Tom Jones (born Tommy Woodward) always knew he was going to be a star. He was a born show-off and was encouraged by his family to take centre stage from a young age and sing for the crowds. Supported by the devoted women in his life – his mum, sister and childhood sweetheart Linda – Tom went through the obligatory pop star’s apprenticeship. He gigged around local clubs with a band of mates, ditched the mates when opportunity knocked, changed his name, experienced setbacks and poverty, and then the big break came – the release of It’s Not Unusual, his first worldwide hit.
The rest is history. Tom Jones became a superstar and the boy from Pontypridd, Wales, who had to borrow money from his dad to buy Christmas presents just a month before his hit song was released, took to the Champagne lifestyle like he was born to it.
What makes this biography so interesting is the singer’s ability to reinvent himself and his relationship with his wife Linda. He could easily have become a ’70s joke – an object of lust for knicker-throwing middle-aged women. But under the guidance of his son Mark, who took over his management in the mid-’80s, he changed his image and reinvigorated his career.
He went under the surgeon’s knife and with his son’s encouragement, sang Prince’s hit song Kiss on a live chat show. Then one of the most popular musical acts of the ’80s sampled his version of Kiss and Tom Jones began a second musical life.
Another fascinating aspect is his relationship with Linda, who he married when she was 16 and pregnant with their son Mark. His wife supported him through the tough times and has stayed with him despite his numerous affairs. Miss Worlds, famous musical artists, models, actresses – Tom’s had them all, but says he will never divorce Linda. The couple celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in April.
It’s a fascinating read even if you’re not a Tom Jones fan. But seriously – is there anyone who doesn’t sing along to Delilah when it comes on the radio?
