He rose to fame in the mid-1960s, with an exuberant live act which included wearing tight breeches and billowing shirts, in an Edwardian style popular amongst his peers at the time. He was known for his overt sexuality, before this was as common as it became in subsequent years.
In 1963 he became the frontman for Tommy Scott and the Senators, a local beat group. Clad all in black leather, Tom soon gained a reputation in the South Wales area. The Senators were still all unheard of in London.
In 1964 they laid down a few tracks with maverick Telstar producer Joe Meek, and took them to various labels in an attempt to get a record deal. The plan was to release a single, Lonely Joe / I Was A Fool, but the ever-flighty Meek refused to release the tapes. The group returned to South Wales and continued to play gigs at dance halls and working mens clubs. One night, at the Top Hat in Cwmtillery, Tom was spotted by Gordon Mills, a London-based manager originally from South Wales. Mills became Tom's manager, and took the young singer to London. He also renamed him Tom Jones. The Senators became the Playboys, and later still the Squires.
Jones was awarded the Grammy Award for Best New Artist for 1965. It's Not Unusual, after the song having first been offered to Sandie Shaw. Jones recorded what was intended to be a demo for Shaw, but when she heard it she was so impressed with Jones' delivery that she declined the song and recommended that Jones release it himself. The record was the second Decca single Jones released, reaching number one in the UK charts in 1965. It was also the first hit for Jones in the US, peaking at #10 in May of that year. The single was released in the US on the Parrot label and also reached #3 on Billboard's easy listening chart. Jones used this song as the theme for his late 1960s-early 1970s musical variety series This Is Tom Jones. It has since become Jones' signature song.
In 1965 Tom sang the theme tune to the James Bond film Thunderball.
Jones' recording career slumped on the pop charts during the 1970s and 80s, although he placed 16 singles on the Billboard Country Music charts between 1976 and 1985, the biggest of which was "Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow" (# 1 Country, # 15 pop) in 1977, and his touring continued successfully. When his son Mark became his manager in 1987, his musical style was taken in a different direction. His recording career was revived with his first major hit single in over a decade, "A Boy From Nowhere", taken from the musical Matador. In 1988 he collaborated with The Art of Noise to record Prince's popular song "Kiss". Following this, he started to record in collaboration with a younger generation of musicians
His Reload album, released in 2000, became the biggest hit of his career. An album of cover versions recorded as duets with contemporary artists, using their record producers, and utilising their recording methods, it reached number one in the United Kingdom, and sold over 4 million copies worldwide.[1] In 2002, he released the album Mr. Jones, which was produced by Wyclef Jean and included the singles "Tom Jones International" and "Black Betty". In 2003, he was honored with a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2004, his "Sex Bomb" single became a major club hit.
On New Year's Eve 2000 President Bill Clinton invited Tom to perform at the Millennium Celebrations in Washington. Throughout 2000, Tom garnered several honours for his work, including a Brit Award for Best Male. In 2001 Tom toured throughout the Middle East and Europe. In subsequent years Tom recorded albums in collaboration with such artists as Wyclef Jean and Jools Holland.
In celebration of his 65th birthday, on 28 May 2005 Tom returned to his homeland to perform a spectacular concert in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd. This was Tom's first performance in Ponty since 1964.
For his contribution to the recording industry, Tom Jones has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6608 Hollywood Blvd.
In 2005 the album Together In Concert, was recorded live with John Farnham and his band.
He has collaborated with Chicane for "Stoned in Love", a dance track that was released 24 April 2006. It entered at number eight in the UK charts the following Sunday.
In 2007, he signed to New York-based independent label S-Curve, owned by music executive Steve Greenberg.
The singer was awarded an OBE in 1999 and a Knight Bachelor in the 2006 New Years Honours list for his services to music and was subsequently knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, London on 29 March 2006.[7]
On 1 July 2007, Jones was one of the invited artists who performed at Wembley Stadium at the Concert for Diana, joined on stage by guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith and British soul singer Joss Stone. He sang the British National Anthem before Ricky Hatton's fight against Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on 8 December 2007. On 19 April 2008 he sang the Welsh National Anthem at the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight in Las Vegas.
Although his manager and public relations staff have attempted to change his sex-bomb image and neutralize the knicker-throwing fans, to the delight of his audiences Jones has never felt the need to tone down his behavior in the shows. Tom Jones has remained highly respected by other singers and continues to attract audiences of all ages. As of 2008, Jones continues to tour and record. A major portion of the year he regularly performs his show at the MGM Grand hotel, located on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, USA. His show at the MGM is performed in a cabaret-style theater. Other venues on his yearly schedule include numerous shows at Atlantic City, NJ and appearances in the USA, United Kingdom and Canada. In February 2007, Jones made a long-awaited South American tour.
On 17 September 2008, Jones announced the release of his retro-tinged album "24 Hours" on S-Curve Records, his first for 15 years in the US; notably, this is the first record in which he's had a direct song-writing input. It was produced largely by drum'n'bass stalwarts Future Cut.
"It's all very well just singing songs," says Jones, "but for this record I really wanted to get properly personal. I've been getting reflective recently, looking over my journey through life, and I wanted to get that down on song. This time I wanted to make something that was all about me, my stories, my life. In other words, you listen to this album and you get the real me."
Driving My Life Away
Tom Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Steep grade up ahead, slow me down, makin' no time,
But I got to keep rollin'
Those windshield wipers slappin' out a tempo,
Keepin' perfect rhythm with the song on the radio,
But I got to keep rollin'.
Ooh, I'm drivin' my life away, lookin' for a better way
Well; the truck stop cutie comin' on to me,
Tried to talk me into a ride;
Said I wouldn't be sorry, but she was just a baby.
Hey, waitress, pour me another cup of coffee,
Pop it down, jack me up, shoot me out, flyin' down the highway,
Lookin' for the mornin'.
Ooh, I'm drivin' my life away, lookin' for a better way
"Driving My Life Away" is a song by Welsh singer Tom Jones that was released in 1980. Lyrically, the song is about a person who is driving on a rainy night and is trying to reach their destination despite the obstacles they face. The song speaks about a steep grade up ahead that slows the driver down, making them lose time. However, the singer is determined to keep going and refuses to be held back by anything.
The lyrics also mention the windshield wipers slapping out a tempo that keeps perfect rhythm with the song on the radio. This detail signifies the driver's interest in music and the comfort it brings them while they are driving. The chorus repeats "Ooh, I'm drivin' my life away, lookin' for a better way" twice, which suggests that the driver is on a journey not just to reach a physical destination, but also a metaphorical one, where they are searching for a better life and a brighter future.
Towards the end of the song, the truck stop cutie comes onto the driver, trying to convince them to ride with her. However, the driver declines the offer, indicating that they are not willing to get sidetracked from their journey by any distractions. The song ends on a positive note, as the driver looks forward to a brighter morning.
Line by Line Meaning
Well the midnight headlights blind you on a rainy night
In the dark and rain, the bright headlights of other cars can be blinding and make it difficult to see.
Steep grade up ahead, slow me down, makin' no time
The upcoming hill is steep, which is slowing down the car and causing a delay.
But I got to keep rollin'
Despite the obstacles, the driver needs to continue driving.
Those windshield wipers slappin' out a tempo
The sound and rhythm of the windshield wipers are like music.
Keepin' perfect rhythm with the song on the radio
The sound of the windshield wipers matches the beat of the song on the radio.
But I got to keep rollin'
No matter what, the driver must keep moving forward.
Ooh, I'm drivin' my life away, lookin' for a better way
The driver is hoping to find a better path in life through this journey.
Ooh, I'm drivin' my life away, lookin' for a sunny day
The driver is searching for a happier and brighter future.
Well; the truck stop cutie comin' on to me
A woman at a truck stop is interested in the driver.
Tried to talk me into a ride
She tried to convince him to take her with him.
Said I wouldn't be sorry, but she was just a baby
Despite her reassurances, the woman is young and inexperienced.
Hey, waitress, pour me another cup of coffee
The driver asks the waitress for more coffee.
Pop it down, jack me up, shoot me out, flyin' down the highway
After drinking the coffee, the driver feels more energized and speeds down the highway.
Lookin' for the mornin'
The driver is searching for a sense of hope or a new beginning.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID MALLOY, EDDIE RABBITT, EVEN STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@joanne26
Yes I agree with you
The music industry, actually the whole entertainment industry as gone so WOKE, GENDER Neutral
The days of Tom on any stage
Himself, microphone, orchestra and his energy
When you could hear every word
I love every song Tom sings. They are all my favourites
I was born in 1965 and still live the music from the 60’s and 70’s
Could you imagine Tom and Elvis on any stage together
It’s sad that this did not happen
♥️♥️😢😢🙏🙏😭😭🤩😁⚡️⚡️🏴🏴🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@Tom_jones00
Hello amazing fan.
Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I’ve seen a whole lot of “RIP” attached to my name all over the internet. This is the reason I decided to debunk this false new of my demise.
Late Ton Jones was the one who conceived the twist on Romeo and Juliet with composer, John Donald Robb. He died on the 11th of August of cancer in his home in Sharon.
Please disregard all the false publications on the internet.I’m still alive and much healthy.
Thank you beloved fan.
For further clarification,I added my personal mailing address on the description and on the Channel banner. Thank you so much, may you have a beautiful day ahead🙏
@michaelplatter3281
Released in 1971 - Who like it in 2024 ?
@sheilarussell1546
Love ❤ 😍 it in 2022
@michaelplatter3281
@@sheilarussell1546 Of course 2022.
@sheilarussell1546
Check out Tom Jones in concert singing "She's A Lady" @@michaelplatter3281
@RitaSora
Always will love Tom and this great song!
@revu34
A "straight banger", as they say.
@anthonypoorman8332
I’m here listening in 2024 ❤❤❤
@davidwright4495
I'm 58 yrs. old and I miss the 70's and 80's. PERIOD.
@OllyMursofficial11
Sounds amazing 😅
@jane_7193
I agree 100 per cent. I am like you, 58, I know. Young people do not know what crappy times we are living and experiencing now. Plastic times.