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."
Listen to the music
Tom Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People gettin' ready for the news
Some are happy, some are sad
Got to let the music play
What the people need
Is a way to make 'em smile
Ain't so hard to do if you know how
Gotta get a message
Get it on through
Got to let the music play
Let the music play
Let the music play
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
All the time
Let the music play
Well I know, you know better, everything I say
Meet me in the country for a day
We'll be happy and we'll dance
We're gonna dance the blues away
If I'm feelin' good to you and you're feelin' good to me
There ain't nothin' we can't do or say
Feelin' good, feelin' fine
Gonna let the music play
Let the music play
Let the music play
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
(Oh, yeah)
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
(Don't it make you feel good)
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
All the time
Like a lazy flowing river
Surrounding castles in the sky
The crowd is getting bigger
Listenin' for the happy sounds
I've got to let them fly
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
All the time
(Listen to the music, now)
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
All the time
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
All the time
Music is my sanctuary
Music is my life
Music is my sanctuary
Music is my life
Music is my sanctuary
Music is my life
Music is my sanctuary
Music is my life
In "Listen to the Music," Tom Jones sings about the power of music to bring people together and lift their spirits. The lyrics suggest that as the world changes and people face new challenges, they must turn to music to find solace and happiness. As the song progresses, Jones encourages his listeners to focus on the positive aspects of life that can be enhanced by listening to music.
The first part of the song focuses on the ways that people are changing and preparing themselves for new experiences. Some are happy about what is to come while others are sad. However, music - which helps to make people smile - can unite everyone. The song's catchy refrain encourages listeners to "let the music play" because it has the power to bring happiness and joy to people's lives.
In the second part of the song, Jones urges listeners to find opportunities to dance and have fun in the country. He suggests that when people are feeling good, there is nothing they can't do or say. The lyrics are filled with imagery that paints a picture of music as a lazy flowing river that can surround people's lives and lift them up. Music is a sanctuary for Jones and a metaphor for the importance of finding joy in life even when times are tough.
Overall, "Listen to the Music" is a song that encourages people to find happiness and meaning in their lives by tuning into the power of music. It suggests that music can provide a refuge from the challenges and changes that life brings and can inspire people to find joy and connection through listening to its rhythms and beats.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you feel it growin', day by day
Can't you sense the music getting stronger and thriving each day?
People gettin' ready for the news
Individuals are preparing themselves for the melodies that lie in store
Some are happy, some are sad
The music may bring joy to some but sadness to others
Got to let the music play
It is imperative to allow the music to be heard and to not hinder it
What the people need
The masses must be given
Is a way to make 'em smile
A means for the people to be happy
Ain't so hard to do if you know how
It's not a difficult task if you are aware of how to do it
Gotta get a message
A communication must be facilitated
Get it on through
Ensure that it reaches everyone
Got to let the music play
It is imperative to allow the music to be heard and to not hinder it
Let the music play
Allow the music to flow unimpeded
Oh, oh, oh listen to the music
Pay attention to the song's rhythm and melody
All the time
Continuously
Well I know, you know better, everything I say
You may have a better understanding of what I'm saying than I do
Meet me in the country for a day
Join me for a day in the countryside
We'll be happy and we'll dance
We'll be content and we'll dance
We're gonna dance the blues away
We'll dance to alleviate our sadness
If I'm feelin' good to you and you're feelin' good to me
If we both feel content and glad about each other
There ain't nothin' we can't do or say
We can accomplish anything and express anything we please
Feelin' good, feelin' fine
We feel content and joyous
Gonna let the music play
We'll allow the music to play without interference
Like a lazy flowing river
Just like a brook that floats languidly downstream
Surrounding castles in the sky
Encompassing imaginary castles in the sky
The crowd is getting bigger
The gathering of individuals is expanding
Listenin' for the happy sounds
Listening for the uplifting melodies
I've got to let them fly
I have to let the melodies soar
Music is my sanctuary
Melodies are my refuge from the world
Music is my life
Music is my reason for living
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tom Johnston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidhipo3396
Lyrics:
Don't you feel it growin', day by day
People gettin' ready for the news
Some are happy, some are sad
Oh, we gotta let the music play
What the people need
Is a way to make 'em smile
It ain't so hard to do if you know how
Gotta get a message
Get it on through
Oh, now mama's go'n' to after 'while
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
All the time
Well I know, you know better
Everything I say
Meet me in the country for a day
We'll be happy
And we'll dance
Oh, we're gonna dance our blues away
And if I'm feelin' good to you
And you're feelin' good to me
There ain't nothin' we can't do or say
Feelin' good, feeling fine
Oh, baby, let the music play
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
All the time
Like a lazy flowing river
Surrounding castles in the sky
And the crowd is growing bigger
List'nin' for the happy sounds
And I have to let them fly
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
All the time
@toppop
Listen now to Listen To The Music by Doobie Brothers in better quality than you've ever imagined!👉 https://youtu.be/By7LR8jmvmE
We remastered some of the best clips on the TopPop YouTube channel in HD. We also upgraded the sound from the original masterfile, to give you the best possible experience. Enjoy the great legacy of Toppop in HD!
@elizabethsales1543
Thanks a lot! I was 12 years los when I first listened it. Now I'm 60 and still jaming!!
@carmelasposito4150
No matter how much you may think you have remastered; I am happy with listening to the originals. But I will check out your version. Change can be a good thing. 🥰
@williamsprinklesr5036
Tune it up
@jimmyrayseafood6882
🥰👻
@douglasskaalrud6865
You used the short version without the subtle banjo in there
@Roland25111
I miss the 70s ! Simpler times it reflects in the music
Anybody agree??
@conniebetser4737
YES THEY WERE SIMPLER TIMES...FUN LOVING...PEACE LOVING...DIDNT LOCK THE HOUSE DOWN LIKE FORT KNOX....DIDNT HAVE TO PEOPLE WERE PEACEFUL NOT VIOLENT...LIKE NOW.,,..❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊
@danilaroche1156
Of course.
@beverlyfunderburk8516
Yes, this was played at every musicfest or concert back then. Folk struggling to get a seat and dancing to the beat on a hot summer night. I remember. This will be one of my funeral songs