celebrity profile
with a true rhythm and blues soul. Tom was a key player in Martin Scorsese’s Red White & Blues series, and in 2004 released an album of roots rock n roll with Jools Holland. In 2008, 24 Hours was a critical career highlight with many of the self-penned tracks providing an insightful and evocative reflection of Tom’s spirited and rich life. 2010 saw a change of direction with Tom releasing his 39th studio album, Praise & Blame. The mantra was ‘get back to basics’, and the album was recorded as wholly live performances at Peter Gabriel’s studio in Bath, England, produced by Ethan Johns. The result witnessed a singer at the top of his game, with the songs themselves coaxing exhilarating performances out of Tom and his band.
Following the success of Praise &
Blame, in May 2012 Tom released Spirit in the Room. Paired once again with producer/guitarist Ethan Johns at Bath’s Real World Studios, this album like its predecessor, allows an unvarnished Tom to bring a voice to songs as only he can. Accompanied by Ethan Johns throughout, the album includes gems from a diverse choice of writers - Richard Thompson, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon and Paul McCartney amongst others. Spirit in the Room is simple, raw and soulful.
Tom was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006, an honour he deeply cherishes and was able to celebrate once again in 2012 when he performed at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace. Other highlights of his long career include receiving a BRIT Awards for Best Male and Outstanding Contribution to Music, a Silver Clef Award and a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Hitmaker Award from the [US] Songwriters Hall of Fame, GQ Man of the Year, and the prestigious [UK] Music Industry Trust Award. He has been animated as himself in The Simpsons, Duck Dodgers, The Emperor’s New Groove; other film roles
include Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks. In 2012 he landed his first acting role not playing himself, alongside Brenda Blethyn and Alison Steadman, in Playhouse Presents: King of The Teds for Sky Arts.
During a very successful touring year in 2014, Tom had the thrill of performing at the MCG in Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final, the premier sporting event in Australia, alongside Ed Sheeran. Later in the year, he had the honour of appearing at Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit concert and, back home, was pleased to close the first Annual BBC Music Awards, helping to salute a fantastic year of music across the BBC by performing alongside Paloma Faith, a chorus of hundreds and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
In 2015, Sir Tom continued his role as Coach on the 4th series of The Voice UK, working alongside
Will.i.am, Rita Ora and Ricky Wilson. In February 2015, a very special invitation was received to perform at the 25th Anniversary of MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honouring Bob Dylan. The following evening he sang a duet with Jessie J at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. After a busy few months touring, Sir Tom went into the latter part of 2015 with two very special releases, his first ever autobiography entitled Over the Top and Back (Penguin Books), and the book’s companion soundtrack entitled Long Lost Suitcase (VirginEMI/Caroline). In tribute to this iconic singer, March 2016 saw the launch of A Story of Tom Jones – The Musical at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. You can see the show in Surrey at Richmond Theatre from 17th to 21st May. For full tour details visit the website at www.
tomthemusical.co.uk
For Sir Tom it has always been about the power of the song, the power of the voice. Now a living legend, he continues to enjoy an outstanding recording and performing career.
www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com surrey magazine summer 2016 41
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