallet, then head to the record store and try to get a seniors discount on Reloaded. Put on the greatest hits CD and let Jones blow the doors off your Oldsmobile with the opening notes of If I Only Knew. Or you can just go down to the MGM Grand every so often to watch him do it live.