This Is Tom Jones debuted on February 7, 1969. It featured a Tom Jones totally in command of his material and, very obviously and charmingly, in awe of, and delighted by, many of his guests. When the the first of the three DVD sets (seven DVDs in all) of the show came out in April, 2009, they turned out to bring back wonderful memories. It’s difficult to believe it was 43 years ago, isn’t it? Below is a review of the DVDs — devoted fans may see them differently — and some info about the DVDs and ordering them. Enjoy!

A Hip Shaker in His Prime, Among Hip Friends

By GREG EVANS| Published: April 13, 2008 | New York Times

Stevie Wonder with Tom Jones on an episode of the 1969-71 variety show This Is Tom Jones.
Photo: Everett Collection

If there’s another singer who could credibly share a stage with the likes of Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder — and come through with dignity intact, as Mr. Jones did more often than not in his 1969-71 television variety show — please contact Simon Cowell ASAP.

With episodes (actually partial episodes, even better) now available in several DVD sets,This Is Tom Jones unearths some vintage pop nuggets that, if not as history-making as Elvis on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” at least recall a time when popular music was an infinitely more unruly contest than it’s become in the 21st century. Proof? Take a look at Joe Cocker, in his snarling, disturbing, full-on spastic mode, then watch June Carter Cash, looking and sounding so authentically country that she makes a joke of Reese Witherspoon’s perky portrayal in Walk the Line.

Divided into two three-disc volumes, Rock ’n’ Roll Legends and the more mainstream “Legendary Performers” (a single-disc Christmas-theme volume is hardly worth mentioning), the episodes have their share of dated production numbers and kitschy mod fashions. (Check out the skin-tight sky-blue spacesuit Mr. Jones wears while singing Fly Me to the Moon.) But music, straight up, is the draw here.

In the solo mini-concerts that end each episode, Mr. Jones, whose popularity among the casino crowd holds strong today, occasionally reduces his mostly female, mostly old-enough-to-know-better audiences to near Beatles-at-Shea hysterics. His sexed-up, hip-shaking performances of his hits (It’s Not Unusual, Delilah, What’s New, Pussycat?) remain vital, Watusi moves notwithstanding.

But it’s the duets that steal the shows, whether comfortable (Mr. Jones with the ever-relaxed Mr. Bennett), compatible (an enraptured Mr. Jones with his idol Jerry Lee Lewis) or downright odd (that would be the

Tom and Janis sang Raise Your Hand.

Each guest also performs without the host, with the brash rockers generally outdoing the more traditional popsters of the “Legendary Performers” set. The Who, even in a black-and-white kinescope (the only available version of the episode, a shame given the fine color prints of the others), are all adolescent vigor and vinegar slamming through Pinball Wizard, while a radiant Aretha Franklin, soaring on I Say a Little Prayer, and Stevie Wonder, on the threshold of his most innovative work, can break your heart with the depth of their young genius. By comparison a hippiefied Bobby Darin, tame Diahann Carroll and pre-Cabaret Liza Minnelli, all on the Legendary Performers set, come up short.

Speaking of short, the running time on these discs is too often inexcusably skimpy, particularly on “Legendary Performers.” The original hourlong (including commercials) episodes are whittled down to an average of 30 minutes or so. Fine, since few will miss Minnie Pearl’s routine from the Cash episode, and fewer still would clamor for more comedy from the Ace Trucking Company (a baby-faced Fred Willard and Bill Saluga, that guy who did the “You can call me Ray” bit notwithstanding). But some of these discs contain barely an hour’s worth of material, and extras are few and far between.

At least Mr. Jones, tanned and fit nearly 40 years on, provides new introductions to the “Rock ’n’ Roll Legends” episodes. (Who doesn’t have time for another “Keith Moon nearly fell off the stage” story?) But he’s absent from the “Legendary Performances” discs. If Johnny, June and Jerry Lee don’t merit some backstage gossip, who does?

This is a photo from a collection calling itself OffiCIAL Tom Jones Flickr Group.

Does this photo look “official” to you? Or does it look….um, stupid? Or juvenile? Or insulting and obvious ? Whatever, this crap has been posted for almost four years and, despite the fact that Tom’s Management is aware of this — has the link — it still sits on flickr, calling itself “official” and no one cares.

Why does it bother me? Well, I’ll tell you — yes, Tom Jones is thought of by many people as sexy. that’s been his trademark and he’s had a lot of fun with it. Terrific.

To me, the very bad, very amateur collection of photos posted there don’t deserve the “official” tag. (Although, in fairness, I admit I did find a very good one of Herman Matthews and sent him a copy.) I, for one, don’t want that designation and never have. But the fact that they are allowed to get away with calling themselves official — and you know a lot of the members from comments elsewhere (for some reason they still list one dear friend who passed away 11 months ago) means someone is asleep at the wheel.

Even Management might find it appropriate to step in an not allow these idiots to represent them by saying they, not Management, are official.

Tom Jones deserves better, doesn’t he?

Yeah, it is a graphic, unsophisticated and unsubtle depiction of Sexbomb, but one wonders who thinks this is funny and who believes that it deserves the title “official.”

The video I posted was done in four parts by a fan in Israel named David. He’s posted lots of Tom Jones stuff but these, fr a change, don’t have him talking about the music. He clearly put a lot of care and time into his project and it does total more than one hour of music video. You can check it out in the TJI.com Video Library.

In concert with that, the first of four behind-the-scenes books about the show and the people involved to be published over the next two years will be released. (Hope all of the talent agrees to cooperate.)

Tom Jones, 1980, Framingham, Massachusetts. Photo: © Lois Gooding

Sir Tom Jones, Asbury Park, New Jersey, 2009.

We all have our favorite songs that you really loved seeing Tom perform or would have loved to see Tom perform.

If you were to put together a video of Tom singing your favorites in performance, which song is the one you really want to include? For example, your moderator’s must-include would likely be What Am I Living For?

So, the TJI.com Question of the Month is:

What is your one must-include song in a Tom Jones “Fan Favorite” video compilation?

And, don’t be surprised if there’s a special video posted for Valentine’s Day. It likely won’t include every song suggested, but as many as possible will be there.

Moderator’s Note, February 2: Remember, this is a request for videos. So, if you are suggesting an obscure song and know where to find a video, email the info to TJI.com.

I haven’t had the opportunity to look but, thus far, I know there may be trouble finding: Do I Ever Cross Your Mind; More Than Memories; Brother, Can You Spare A Dime; That Wonderful Sound and Memory. Doin’ my best, guys.

Queen Latifah, Tom Jones and Lorrie Morgan hosted the 1995 American Music Awards.

That’s Welshman Tom Jones, an entertainer who refuses to join the Over-the-Hill Gang.

Jones teams up with country music’s Lorry Morgan and rapper Queen Latifah to emcee the three-hour ABC broadcast of the 22nd annual awards, which cover the full gamut of popular music — country, soul, heavy metal, hard rock, rhythm and blues, rap, hip hop, you name it.

Jones has been there, done much of it. He has refused to become a museum piece, stuck in the nostalgia of the ’60s. Oh, he’ll still sing the oldies for the grandmothers who once threw their panties onstage. But he also updates hepertoire.

His re-emergence began in 1988 when he recorded the Prince tune Kiss with the British avant-pop group, the Art of Noise. It restored Jones to the charts and his video won an MTV award.

“Since I made Kiss and got records back in the top 40 again, the general public is rediscovering me,” he said.

Based in Los Angeles since 1976, Jones plays 200 dates a year, averaging 10 months on the road. Doesn’t that get a bit tired for a 54 year-old?

“No,” he said emphatically. “Being on stage is physical, but it’s not as physical as being an athlete. I can still do what I’ve always done.”

“I have a guy here in the house in Los Angeles, a gym in my house in Wales. I’m in there most days, trying to keep it together.”

Doesn’t he get tired of singing It’s Not Unusual and other chestnuts after 30 years?

“No, I don’t, because the audience keeps them alive,” he insisted. “I don’t sing them in the shower anymore. If I was in a club and they asked me to get up, I would prefer to do stuff that I wouldn’t ordinarily do — a blues song or a country song.”

“But if I go to see somebody like Jerry Le Lewis, whom I’ve always liked, and he didn’t do Great Balls of Fire, I’d say, ‘What’s up?’ I feel the same way. The big hits I always keep in. Delilah is always there, Unusual is always there, The Green Green Grass of Home, What’s New Pussycat? the big ones are always there.

“It’s funny, because I have a new album out. I do most of the album onstage, plus the old songs, and they all seem to work. I slip the old songs in amongst the new ones. The old songs are still powerful; they don’t seem dated to me.”

He never tired of travel, he claims, “except if I get physically tired. I’m just getting over a cold now. I had a bit of bronchitis when I got back from a British tour…I never take long periods of time off. After about two weeks, I want to get back.”

Thomas Jones [sic] Woodward has been on the move ever since he left his hometown of Pontypridd in 1963. Songwriter Gordon Mills convinced the young singer to try his luck in London with the name Tom Jones, cashing in on the popular Albert Finney movie. Mills and Les Reed wrote It’s Not unusual for him, and that’s all it took.

He received a Grammy as Best Newcomer in 1965, and tours of Europe and America consolidated his fame. His tight pants, gyrating hips and adoring fans launched a thousands quips by TV comedians.

This is Tom Jones became a TV hit in Britain, and an ABC show ran from 1969 to 1971. Jones became a fixture in the Nevada sin spots and in concerts around the world.

And the beat goes on.

“In the ’70s, I was doing a lot of shows in the States, things like Madison Square Garden and the L.A. Forum, 20,000-seaters,” he said. “Meanwhile, the Labour government got in and the taxes went nuts. So I thought, ‘I’m making my living basically in America and then taking the money back to Britain for no reason, just for staying there a couple of months.’

“So I settled here, my son married an American girl, and I’ve got two American grandchildren.”

Five and a half years ago, Jones and wife Linda were staying in a Cardiff hotel during a British tour. “It seems strange staying in a hotel when we come back to where we lived,” she remarked.

So they bought a house and periodically return to his roots in the hills of Wales.

Will.i.am praises his ‘igloo-cool’ fellow The Voice coach Tom Jones

TellyMix.co.uk | January 27, 2012 | by Matt Scott

Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am has praised his fellow The Voice panellist Tom Jones, describing the Welsh singer as ‘igloo-cool’!

The 36-year-old rapper gushed about him in an interview with The Mirror, stating: “Tom Jones is a frickin’ legend. He’s like ‘Damn, man, let me tell you all about the time me and Sammy Davis Jr and Frank Sinatra hung out.

“And then the time I partied with Elvis, we were rocking’.

“I love working with him, he’s too cool. Tom Jones is like igloo-cool.”

He also had kind words for the other two coaches, describing The Script frontman Danny O’Donoghue as ‘dope’ and ‘talented’, and adding that he’d like to make a song with ‘fresh’ talent Jessie J.

The Voice UK, which will be presented by Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates, launches on BBC One in the Spring.

It’s nice to know that the hundreds and hundreds of people who visit are a lot smarter and heaps nicer than Goo Moo. As your moderator, I want to say loudly and clearly and emphatically that I appreciate each of you.

There, like at any TJ show, I met fans from around the world, people who have been following his series of one-nighters.

After the show we were welcomed backstage. If the guy with Enge in the photo at right looks familiar — doesn’t he? — it’s because he’s a Tom Jones tribute artist. His name is Harmik and people actually thought he was Tom (clearly they haven’t seen Sir Tom in several years).

We were fortunate to be given — without asking — front row seats. When the fan chosen from the audience was being escorted by security up onto the stage so Enge could sing to her, she passed Harmik’s seat, looked at him and shouted, “I love you, Tom!!” It was funny.

Backstage after the show was, as always, a very cordial affair, with good food, good drink and good company. One of Enge’s sons looked at Harmik, extended his hand and said in all seriousness, “It’s good to see you, Mr. Woodward.”

You may recognize Harmik because you’ve seen his show. You may also recognize him from a video he did with the real TJ. That was the first time he’d actually met Tom and he was ecstatic. Check him out in the video of Tom Jones International. (Harmik’s the guy wearing the same suit as Tom who’s not Tom Jones.)

Kat, a very devoted TJ fan,spent a great deal of time putting together a Chinese horoscope for Sir Tom Jones, born in the year that is just beginning — the Year of the Dragon. Kat also created the wonderful symbolic art at the top of the post. With many thanks to her, TJI invites you all to read:

SIR TOM JONES
Born 7th JUNE 1940
The year of THE DRAGON
Chinese name; L’ong.

Ranking order: Fifth; Season & principal month — Spring, April.
Hours ruled; 7am to 9 am 9am.
Direction: East/southeast
Corresponds with western sign: Aries
Element: Wood.
Yin/Yang; Yang (positive)

Dragon Poem:
I am unquenchable fire,
The center of all energy
The stout heroic heart
I am truth and light
I hold power and glory in my sway
My presence disperses dark clouds
I have been chosen to tame the fates.
I AM THE DRAGON

Dragons have the following characteristics;
They are excitable and possess strength; success; enthusiasm; pluck; good health; sentimentality,

Dragon’s sins may include; rigidity; mistrust; infatuation; volubility; dissatisfaction; stubbornness.

According to legend many years ago Buddha summoned all the animals in the kingdom to his side. Only twelve showed up. The Dragon was the Fifth one to appear to Buddha and, to compensate the dozen animals that answered Buddha’s request, they were each awarded a year in the Chinese calendar, and the years were assigned in the order that the animal appeared to Buddha.

The first was the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally the Pig.

For the people of China the Dragon is a national emblem, he symbolizes the emperor or the male, a symbol of power and strength. Those born in the year of the Dragon are said to wear the Horns of Destiny.

The Dragon is the splendid and magnificent leader of the carnival who brings with him four great blessings, long life; virtue; harmony and wealth.

For the rest of the Dragon horoscope, to learn of other famous people born under the sign of the dragon and to discover the relationship between the Dragon and Gemini, please click here to

People born under the flashy and brilliant sign of the immortal and tireless Dragon are most of all noticeable. For a start they are rarely silent. Secondly they are almost always highly attractive and magnetic. There is something about dragon people that say’s “I am the majestic one. I rule all men. I am invincible.”

Dragon people possess natural authority. Even if you cannot stand them, Dragona command your attention. And once they have you under their spell, you cannot take your ears off their fiery discourse. Dragon enthusiasm is contagious. Their big green hearts are intent on giving you the same virus that they have.

Nothing daunts this mythical beast, they usually have a mission or goal that would frighten all others, fearless the Dragon will slink through the fire into any battle, and he usually emerges victorious. The thing the Dragon knows the most about is his own destiny.

The Dragon is irresistible. It’s not mere magnetism that he possess, oh no! He has the power to cloud your mind, put you off guard and tumble you squealing with joy on to the floor of his cave.

There is no doubt when you meet a Dragon that you are in the company of the world’s supreme showman. He is a larger than life character, boastful and precocious in the extreme. And he is as stimulating and exciting as the Dragon conjured up from the brightly coloured paper, tinsel and gold paint that the Chinese parade through the streets each New Year.

Gifted beyond measure, the Chinese are in awe of the dragon and they have a right to be. With what gifts he has the Dragon can turn his hand to whatever he chooses. And by his amazing self-reliance and resourcefulness, can turn the object of his choice, and himself, into a resounding success. It’s as if the Dragon says to himself not, “I think, therefore I am,” but, “I am, therefore anything I think I’ll do — so don’t stand in my way.”

The Dragon can be excitable, with a complex life. Stubborn on the outside but soft-hearted inside. They may not seem it but they are also sentimental.

Good health and potent energy exudes from all Dragon people. They wear their vigour on their sleeves, they are tireless, going from work to meetings, to the gym, back to work, then to a party and them home to stay up late to chat with a loved one — and they love to chat.

The Dragon can be an active sportsman, a travel bug and an excellent talker. He would make a super salesman and, most of all he knows how to sell himself.

The Dragon person is super-positive, nothing will keep him down for long, and if he does have a bad case of the doldrums he will snap out of it faster than anyone else. His buoyancy defies all.

But having a purpose or a special mission in life is vital for the Dragon. It’s not healthy for him to lie around with nothing to do, he must always have a cause to fight, a goal to reach, or a wrong to right. Otherwise how do you expect him to keep the inner fire burning?

Dragons have huge appetites and unless they are on a diet, they usually eat anything that is put in front of them. Dragons sometimes do not sleep well and can also suffer problems with there respiratory system – catarrh, sinusitis, asthma and so on. And because of this Dragons tend to take good care of themselves it’s almost an obsession. But if the Dragon does becomes really ill he recovers very quickly, with no after affects.

Passion and perfection are uppermost in the Dragon’s view of life and he is passionate about anything that he undertakes. But because he can be such a perfectionist this can cause problems for others that work alongside him, for he gives 101% so why can’t you. The Dragon can also have a quick temper, but if the Dragon’s Fire does flare up all is forgotten and forgiven very quickly. But whatever his faults his virtues are many, he is not petty or begrudging with he’s favours, he cannot resist helping the needy or coming to the rescue if you are in trouble. The Dragon helps because he has a profound sense of duty to all. He always has a notable contribution to make, and you can always count on him, he will not let you down if he can help it. The Dragon will exhaust all his resources before he admits defeat. Above all this character is open and honest you can read him like a book, he cannot pretend emotions that he does not feel and, anyway, why bother?

His feelings are genuine and straight from his heart, if he declares that he loves you he is sincere. If you have a Dragon as a friend feel free to confide in him, and it won’t be hard to place your confidences in this truthful Dragon. For in relationships Dragon’s enjoy others who are intriguing and when they find the right partners they’ll usually commit to them for life. They can often marry young, or may spend there lives alone for they are very self sufficient, and can manage very well alone.

1940 is the year of the Metal Dragon and metal strengthens this already strong sign, Metal Dragons are more determined and they’ll fight for what they believe in. They enjoy the company of those who feel mighty enough to challenge their beliefs. They’re true leaders and usually find plenty of others who are willing to follow them. In troubled times these Dragon’s make great allies, but can become ferocious challengers. Metal Dragons can often calm others with there forceful personalities. They seek action and like to lead, yet even if they attract no support they will fight alone.

Everything these Dragons touch turns to gold as they have the Midas about them, They have always had the “right stuff” to make it big — enthusiasm, confidence intelligence and creativity. They are among the few to experience the freedom of true security.

In love and romance they are anointed by “the touch” they make good lovers. The male Dragon is very expressive and Dragons are passionate, giving and attentive when in love. They are blind to the faults of loved ones and will shield the object of their affection against anyone or anything that could hurt or threaten their love.

If you are lucky to live with or work alongside a Dragon, it is best to remember that the Dragon needs to be a free spirit. He is tremendously intense and will stake his life on his convictions. Dragons are nature lovers and life is beautiful.

The three phases of a Dragon’s life will be varied. He may have a difficult childhood, misunderstood, by parents and teachers and school friends alike, for his need for perfection will daunt those around him.

His middle life will be mixed though he will make a lot of money; he will make as many enemies as he makes friends.

From his late forties to his old, old age the Dragon will be King. The Chinese sign for the Dragon is Luck. But with all the Dragon’s gifts, Luck is the last thing the Dragon needs for he was born to lead and excel.

Compatible signs for the Dragon — Rat, Monkey, Rooster, Snake, Tiger

Sir Tom is in good company. Other famous dragons include:
Frank Sinatra (top right), Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (middle right), Neil Diamond (bottom right), Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Kirk Douglas, Salvador Dali, Betty Grable, Mae West, Winston Churchill. Cliff Richard, Al Pacino. Bing Crosby and Pele.

THE GEMINI – DRAGON

The active mind of Gemini blends brilliantly with the dashing Dragon. Here you meet an unforgettable Character. Gemini/Dragons are exciting and bewitching, with charm galore. He burns brightly and excites his subject to create great dreams and form giant plans. They are a hurricane of activity, agile and fearless. He’s noted for his ‘do it yourself’ efficiency. Gemini’s are sharp and clear minded while the Dragon never lacks courage and determination to put his ideas in to action. A person of this combination will be a great success. With the Dragons leadership and the Gemini’s ability to relate to people, this person will enjoy a large and respected sphere of influence

The show, they were told, will be on the air in March but no date was given. They apparently fell a bit behind schedule that first day — but it is TV where that does happen — and KT said that she’ll send more details later — check back later today — but that “Tom looked great but nervous. Tom got the first girl who was on to coach. She’s a very intense singer.”

On Saturday, KT said, “Tom was more laid back and looked even better than the first night. He wore black jeans, a black jacket, black jeans and boots. Security was very tight with security people planted in the audience. They said they’d track down anyone who posted anything on Twitter and FB.The audience was full of fans and they cheered every time he said anything. Tom also said, since Etta James had died Friday, he wanted to find someone like her.”

“This time they talked more to the contestants. We saw nine singers this time. Each coach is allowed to pick 10 singers. Tom has one duo and the rest are all girls.”

Meanwhile, according to the Irish network RTÉ the coaches — Tom Jones, Will. I. Am, Jessie J and Danny O’Donoghue — performed together.

The coaches on The Voice UK formed a supergroup to launch the forthcoming BBC talent show, according to a report.

The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue, Jessie J, Tom Jones and will.i.am teamed up to perform a version of the Black Eyed Peas hit single I Gotta Feeling, according to The Sun.

Their performance took place during auditions at the BBC Television Centre in London on Thursday, an onlooker told the newspaper.

The source said: “It was incredible to see such big names in music perform together. Hopefully this has set the bar for the rest of the show.

“Everyone was jumping out of their seats and dancing along. It was really exciting. The whole concept seems to be very different from The X Factor, which will be very refreshing.”

The Voice UK is expected to air on BBC One in the Spring.

It’s a perfect song to mark the beginning of the show. I saw the Black Eyed Peas do it in October 2009 when they opened for U2 here in Las Vegas. You can listen to the original and judge for yourself if you agree that it’s a fine number. Click here to listen to I Gotta Feeling.

Maybe the next party song they do as a group can be the number from 24 Hours that Tom used to close his show in 2010, Take Me Back To The Party.

The Sun |Exclusive | By LAURA CAROE | Published: 22nd January 00:21

BBC bosses have created a pop supergroup with the coaches on new talent show The Voice.

Veteran crooner Tom Jones, US rapper Will.i.am, singer-songwriter Jessie J and heart-throb Danny O’Donoghue join forces to sing the Black Eyed Peas hit I’ve Gotta Feeling on the show.

Set to rival The X Factor, filming has already begun and it has been leaving studio audiences jumping out of their seats.

The foursome wowed hundreds of onlookers as they belted out their own version of the song in an intimate introduction to the talent contest at the BBC TV Centre in London on Thursday.

Do It Like A Dude singer Jessie — dressed in a print catsuit — got up close and personal with legend Tom as they twirled across the stage.

Meanwhile, Dubliner Danny, from The Script, played the piano as Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am wowed the crowd with his energetic performance.

An onlooker said: “It was incredible to see such big names in music perform together. Hopefully this has set the bar for the rest of the show.

“Everyone was jumping out of their seats and dancing along. It was really exciting. The whole concept seems to be very different from The X Factor, which will be very refreshing.”

The Voice — hosted by Reggie Yates and Holly Willoughby — is a singing contest with a difference — wannabes are judged solely on their voice and not their looks.

The new talent competition will see the coaches compete against each other to pick their teams of ten acts.

The mentors each sit in a huge red chair with their backs to the stage.

When a voice blows one of them away, they can choose the act by pressing a button which spins the chair around — giving the singer a stab at stardom. If more than one judge chooses a performer, then it is up to the contestant to choose who they want as their coach.

Intense one-on-one sessions will follow as the stars share the secrets of their success before the acts go head-to-head.

Two singers from each team are then pitted against each other and after singing the same song, one is eliminated.

Remaining contestants will compete in a series of live broadcasts with the TV audience helping the mentors to decide who will proceed. It will see one singer rise from obscurity to hit the big time by landing a recording contract.

Pop Idol winner Will Young was left fuming, having been lined up as a coach then dropped at the 11th hour.

The show is expected to air on BBC1 in March.

Etta James, Legendary R&B Singer, Dies at 73
The soulful artist battled personal demons throughout her six-decade career headlined by her signature ballad “At Last.”

Moderator’s Note: Etta James wrote the foreword to a book called Heart & Soul: A Celebration of Black Music Style in America 1930-1975 and said in that, “I think Ruth Brown had the biggest influence on me. She had those beautiful, big doe eyes nd that lipstick that came up and over her lips like Carmen Miranda and those curls that hung way down. I used to say to myself ‘I’m going to be just like Ruth…’” When I bought the book (along with a copy of it for Ruth) it was so nice to read that. Bonnie Raitt (below) was also a very dear friend of Ruth’s. Ms. Raitt sure knows her blues!

The Hollywood Reporter quoted Bonnie Raitt about Etta James: “She can be so raucous and down one song and then break your heart with her subtlety and finesse the next,” Bonnie Raitt once told Rolling Stone magazine, which three years ago ranked James No. 22 on its list of the 100 top singers of all time. “As raw as Etta is, there’s a great intelligence and wisdom in her singing.”

In response to those who asked, TJI has heard from solid sources that The Voice will begin in March and will be broadcast on Saturday nights. Not positive, but I’ll let you know when more info comes in. Word is that Tom “looked great, but nervous.” (Saturday night is an odd time slot, as that’s the night when television viewing is at its lowest.)

If you haven’t heard them, be sure to go to the story below and hear all of the versions of Delilah. It’s fun and, once again, proves that regardless of who has the title at the moment, Sir Tom Jones is The Voice.

And, a wish to have a terrific time to the TJI friends going to any of the eight recordings of The Voice being done today through Friday and Saturday and Sunday. Check the Applause Store for availability of the free tickets.

Tom Jones says he would love to be a judge on The X Factor

SIR TOM JONES PLOTS TAKEOVER OF SIMON’S ROLE
Tom Jones says he would love to be a judge on The X Factor

Daily Star 18th January 2012 By Jessica Brown with Sonja Stephen

WELSH sex god Tom Jones says he would love to be a judge on The X Factor.

Sir Tom, 71, has just landed a judging role on new BBC talent show The Voice, but he’s also got his eye on Simon Cowell’s seat over at ITV.

Sex bomb Tom told us: “I would like to be a judge on The X Factor for sure.

“These talent shows are a good thing, but only as long as the kids are treated properly.

“They go straight in at the deep end and are not ready for it.

“That’s my only fear.”

Sir Tom is set to be a judge on The Voice alongside Jessie J, 23, frontman for The Script Danny O’Donoghue, 31, and Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am, 36.

The veteran singer revealed the high points of his life include being asked to play James Bond and splashing his cash on a Roller.

He told us: “When I was younger I was suggested for James Bond and it would have been a pretty easy part to fall into, but it didn’t happen.

“The highlight of my career was being knighted – that was my biggest achievement.

“Also, I guess, owning my first Rolls-Royce. I bought a Rolls when I made my first million.

“It’s a great car and to own a Rolls-Royce was a real statement for me.”

He added: “Life has been good to me. I’ve had a lot of success – whether it be in one of the pubs in Wales or one of the working men’s clubs.

“I was having a lot of fun then, so it’s great to be appreciated for something that you do.”

Ahh, we love Tom Jones – what a ledge.

And, from the same testament to excellence in journalism, comes:

JESSIE J seems more concerned with Welsh legend Tom Jones’s diet than her chart-topping success.

The Domino star and the veteran hip swinger have teamed up as judges on new BBC music show The Voice.

But rather than compare vibratos, Jessie, 23, can’t wait to see if Sir Tom, 71, is still on the Caveman Diet which helped him shed pounds last year.

The triple BRITs nominee told me: “I get to hang out with Tom Jones soon. We’re going to dinner together. I’m just looking forward to seeing what he orders, to see what he eats.

“Is he a no-carbs man? Does he just have soup or salad?”

Moderator’s Note: Jessie J is good. Saw her several days ago on one of the late-night shows. Considering what she’s said too often about where she pees, I was surprised that I enjoyed her music.