Tom Jones International

Today’s exclusive TJI.com DVD preview from This Is Tom Jones: What’s New Pussycat? is Carolina On My Mind performed by Tom and John Denver (photo right). Watching it, one is reminded of how popular Denver was before his untimely death at 54 in 1997 and how, whenever Tom sings country he gets that Southern lilt in his voice. It’s lots of fun. Tomorrow the last preview clip will be my own favorite from the DVD.

Remember, if you order the DVD from TimeLife by April 30 via the link at right you will be entered to win one of eight CDs of music that influenced Tom Jones — Jerry Lee Lewis: The Original Greatest Hits, AM Gold 1967 (three copies), AM Gold 1965, Living the Blues, Classic Love Songs of the 60s: Sealed with a Kiss or Elvis: Songs from the Movies (3-CD set).

For an explanation of the photo at left, read on.

Tom’s run at the MGM was stunningly successful. He drew enthusiastic audiences who seemed to love the man and his music. The last night there — which was last night — was not different. Tom wowed the crowd, even long-time fans who have seen him countless times. Some of them reacted like it was the first time they’d ever witnessed the miracle that is Tom Jones’ voice. Everyone going to see Sir Tom in April in Florida is in for a real treat and hopefully you’ll share your thoughts with other fans.

Notes On Rumors About Tom Jones’ Health: This run was not without controversy — at least in the minds of some people. On one fan message board there was speculation that forgotten lyrics to three songs in one show was a significant factor. People who participate on that board who know I’d seen Tom in Las Vegas emailed me about those posts and asked if they were correct. Some posters — genuine alarmists at best; malicious pot-stirrers at worst — even speculated at length that “Tom is losing his memory.” Let’s set the record straight. While that particular night Tom sounded a bit hoarse, the show happened to be beset by technical problems which threw off the music and, thus, the singer. That’s it. Stuff happens. As far as has been made public, there are absolutely no health issues involved. As far as anyone can tell, Tom Jones is in fine form — good voice, good health. Instead of leaping to conclusions, perhaps a bit of common sense is in order. There are people who get genuinely worried and forget the source is mere idle speculation. Because of that I, for one, wish nonsense like that would never see the light of day.

Click here to see the reason for posting the photo above left and to

Which brings up the next topic. One person tried to post here for the first time and, as you know, first time posters are automatically moderated. The post came from someone using the screen name “Reality” and was firmly rooted in ignorance and, perhaps, malevolence. The email address, which is usually checked to prove the legitimacy of the person posting, was a fake one used to mask a true email address. For that reason alone — no matter what the content — the post would have been stopped at the moderation stage.

So, all that need be said is, as far as anyone knows, Sir Tom Jones is in fine health. We probably should leave it to medical professionals to diagnose Tom Jones (or anyone else, for that matter). He looks and sounds great and, were he to be ill in any way it should be a private matter. I really don’t think it’s a fan’s place to speculate and start rumors just for the sake of filling a void with words. Do you?