Biography
Who is Tom Jones?
Early life and real name
Tom Jones was born Thomas John Woodward in Pontypridd, United Kingdom, on June 7, 1940. His parents were Freda Jones and coal miner Thomas Woodward. He attended local schools including Wood Road Infants School, Wood Road Junior School, and Pontypridd Central Secondary Modern School. He began singing at an early age, performing at family gatherings, weddings, and in his school choir.
At the age of 12, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and spent two years recovering in bed. During this recovery period, he listened to music and drew pictures. He gained confidence through his singing talent and later became the frontman for a Welsh beat group named Tommy Scott and the Senators in 1963.
How Tom became famous
Gordon Mills became the singer's manager and brought him to London. Mills renamed him Tom Jones to capitalize on the popularity of a film from that era. He secured a recording contract with Decca and released his first single, Chills and Fever, in late 1964.
His follow-up single, It's Not Unusual, became an international hit after promotion by a pirate radio station. The track reached number one in the United Kingdom and entered the top ten in the United States, launching him into global prominence.
Career highlights
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Tom Jones released numerous successful tracks such as What's New Pussycat, Green, Green Grass of Home, Delilah, and She's a Lady. He also recorded the theme song for the James Bond film Thunderball in 1965. He received the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966.
He performed regularly in Las Vegas from 1967 to 2011. In addition to music, he hosted the television variety show This Is Tom Jones from 1969 to 1971, earning a Golden Globe nomination. He later served as a coach on the television talent show The Voice UK.
Family and honors
Tom Jones married Linda Woodward, and the couple had children named Jonathan Berkery and Mark Woodward. His family life remained largely private while he maintained a demanding global touring and television schedule.
Over the years, he received significant honors for his contributions to music. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1998 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Birthday and age
Tom Jones was born on June 7, 1940, which makes Tom 86 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Tom shares the date with 49 other famous people.
Explore more
