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."
She's a Lady
Tom Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's the kind I like to flaunt and take to dinner
But she always knows her place
She's got style, she's got grace, she's a winner
She's a lady
Oh, whoa, whoa, she's a lady
Talkin' about that little lady
And the lady is mine
Well, she's never in the way
Always something nice to say, and what a blessin'
I can leave her on her own
Knowin' she's okay alone and there's no messin'
She's a lady
Oh, whoa, whoa, she's a lady
Talkin' about that little lady
And the lady is mine
Well, she never asks very much
And I don't refuse her
Always treat her with respect
I never would abuse her
What she's got is hard to find
And I don't want to lose her
Help me build a mountain
From a little pile of clay, hey hey hey
Well, she knows what I'm about
She can take what I dish out, and that's not easy
But she knows me through and through
And she knows just what to do and how to please me
She's a lady
Oh, whoa, whoa, she's a lady
Talkin' about that little lady
And the lady is mine
Yeah, yeah, yeah, she's a lady
Oh, whoa, whoa, she's a lady
Listen to me people she's a lady
Yeah yeah yeah yeah she's a lady
Whoa whoa whoa she's a lady
Talkin' about the little lady
Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa
She's a lady
Yeah yeah yeah she's a lady
Whoa whoa lord, she's a lady
I can't live without that
She's a lady
Ooh ooh she's a lady
Tom Jones's song "She's a Lady" is a tribute to a strong female figure who is confidant and classy. The song describes the woman's physical traits with lines such as "she's got style, she's got grace." This lady is always respectful and never demanding, making her a perfect match for the singer. Although she is content in her independence, the singer promises to respect and cherish her. The song suggests that a woman's class and inner strength are what make her most attractive to a man.
The song speaks to the societal expectations for women during the era it was written in. The 1970s were a time of flux for women's rights, as women were gaining more freedom in the workplace and in politics. The song suggests a preference for a woman who is demure and not demanding. The words of the song express an affinity for strong women, albeit within a narrow conceptualization of femininity.
Tom Jones's "She's a Lady" was a chart-topping single during the early 70s, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's longevity furthered its popularity, as it was used in the movie "Grown Ups 2" and in episodes of shows like "Everybody Hates Chris." The song was co-written by Paul Anka, who is best known for his songwriting credits for "My Way" made famous by Frank Sinatra.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, she's all you'd ever want
She possesses all the qualities that one desires in a partner
She's the kind I like to flaunt and take to dinner
She's the kind of woman that he likes to show off to others and take out for fancy meals
But she always knows her place
Despite her admirable qualities and elegance, she remains humble and respectful
She's got style, she's got grace, she's a winner
She's not only attractive and sophisticated but also accomplished and successful
She's a lady
She represents class, elegance, and femininity
Talkin' about that little lady
He's emphasizing her petite and delicate nature affectionately
And the lady is mine
He feels fortunate to have her as his exclusive partner
Well, she's never in the way
She's never a hindrance or a nuisance to him
Always something nice to say, and what a blessin'
She always has a pleasant and positive thing to say, which he considers a blessing
I can leave her on her own
He trusts her to be independent and capable when he's not around
Knowin' she's okay alone and there's no messin'
He's confident that she's fine on her own and won't get into any trouble
She never asks very much
She's not demanding or high-maintenance
And I don't refuse her
He willingly fulfills any reasonable requests that she makes
Always treat her with respect
He never disrespects or mistreats her
I never would abuse her
He would never use his power or authority to harm or take advantage of her
What she's got is hard to find
He recognizes that a woman with her qualities is rare and valuable
And I don't want to lose her
He doesn't want to let go of such a wonderful partner
Help me build a mountain
He wants to work together with her to achieve something great
From a little pile of clay, hey hey hey
He believes that they can start with something small and turn it into something impressive and substantial
Well, she knows what I'm about
She understands his personality, values, and goals
She can take what I dish out, and that's not easy
She can handle his behavior or criticism, which may be difficult for others to tolerate
But she knows me through and through
She knows him completely, including his flaws and strengths
And she knows just what to do and how to please me
She's aware of what makes him happy and satisfied, and she puts that into practice
Listen to me people she's a lady
He wants others to recognize and appreciate her worth and qualities
Yeah yeah yeah yeah she's a lady
He's expressing his enthusiasm and admiration for her
Whoa whoa whoa she's a lady
He's emphasizing her ladylike and refined behavior
I can't live without that
He's confessing that he can't imagine living without her
She's a lady
This line is repeated as a refrain, highlighting her essential nature and importance in his life
Ooh ooh she's a lady
This line is added for emphasis and dramatic effect, intensifying his admiration and love for her
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Paul Anka
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.