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Video of Tom Jones On “The Tonight Show” With Jay Leno Thursday: It May Be Short But, Clearly, The Guy Can Sing!
Friday, March 6th, 2009Again, please don’t forget the Question of the Month below.
Well, once again, Tom got just a very few minutes at the end. But he, the band and the singers looked and sounded great when they performed Give A Little Love. Loved Herman Matthews’ slouchy, fedora-like hat and Tony Reynolds’ newsboy cap. In New York Mike Turnbull looked like The Edge with his cap and hope that look returns. Finally, also loved the little gift Jay tossed to Tom at the end.
(I really believe the brevity of the appearance is not an insult. It’s the format. This week alone, we’ve seen the same thing happen to U2, Van Morrison and others. It’s just how it often works these days. No one who watches this clip can doubt Jay Leno’s affection for Tom.)
Since the appearance was so short — 3:42 from intro to end of show — you can watch it here.
If you cannot play it, I can send you a QuickTime or RealPlayer file. Just drop a note with the contact link at right. Of course, you can download it with QuickTime Pro or RealPlayer Downloader.
(By the way, it’d be great to see Tom with Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Fallon (fun show; check it out) and, on the Tonight Show, Ross the intern, don’t you think?)
And this from the listings in the LA Times:
POP MUSIC/Tom Jones at Club Nokia/March 5, 2009
It’s not unusual to still have a flicker of lust for 68-year-old Welsh crooner Tom Jones, but his new album 24 Hours is a great reason for a whole new generation to fall for him. It’s an intimate, articulate collection of classic pop that, for the first time, Jones had a major hand in writing. Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A335, L.A. 9 p.m. Fri., $45-$65, (213) 480-3232.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Three minutes is way too short but I guess it’s not Jay Leno’s fault.Tom and everyone looked great. I can’t wait to see them next week.
March 6th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Jay Leno is missing a great chance in not interviewing Tom. I’m sure they have some interesting stories about their time working together in Vegas. I enjoyed the performance, as usual, but did not feel the energy I always feel from Tom & group. No doubt the schedule they have been keeping lately is taking its toll. Bet they are looking forward to the break in a few days. And I’m looking forward to seeing them in Vegas on opening night. Sandy S.
March 6th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I THINK THEY RAN OVERTIME WITH THE ANIMALS AS I RECALL THEM SAYING THEY DID NOT HAVE TIME TO BRING OUT ONE THEY INTENDED TOO.
YES THERE IS NO DOUBTING JAY’S AFFECTION FOR TOM. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE HIM EVEN IF IT WAS FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME
March 6th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Sandy: I must respectfully disagree. I believe that being onstage — in front of an audience — is very energizing to an entertainer and didn’t see last night as different. But, I also believe the song is not new to fans any more and, though it’s enjoyable, there’s no surprise left. However, I did like the purple tie.
March 6th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Moderator, You know what a big fan I am. Maybe I’m the one who was tired. Sandy S.
March 6th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Well, let’s see–first of all it was almost the exact same thing that happened on the last appearance of Tom and his band. Last act, hurried, hugged, and poof—-over. I was sooooo disappointed–maybe I expected MORE, this time. I did hear Jay call Tom “Boss”, which I think is endearing after all these years. And, no–I don’t think it is Jay’s fault–I’m looking forward to seeing Jay in his new time slot at 10 pm Mon-Fri, starting soon. Wish Tom had an hour special —Christmas time would be wonderful! Remember all those singers who had a TV show years ago? I miss those shows, don’t you? Sandy B.
March 6th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Three minutes of Tom will never do, although he looked as handsome as ever and sounded great! I’m hoping that Jay will invite him to his new show and spend more time with him. If you haven’t already seen Tom’s interview with Jonathan Ross, while he was in the UK last month, the interview was great and it’s really a must see. It was soooooo good hearing TJ with his wonderful Welsh accent.
March 6th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Moderator’s Note: You’ll find the Ross video to which Diane referred (above) in the TJI.com Video Library. It was posted Saturday, February 7. Check the blog archives at the bottom of each page to see what’s there.
March 6th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Is the corn-eating sloth going on tour? Will the squirrel monkeys with the psuedo-penises be his back up group? That was some exciting talent Sir Tom followed. Industry format notwithstanding, Leno could’ve done a proper interview segment with his old friend if he wanted to, he has a say in the way his show is produced. We will see what happens with his new time slot. Tom should stick to Rachel Ray from now on.
March 6th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
(For those who didn’t see it, Leno opened with Jared Miller, an animal trainer, who had the most boring assortment of animals including — in a show of really bad taste considering the recent news — a couple of monkeys, a vulture and the aforementioned sloth. He also had Sienna Miller on promoting a film.)
Marisa: It’s just a TV show….and lots of people like that animal stuff…..I’m not defending it, but not every viewer is a huge fan of Tom Jones and the goal is to please as large an audience as possible — especially when the competition has U2 on every night for a week and each night is heavily promoted. On a personal level, one might imagine that if Leno wants to talk to Sir Tom, he can pick up the phone. But your description of the talent before Tom was quite amusing. Perhaps that sloth will turn up in some venue. Maybe the casinos should hire him. In comparison to watching that, gaming seems a wise move. That, as they say, is show biz.
For the record, I find Rachael Ray cloying and annoying. Bet she’d be fun at a Chippendale’s show but, on her own, her relentless perkiness can get grating. But, as you stated your opinion, I’m just stating mine. I’d rather see Tom on Jimmy Kimmel and Letterman. There, aside from singing and talking, he actually does stuff.
March 7th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I also find Ray very annoying but at least she generated a lot of excitement for Tom’s appearance and gave him some time to talk about the album. Do you think anybody really turns on late night television to see odd boring animals? I think viewers sit through them waiting for the human guests. As usual, any Tom on tv is better than no Tom on tv.
March 7th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Count me as another person that can’t take much of Racheal, either. Wonder if she talked incessantly while Tom and guests had dinner in that Italian restaurant. If so, I bet Tom was about to scream!! ha One thing good about her chattering constantly, she’s made a fortune while she was at it! Sandy B.
March 7th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Well if you like Rachel or not – one thing is for sure – TOM likes her
– he wouldn’t go with dinner with her other wise 
)))
March 7th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Oh I almost forgot – i would have appreciated a small talk with Leno too
March 7th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Great video! I thought he was rockin’ ! Love the suit and tie look. But…I don’t get why he’s put at the end of the show on these late-night gigs…especially being in the news so much these days. Can’t wait ’till Monday night at the Belly Up!