Here, from 1981 on Coast to Coast is Tom’s version of a song that was, first, a hit for Canadian singer Jack Scott in 1960 and, again, for Sonny James in 1975.
Tom recorded it originally for the Mercury album Darlin’ in 1981. Here’s Tom Jones — looking great — singing What In the World’s Come Over You.
As usual, if you can’t view it, send an email using the contact info at right and I’ll send it to you.
Sir Tom Jones arrives at the launch cocktail party for the Mardan Palace Hotel in Antalya, on the Turkish Riviera. The hotel was built at a cost of USD 1.65 billion.
In addition to Tom, Mariah Carey and Seal performed in the gala opening show at the property.
(Clearly, the lights on the red carpet altered the color. But I, for one, think Tom looks great.)
When Tom played the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park local radio personality Lisa Anderson, whose show is on The Breeze 107.1/99.7 FM in Monmouth County, New Jersey, interviewed him.
It’s kind of silly but fun and he does answer the question about what he does to relax.
You can listen to the interview here.
Tonight, if you’re in Las Vegas and have nothing to do around midnight, you can stop by the Bootlegger Bistro for “Midnight Music.” This week it’s Brandon Fields and Friends. They’re in town to back up Barry Manilow and they’re terrific. The music series has been changed to Friday nights and it’s always worth a visit.
As this is being written, Tom, the band, the singers and everyone else involved are on a plane headed, ultimately, to Turkey. But, they left town on the wings of a triumph.
Don’t know why — and others will surely disagree — but last night’s show was extraordinary for a closing night.
The evening was relaxed and casual — but entirely professional. Tom started to add an extra verse to Ol’ Black Magic? So what? “I like it when it lasts longer,” he explained. And, he must, as the show was just over 90 minutes, even with Never out of the set list.
One odd note: When he sang Green Green Grass there was not a Welsh flag, or daffodil or anything remotely Welsh to be seen. It was as if — really unusually — there wasn’t a Welsh person in the joint. And, not that we don’t all love the Welsh people — but without that, the song seemed really, truly universal, as it was meant to be.
As usual, the audience was wildly enthusiastic, calling out to Tom and, when he mentioned 24 Hours, a young guy sitting near us shouted, “Masterpiece!”
Tom, as a couple of people said, might be (intelligently and thankfully) safeguarding his voice because he’s not feeling 100 percent yet and he’s got lots of shows ahead this year, but he gave 1,000 percent. And what more could one ask?
tji.com white type space marker
tji.com white type space marker
Sir Tom’s last show at the MGM is tonight then it’s off to Turkey for that gala hotel opening Saturday night.
When he gets home next week, Tom can rest for a couple of weeks and, then, between June 17 and November 13, he’s got 71 shows now on his calendar (including that second one at the Beacon on July 21). That doesn’t include the highly probable TV and radio gigs or any interviews.
As for his show right now, Tom has cut Never and I, for one, hope it’s a temporary deletion. He’s said that song is about his voice. It may be but, to people who don’t know that, Never is a terrific love song; a song about a long-term partnership (or, even, friendship) that is alive with emotion.
If you’ve seen Tom at the MGM, please share your thoughts with the rest of us. Thanks!
Tom Jones will kick off the 50-concert season at the Levitt Pavillion in Westport, CT with a benefit performance Friday, June 19, at 9 pm.
Tickets are priced at $95 and $75 and it is an outdoor, rain or shine, no refund, event.
The venue offers free concerts with the one gala to raise money. Others who have appeared at the gala over the years include Willie Nelson, The Gipsy Kings, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, and The Chieftains.
The event is “graciously sponsored” by Tiffany & Company. (My favorite bottled water, Poland Spring, is also a primary summer season sponsor. I posted that info for no other reason than I really like it and, after four+ years without it in Las Vegas, finally got some in North Carolina last week. It is good and, yes!, I can tell the difference.)
On Friday, July 10, Tom will be at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee. Tickets are $39.50 & $55. There is also a reserved special limited edition gold circle where tickets are $125.
Still feeling the need to lighten up and, just in time, came this video from 2007 sent by a fan named Donna. Don’t know where it was done — probably on the east coast — but it’s a song many fans have said they wish was still in Tom’s show.
To watch it, just go to the TJI.com Video Library.
In the certainty that no tour poster will ruin a career and that no matter how egregious it is, it’s the show, not the poster that brings in the audience, here’s a look at a very successful tour number:
For awhile Tom would sing Hair, a song made popular by the punk group Bad Brains.
If you wonder why he’d sing it, take a look at the lyrics. It had to be irresistible.
People ask me everywhere
Is that really all your hair.
I just tell them that if it ain’t
Well it sure don’t mean that, no, I can’t.
Just don’t believe it’s fair to judge a man by the length of his hair.
Take two words, like hip and square.
The truth will shine and not your hair.
Even the blind can damn near see
What’s outside you and inside me.
Down or high the truth or lie.
A weak man’s laugh can be a strong man’s cry.
Black or blond or nappy or fair,
You can’t judge nobody by hair.
If I thought that you would care
I’d wear a wig up under my hair.
Down or high the strong man’s cry.
People ask me everywhere
Is that really all your hair.
I just tell them if it ain’t well it sure don’t mean I can’t.
I just don’t believe it’s fair to judge a man by the length of his hair.
You’ll find video of Tom singing Hair in the TJI.com Video Library.
Thanks once again to LTC.
Sorry this is late. I am on vacation attending my daughter’s college graduation and that takes priority — even over this website. Although over the last day or so, at least one person has refused to understand that fact, I hope you do. Thanks! The story below speaks for itself. This site did not criticize Tom’s management and the comments came from around the world.
Here is the comment I posted on their site.
As moderator of the website being discussed — which is, in truth, the largest fansite for Sir Tom — I’d like t to make a few points:
•For the record, the issue arose when a fan from the UK saw the poster in a newspaper ad on May 8 and characterized it as “awful.” It was posted online a few days later and that’s when I asked people’s opinions. Those opinions came from fans in the US, the UK and elsewhere.
•While opinions are always encouraged, a careful reading of the post in question (http://tomjonesintl.com/2009/05/09/what-do-you-think-toms-european-tour-poster/) clearly shows that the “site” did not criticize Sir Tom’s management. Some fans did and that is their prerogative. As moderator I noted that my experience has taught me the photo on the poster was likely the work of the LiveNation graphic artist who had a design in mind and sized the photo around that idea, rather then designing the poster around the photo.
•As a journalist I understand why you asked Sir Tom’s management for an opinion, but it wasn’t necessary. Perhaps the artist should be asked his or her reasoning for altering the photo.
•Finally, real fans [as the woman who posted the first comment under the article from Wales on that site claimed to be] don’t classify people as “real” fans or — I guess the opposite would be — “fake” fans. The first comment here came from someone well-known in the world of Tom Jones fans for being asked to leave two forums. So, there’s nothing else to say.
Sir Tom’s management blasted for unflattering photo
May 15 2009 by Nathan Bevan, Western Mail
THEY’VE stuck with him throughout all the ups and downs of a glittering 40-year career, even when he committed the cardinal sin of the heart throb by going grey.
But it seems even Tom Jones’ most loyal fans have limits to the extent of their devotion.
Because now the Voice Of The Valleys’ hardcore faithful are crying: “Why, why, why?” over the official poster for his upcoming autumn UK tour which they say has succeeded in making their idol look more like Old Tom than Sex Bomb.
Tom Jones poster
(more…)
tji.com white type space marker
tji.com white type space marker
After taking one night off to rest his throat, Tom is back onstage tonight.
Reports will be posted but if you are there, send in your review.
Designed & Developed by
