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.

Jack White and Tom Jones collaborate. Photo: Jordan Strauss/Jon Furniss/Getty

Big News! This is in every online music site that deals with this kind of music and lots of newspapers. It’s great for Sir Tom and can go a long way in reestablishing a very credible presence for him — no more “crooner” perhaps? — in North America.

For example: from Rolling Stone.com January 5, 2012 6:45 PM ET:

Jack White to Collaborate with Tom Jones
It’s Not Unusual singer joins White’s Third Man Records 7-inch single series

The latest collaborator in Jack White’s unusual arsenal? None other than Tom Jones, the contemporary Welsh crooner behind such pop hits as “It’s Not Unusual.”

Jones will join White’s Third Man Records in its Blue Series, which has pressed special one-off 7-inch singles from Insane Clown Posse, Stephen Colbert and other guest artists. Jones rerecorded Jezebel, a track from his 2002 album Mr. Jones, and also tackled the blues great Howlin’ Wolf with a cover of Evil.

A release date for his Blue Sessions disc has not been announced, but the sessions went well; White reportedly said of the 71-year-old pop icon, “He impressed the shit out of everybody.”

Meanwhile, White’s Third Man has also reached a business deal with Document Records to reissue the blues label’s albums on deluxe vinyl. The first release will be a compilation featuring early 20th-century blues musicians Charlie Patton, Blind Willie McTell and others.

If you are not familiar with Jack White, Rolling Stone says: “Weird and passionate, with burning eyes and an old man’s sensibilities, Jack White spent the 2000s going from promising garage-rocker to international rock star. He was one of the most important guitarists of the decade — on the strength of his forcefulness and ingenuity rather than virtuosity — as well as a great conceptualizer and a top-flight songwriter who could draw on a seemingly bottomless bag of riffs and melodies.” You can also check his official website, White Stripes.com.

Moderator’s Note: Of course Tom was impressive. According to the Third Man Records website: Singers and bands that are traveling through Nashville, are invited to stop by to record one or two songs at Third Man Studio to be produced by Jack White. The songs are then, as soon as possible, made available on 7” vinyl and digitally on iTunes. The cover photos are taken in Third Man’s “blue room” photo studio/live venue.

The first thing I bought that White produced was the Loretta Lynn album, Van Lear Rose. It was wonderful and, as someone who really loves vinyl, I love the idea of a 45! Of course, we’ll have to file this under “Rumor or Reality,” but I’m sure it’s true and it will show very soon up on OFFICIAL Tom Jones, as it should.

So, what do you all think of this?

For a vintage 1980s article about Tom’s allegedly favorite recipe/meal, please click here to

From OFFICIAL Tom Jones, January 4:

Whilst Tom was performing in St. Petersburg recently, he visited the Dickens Pub where he enjoyed a meal of Bavarian style Pork Shanks with Bacon Lentils, courtesy of proprietor James Wheeler.
We thought we’d share the recipe with you, so you can enjoy a meal that Tom has too!

Bavarian style Pork Shanks with Bacon Lentils à la Dickens Pub
Port Shank Ingredients: Pork Shanks
Marinade: Lager Beer, Garlic, Salt, Worcester Sauce, Honey, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage.

To Prepare: (This is a time-consuming recipe!)
1. Bind the shanks in cling-film (Saran Wrap in USA) or cooking twine to hold the meat to the bone during the first cooking process.
2. Poach in slightly salted water for 3½ hours, then allow to rest for another ½ hour in the un-heated liquid.
3. Remove the bindings from the cooked shanks, drain & place them in the beer-herb marinade solution for at least 6 hours.
4. The shanks will need a further 20 minutes in the oven at around 170 C.
Tip: Splash the marinade onto the skins at the end of this cooking process in the oven to add caramel flavours.

Bacon Lentils Ingredients Lentils: Brown, Green, or Le Puy (75g per person); Bay leaf;
Following ingredients as much as desired – to taste: Bacon, Onion, Garlic,Thyme,Butter

To prepare:
1. Boil same amount of water (/stock if desired,) as lentils. Add lentils, bring to boil again then cover and simmer with a bay leaf for a further 20 minutes.
2. Cook the chopped bacon, chopped onions, garlic and thyme in a deep casserole pan. Until browned then add butter to the mix.
3. When the lentils are cooked add them to the casserole dish and mix with the rest of the ingredients. The butter will help to spread the flavour through the lentils.
4. Add a table-spoon of double cream to the bacon, onions and, garlic and mix, before the lentils finally join them. (Tablespoon/person).
5. Make sure the lentils are warmed through. Ladle into shallow bowl dish, place the pork shank on top, serve and enjoy.

Stories like this were quite common before the late 1980s. Magazines and newspapers were always telling readers about the secret home life of a star, a favorite recipe or anything to make a reader believe they could live like a star because, after all, movie stars, singing idols, TV actors are just like us, aren’t they? It’s not, of course, that entertainers didn’t do things mere mortals did, but no way did they live the same kind of lives. Here’s an example of that originally posted on TJI in July, 2008 but, as long as we’re talking recipes:

Johna Blinn had a newspaper column called Cooking With The Stars. Obviously, she’d feature recipes that were allegedly the favorites of celebrities of the day. (We can find records of recipes of Woody Allen, Natalie Wood and — remember him? — Caesar Romero, among others.) Here’s one “from” Tom Jones in 1981 — curried chicken.

The interview, One must say, has a ring of truth to it, but who actually gave her the interview is open to question. And we know Brits are among those who, in general, tend to love curries. But, can we imagine Tom Jones serving up a “heaping plate” of curried chicken delight “Welsh-style?”

Happy Chanukah to all!

File this under “Rumor or Reality” and, as you know, it’s not official until you see it on OFFICIAL TomJones or it’s announced on Sky TV.

Apparently Tom told BBC Radio 2 that 22 year-old Lianne La Havas (right) will be his assistant on The Voice. The assistant’s job is to…..well, assist. She will work with contestants, with the coach (Tom) and help keep things running smoothly.

LaHavas is a singer herself. She released an EP this year and, signed to Warner Bros. Records, she will release her first full album in 2012.

When she was on TV with Jools Holland (who I really wish would tour North America) she sang a song she wrote called Age. It’s terrific (and, ironically applicable to this topic). She has played in North America and next month has two dates in the Netherlands — in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Then it’s a tour around England. She is surely one to watch. You can check out her website.

Click here to watch Lianne La Havas on Jools Holland’s Later singingAge.

You can go to her website for a free download of a live EP recorded in Los Angeles.

This is not official and could be totally wrong, but TJI has learned that Sir Tom and the gang may be in New York in March.

No other details, and it isn’t official until you see it on tj.com or, if it’s a public gig, until tickets go on sale.

But, maybe, it’s a good sign for a good spring! If any news becomes available, TJI will let you know.

A big thanks to you-know-who-you-are for the tip!

The Jones Performance Calendar Seems To Be Filling Up Quickly: Virtual Festivals says Sir Tom will do a June 11 appearance at the 10th Anniversary Isle of Wight Festival.

They quote Festival promoter John Giddings: ‘What can I say that hasn’t been said about this man and his voice? We are so proud that he has chosen to play our Festival next summer. It will be incredible…” Tickets are available here. (Though not listed yet, tickets to see Sir Tom should be available soon so keep checking the site.)

A Scottish newspaper is speculating that Sir Tom is a “contender” to be one of the first performers at a new, 12,000-seat venue — a 1699 stately home outside of Edinburgh this summer. Other contenders are said to be Elton John, Ronan Keating and Lionel Richie. In 2000 Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris played there. It is a beautiful part of the world and, any concert there is, if nothing else, performed against a beautiful backdrop.

In Tom’s show in Denmark Wednesday night, he sang Praise and Blame and, then, added a few more songs. The first was Green Green Grass of Home. This time, he didn’t do it as he was earlier this year, the beautiful stripped-down version with some of the band harmonizing. He also sang I’ll Never Fall In Love Again and the show closer, It’s Not Unusual. These may not all be favorites of yours, but it nice to hear them again. And, on that note, there is video. It was taken from the very back of the theater but the sound — most important when it’s music — is pretty good. Again, I’d like to note that when he was in Las Vegas in August, he managed a nicely balanced set list. The old stuff was greeted warmly as was the new material and the latter left the crowd wanting more of it. Balance is a good thing.

You can check it out in it in the TJI.com Video Library.

To give everyone who was in Las Vegas a chance to travel home, TJI will ask everyone’s opinion of the Las Vegas experience this time in a few days. Please hold your opinion until then.

At the bottom of this post is a rather refreshing radio interview recorded weeks ago but broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Monday, August 16. Host Janice Long and Sir Tom talk about his new album (of course) and he talks more than usual about his management team — son and daughter-in-law Mark and Donna Woodward. There’s only a little bit but of fun made of Americans and Long does note that older performers are treated somewhat better in the US than in the UK. That was a surprise.

Praise & Blame | Tom Jones
(3.5 out of 5)

by Christopher Toh/05:55 AM Aug 19, 2010/TodayOnline (Singapore)

SO THE dude didn’t get to play in Singapore. But perhaps this album might assuage the fans’ feelings a little. Unlike some of Tom Jones’ recent recordings, this one is actually free of a lot of production pomp.

For one thing, the band plays live – just like in the good old days – and you can’t help but picture Tom and the band just standing or sitting in a circle in the studio, egging each other on with their performances.

Sure, those in the know will probably compare this to Johnny Cash’s latter day American recordings, especially on The Man Comes Around – both have stripped down arrangements, both are filled with gospel-tinged blues-based styles. And on the album opener What Good Am I?, he also lets his bass tone growl menacingly, just like Cash.

But it’s exactly what makes the album more listenable than some of his previous offerings. The raw delivery has Tom Jones giving a gutsy take on all the songs, although it’s on the faster tracks like Don’t Knock, Lord Help and Burning Hell that Jones allows his vocals to shine.

However, this album isn’t for everybody, and, yes, if you’re not in the mood, this album can be a chore to sit through. While there are some gritty performances, some of the other tracks come across as too lightweight, with not enough gravitas to make it work. Nevertheless, it’s still a sign that the dude isn’t about to hang up his mic just yet.

You’ll find the 28+ minute radio interview it in the TJI.com Video Library. Please note that the very end of Burning Hell which comes at the very end of the interview, is cut off. Sorry but, since the song is so readily available, I chose not to take the time to go back and redo it. Surely you understand. BTW: The program is referred to (but left unexplained) in several places as the “Maida Vale,” the section of West London where those studios are located (and where at least one Agatha Christie novel was set).

In a local news story, journalist Mark NIcholls writes:
Tom Jones to perform at Carrow Road

Singing superstar Tom Jones is to perform at Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium.

The Welsh legend will appear on June 5 and his appearance follows that of Elton John in 2005 and George Michael in 2007.

Norwich City joint-majority shareholder Delia Smith expressed the delight of everyone at the club that the world-famous singer is coming to Norfolk.

She said: “It’s fantastic news that someone of Sir Tom Jones’ calibre is coming to perform at our stadium. He’s one of pop’s consummate all-round performers and always gives a great live show.

“As my mum and my husband are both Welsh they are especially delighted and we can’t wait to welcome him to the green, green grass of Carrow Road”

With a five-decade career and a string of worldwide smash hits, Tom is now thoroughly enjoying bringing a show that presents repertoire from the 60s to the present day to audiences in a variety of venues across the world.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday , priced from £40 and can be booked through www.seetickets.com or by calling 0844 826 1902 (tickets subject to a booking fee).

Some brass for a Sunday morning: The Pärnu Music School Brass Band ( Pärnu Muusikakooli puhkpilliorkester) in Estonia performs the music of Tom Jones. It’s posted in two parts.here and here.

If you’re seeing Tom at Luna Park in Buenos Aires, please send share your experience with fans of TJI. Just send a review using the “Contact TJI” link on the lower right of any page. Thanks in advance!

On January 24, TJI reported that any dates for Tom at MGM in May are very tentative. The venue had him potentially there May 13 through the 26. We heard at the time that it might not happen. His official site confirmed that it won’t — on those days. Other sources say he will be here sometime in May. We don’t know about that, but TJI is fairly certain that August will happen.

Now, for our Rumor or Reality Department: There are many possible reasons for this scheduling question. In no particular order, TJI has been told by people in- and outside of the US — Again! It’s not official until it’s on Tom’s official site! — that there is a new CD to be released in May/springtime. (thus far without a contribution from The Killers). And, remember, Tom will celebrate his 70th birthday early in June. Thus it is quite likely that he’ll (1) be promoting new product in May (whether it helps overall sales or not, experience has shown us new product always gets promoted first and most in Europe and that leaves us honestly and simply grateful when new product even gets released here) and (2) perhaps there’ll be a big birthday bash as there was for his 65th. So, stay tuned and, hopefully we’ll soon get some news about something.

A TJI Fan Calendar Note: I was pretty amazed/disappointed/amused yesterday when I got a note from someone explaining that she is going to “boycott” the calendar this year because of something Tom’s management — and, by extension, she implied, Tom himself — did that annoys her.

What she claims they’ve done (which they haven’t) isn’t the issue. The issue is that, for some reason, she believes that this site has any affiliation with anything official. I wrote back to her making it clear that this site is totally and completely independent. I do not get any kind of compensation from Tom Jones Enterprises or Valley Music. So, by expressing her displeasure in this manner she hurts only me.

I understand the economy, believe me. And, if you’d like a calendar but cannot afford one, email me and we’ll work it out. But the calendar is the only way by which I seek financial support for the site. Some people have very kindly used the “donate” button to send a contribution and that’s great. But it is the calendar that is done specifically to meet expenses.

So, please, understand that I am not the person to contact if you want a decision made about anything, unless it’s a decision about this website. For me to do this site and the calendar takes an incredible amount of time and thought. (This woman who wrote also said she appreciates the work I “and the others” do. There are no “others,” just some wonderful “Friends Through Tom” who help when it’s needed and have helped for three years or so) I am not asking for charity but, if you are visiting the site with any regularity (as this woman says she does) then please consider supporting it. To those of you who already have, my deep appreciation.

(And, by the way, I was just loaned a treasure trove of photos from the 70s that I’d bet you’ve never seen. Many will be in this year’s calendar. And a real pro worked on the cover photo Wednesday night and it is simply unbelievable!)

—Thanks, Ellen

Thanks for listening. Now, here’s Cristiano’s brief review of Milano. The photos are his, too.

People! I’d like to say one thing: Have you ever seen a theatre like The Arcimboldi? Three times bigger than the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand, upside down? Well, I’ve witnessed that!!! Tom was in a very good shape last Monday, trust me. If you have seen him at the MGM, like me….well forget what you believe to have seen… He was like Superman! He sings, dances, runs and jumps like an excited kid!

During last songs fans in the theatre were crazy — standing up from their seats and dancing, running under the stage. Tom jumped down to stay closer to his crowd…It’s been amazing. There were a lot of young people who used to sing his songs=2C even younger than me (and I’m 29). The set list was the same as at the other concerts. The only song missing was I’m Alive.

It’s Gavin & Stacey.. and Tom

IN the words of Nessa from Gavin & Stacey — oh, oh, what’s occurring? The answer is show bosses are busy creating a new character in the series for TOM JONES.

The crooner has been lined up for a cameo alongside MATT HORNE and JAMES CORDEN.

Tom scored a No1 for Comic Relief after appearing with cast members on the hit single Islands In The Stream — and now the G&S team want him to put in a proper star appearance on TV.

Tom said: “They want me to be on the show. I know the guys, James and Matt, and they are talking about what they can do.

“They have characters in the show already so they have to think of the right one for me. I love comedy and jokes.”

Most of all, Tom — busy preparing to belt out hits like It’s Not Unusual on tour later this year — is pleased Gavin & Stacey has put Wales on the TV map.

He added: “For years its been Coronation Street for the North and EastEnders for the South but this is the first hit programme with Welsh people in it.”

Maybe he could play Nessa’s sugar daddy?