Adam, what are the odds? My Mother is dying, she’s 90 and in hospice, they think she’ll pass in the next few days, Tom Jones was her favorite!!! So again, considering you’ve never featured Tom Jones before, this feels like a wink from God that He’s letting me know her passing will be okay and I’ll see her again!!! 😊❤
@ absolutely!! It’s so random that I can’t imagine it’s a simple coincidence, and thank you for your condolences, she lived a long and happy life and she LOVED to dance!!! ☺️
I was Burt Bacharach's keyboardist and Music Director for many years... one of the most fun performances we ever did of "What's New, Pussycat?" was with Mike Meyers on the "One Amazing Night" TV special... a very special reading of the song by Mike, complete with a breakaway tuxedo and dance routine with-you guessed it-pussycat dancing girls. It never ceases to be a magically bizarre song!
Hey Rob - your work with Burt was fantastic, and the fact that you stuck along with him for so long is an indication of how much Burt respected your musicianship - and that’s a mighty high accomplishment. I was in the third row for that performance, and I will NEVER forget it - I think it’s the definitive live performance.
Tom's rendition of Green, Green Grass of Home can still bring tears to my eyes, even after all these years. What a performer is was and still is. Loved his duet with Janis Joplin back in '69 which I only discovered a couple of years ago. His vocals are unmatched and ladies do I dare say it... he looked amazing in his all black leather outfits.🥰🤩🥰
He has sung with some very impressive partners over the years, including Janis Joplin, CSNY, and check his cover of the Talking Heads hit "Burning Down the House" with the Cardigans.
My fiancé, Jason, always said She’s A Lady describes me perfectly. Jason died unexpectedly a few years ago. Every time I hear She’s A Lady my heart smiles!!
My dad n family use to watch him on his shoe in 70s, many moons ago, my favorite is green green grass of home....I will have to check out this movie I think I seen it as a youngen....gud shew
I was a child in the 60's but remember my parents playing Tom's music. One of the great singers. Burt Bacharach + Hal David + Dionne Warwick = Timeless Music!
I was about 5 when this song was popular. I remember walking down the street with my neighbor friend and she would sing this song at the top of her lungs, lol. Oh the innocence of youth. We thought we were singing about kittens 😂
To hear him sing I'm Never Gonna Fall in Love Again is a truly stunning experience. Yes, my mother never missed his show. But I loved him too, as a kid in the 60s, and never stopped being a fan.
I'm an Elvis fanatic but I'm Never Gonna Fall In Love Again is one of very few songs that I prefer the more popular version of Tom Jones over Elvis's version.
I may have born in the late 60's, but i remember seeing Tom Jones on those variety shows of the early 70's. He was my first "music" crush until i was introduced to Billy Joel at the age of 10. Yes, Sir Tom Jones still has an amazing voice.
Hey Professor! -- Great episode. But don't forget Tom Jones unforgettable James Bond theme "Thunderball"! -- it's big, bold and filled with bravado -- just like Bond himself
My first crush! I’m still a young girl at heart when I sing along with Tom Jones! I was very young back then and I wasn’t going to miss a single show or appearance! Here’s to you TOM JONES!
Agree Tom is GREAT. His voice is still strong and clear after all these years and he is a star in all ways. Glad to listen to this episode because Tom is super. Thanks Prof!!!
I just turned 57 on Dec 15. Tom Jones is my first, and all-time, favorite. His show on tv is the first thing I can remember watching. His live at the Flamingo is the first album I ever owned, and I STILL HAVE IT TO THIS DAY. Along with three cleaner copies, as I ruined my original in youth. Best singer ever. Cornell and Rodgers are best rock vocalists, but Sir Tom is just INCREDIBLE.... to this day even. Thank you for covering this incredible talent!!!!
"What's New, Pussycat" is a song my mom used to sing to me when I was in utero. One of her favorite memories was rolling down Pacific Coast Highway in Cali with the top down in her MG heavily pregnant with me singing this song at the top of her lungs. Miss you, mom.
😇 "Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!" Henry Scott-Holland. "Death Is Nothing At All."
Thank you so much for this look at this icon. My mother was a big fan and we actually played 'It's Not Unusul' at my wedding for her. EVERYBODY loved it!
"She's A Lady" came out the SAME TIME as the "I Am Woman" phenom, it was VERY interesting to see how "The Tiger" was left alone by the f-emin-sts! ...ha-HAAA!
Tom Jones is the male equivalent of Cher!! He's going to be around forever!! You can always recognize his voice!! A living legend!! A Pop Culture staple for years to come!! Great video again, Professor Of Rock!! Cindy Snow
You're so right about "It's Not Unusual". I can't think of another song that is more of a signature for a certain artist. My mother loved Tom Jones till the day she died.😉
@@xray86delta every artist has a "career song"... with Engelbert its Release Me, with Dean Martin its "Everybody loves somebody sometime", Sinatra its "Strangers in the night", Bobby Darin had Mack the Knife, Wayne Newton had Danke Shane
I grew up with my parents playing Engelbert Humperdinck (just listened to one of his Christmas Specials), Tom Jones, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and others. I admit it: I still like a lot of my parents' musical preferences.
My mom took me to an Engelbert Humperdinck concert when I was a young teen, I'm 65 now and still remember it. She made me wear a long dress, I'm sitting with her now as she suffers with dementia at 85.
As a young kid I first learned to appreciate Tom Jones because of his television show "This Is Tom Jones" (1969-71), and since the mid-70s my music library (records, cassettes, CDs...) has always included Tom Jones. As always, thank you so very much for the videos. And I loved the ending of "Mars Attacks" (1996) singing "It's Not Unusual".
At the end of his show, didn’t he say goodbye in Welsh? Years ago after a brief day trip to Cardiff, Wales with a stop at Cardiff Castle, I saw a TV show from the castle starring Tom.
Mine, too. I remember watching both of these singers with my grandmother on her giant console TV she would stand up whenever either one of them were on and sway and giggle at every hip thrust, like a school girl. I think about her whenever I hear either of those names. ❤️Gran
Sir Tom definitely has one of the most iconic voices and still exudes so much charm, soul, and sex-appeal while still being a true gentleman and fantastic story teller. He is a living legend. He is definitely on my top ten list of greatest male vocalists of all time. I still have many of Sir Tom's hits in my playlist and any and every time I hear that incredible guitar intro to She's a Lady I have to stop, crank it up, and dance! Great episode as always, Professor! Thanks for featuring Tom Jones, such an interesting career and master vocalist. His duets with the Icons, Ray Charles and Dusty Springfield from his variety show are perfection!
Saw him at the House of Blues in Hollywood in the mid-2000s. Went in thinking it would be goofy and campy, but the guy BLEW THE ROOF OFF THE JOINT. He had horns, girls and hits - he ROCKED. One of the best shows I've ever seen, primarily because it was a small room, one that he filled to the rafters. Been telling people about it ever since, they usually look at me a little strangely - they don't get it, because they weren't there. Thanks for the memories, Tom!
Great topic!! I once interviewed Burt about this song, and he told me that he had used 5 “tack” pianos played simultaneously to make that old-timey carousel/Kurt Weill piano bit right before each verse really stand out.
Check out the LP cover for A-TOM-IC JONES some time - it’s in deeply questionable taste, but it also captures the explosive nature of Tom’s voice kinda perfectly.
Yes, "Thunderball" (1965) was a good Bond movie and Tom's singing of the song in the opening credits is fantastic. Not too many singers get the chance to sing for a Bond movie, but he did.
The first time I heard Tom Jones' voice, I was sitting at a bar with my husband, who had gone over to talk to someone, the jukebox came on & this incredible male voice literally shook the room with "She's a Lady, wo oh wo, she's a lady," &, believe me, the room isn't all that shook! "The" greatest "Voice" ever in pop music.
My mother loved Tom Jones. I was able to take her to see him in concert much later in his career but he blew the roof off the place. I love his version of "You Can Leave Your Hat On" which he did for the movie The Full Monty. He voice is still amazing. I love your channel. Your interviews with artists are so insightful and your passion for keeping great classic music alive is inspiring. You are the best!
Ah, Tom Jones! My dad was a baritone; he filled our house with Tom Jones, Andy Williams, Jack Jones, and many others. What I remember most about Tom Jones is seeing how much fun he had singing. Tom brought a zest for life attitude into his performances. I remember that same happy feeling whenever I heard or watched him perform. I still smile when I think about him.
Wow, it's great to see you cover Tom Jones. An incredible singer that many have referred to as "The Voice". He's in his 80's and still going strong performing concerts. So many great songs which you mentioned
What a COMPELLING introduction! I was only gonna listen for 60 seconds… but you made the story sound SO COOL in just a few seconds that you got all of my time!! You’re awesome!
You had some great shows in the past. Adam, this one is a true jewel. It’s filled with gems throughout and reveals how a guy like Tom, can make a mark in the history of rock, even though he didn’t “ feel “ it was a good thing for him. He’s a much underrated vocalist, but one of the most successful male sex symbols in rock. Hats off to Tom
I remember going to the record store with my mom and buying one of his albums! What a voice! He was a legend! I could listen to his songs over and over again especially “ I Who Have Nothing” ! Thank you for your stories of Tom Jones!
Tom Jones will always remind me of my Aunt Mary (may she rest in peace). Aunt Mary was a member of the Tom Jones fan club and went to see him whenever he was in Atlantic City or the NYC area. Her prize possession was a framed picture of herself with Tom that she kept with the family pictures in the living room. She took her nieces (5 of us) to see him in Long Island in the mid-70s - I think it was the Westbury Music Fair. I honestly don't remember much of the show, but I remember it was fun!
When I toured with John Denver (as the Starland Vocal Band's Road Manager) in the summer of 1976 it would be a few years before meeting Tom Jones. He came over to hang with us in Kenny Rogers' dressing room at the Riviera Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas.
@@lizkrinsky5209 We were in Louisville, Kentucky at that time; I remember it was warm out don't recall the exact date. I didn't know to save my ticket stub but I do still have all from subsequent concerts.
@ it was really warm in St. Louis that day. By the time Of the concert we were under thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches. The sky looked really dodgy when we went into the arena but all was well. What a great first concert it turned out to be. My next concert was Queen. Two totally different kinds of music and both incredible and unforgettable. What a great time to be a music loving teenager.
After she graduated from high school, my daughter confessed to me how she secretly loved my music choices. Talk about a big ole hug from a kid who was raised on Metallica when at school. Now, all these years later as i giddily listen to TJ with my volume turned way down to not disturb others in the house, i find myself transported back to happy memories. Thank you Prof Adam!!!
My mom loved Tom Jones growing up, I never knew he was British until his comeback in the 90s. He was Mr. Steal Your Girl and Steal Your Record, did amazing cover versions of popular 90s songs.
This was a fun one, love the trivia. I was a kid during the 70s and was absolutely grossed out by Tom Jones on TV but my folks thought he was pretty cool. He has a great voice that I’ve come to appreciate.
I saw Tom Jones sing in NH in 1981. My chorus teacher had a deal with a small local nursing home. She would drag us over to sing songs throughout the school year, they would invite us to their small concerts. He came, played 2 songs, ‘She’s a Lady,’ and ‘It’s so Unusual’ and he left. It was like watching old Elvis struggling to sing old songs. Tom had his shirt unbuttoned to his belt buckle, over dyed big hair, teenage girl me was grossed out. My choral teacher almost fainted with lust.
🤣🤣🤣That's so funny. Tom became very uncool from the mid 70s to the late 80s, but to his credit he was always able to laugh at himself, even going so far as to appear with British comedian Lenny Henry in sketches which sent up his outdated macho man image . That was actually the start of his comeback. He reconnected with audiences, reinvented himself musically, and took off again. All credit to him
I can understand the “fainted with lust” comment………once in a while a man comes along that is like a male Marilyn Monroe and just extrudes pure lust…….and……that IS Sir TOM JONES………..oh, yes! Tom Jones is one of my two all time favorite singers…….I do love him and have lusted after him since 1965. Saw him live in 1974 in Ft. Worth, Texas……….Oh, my goodness!
First time caller here...just found you, Professor! You do an amazing job of synthesizing a LOT of information in a succinct and entertaining manner. Many thanks...am old school and appreciate your effort!
I’m now 61 and absolutely love Tom! He’s even proven that he’s right on top with Elvis ⭐️⭐️❤️ because he’s lasted and was truly right there for those classic days when Elvis was THE MAN! I love hearing about their friendship ⭐️
This was another awesome episode about Tom Jones and I have heard most of his songs over the years especially on AM radio during the 70's and 80's i still hear them occasionally on RUclips Thanks again Professor and have a Happy New Year this Wednesday.🎶🎉🥳📻🥳🎉🎶
I am madly in love with Tom Jones . I am so happy you are featuring him on your channel. I would appreciate it if you also featured Engelbert Humperdinck as well. 🙂🍷
I'm a singer and I have always considered Tom Jones one of the best singers ever, period! His cover of Kiss... just wow! Another fantastic singer I would love to see you cover is David Clayton Thomas of Blood Sweat and Tears!
Thank you, Professor, for giving us the story behind the song, "What's New Pussycat?" Tom's voice is incredible and perfect for this song. And I loved watching the bizarre movie, "What's New Pussycat?" as a kid - even if it's not a movie for children. 🙀 Cheers. 😻
The most impressive thing about Tom Jones is that je grew up in abject poverty. His father died young. He was a coalminer. Je came from nothing, not unlike the American phenomenon Elvis. Good for them both. He handled stardom better, though, and is still around and going strong. 😊
2:54 Please, I hear this a lot from Americans. You don't say 'Queen Elizabeth two' despite how it's written. You say 'Queen Elizabeth the second'. She was a monarch, not a movie sequel.
So sorry.. Not really!!! I'm not sorry!! You have given the UK. And especially London over to migrants and Islamists who hate you and all you stand for and THIS is the hill you're going to die on??? We call her "Q-E-2"
We always had to watch the Tom Jones Show on Saturdays after cartoons when I was younger. Being elementary school age I didn’t appreciate it at all. I do now. Thanks.
Tom Jones was on the TV all the time in the 60's. I used to dance on the coffee table in front of the TV for my family. I tried my best to immitate him. I was 4 years old. Man I wish they had video recorders back then. I was serious but, it had to be hilarious!
I’m now 61 and have those same memories 🎤 I used a wooden spoon 🥄 for a microphone. I’ve been blessed to make my living as a Recording Artist/Producer ✊ Nicky D “I Need That Soul “ 💥🥊
I’ve loved TJ since I was 14 yrs old. My children knew this and when my son was getting married he suggested we dance to one of Tom’s songs. I chose My Mother’s Eyes. It made me so happy. ❤
My mother and aunt went to see him back in the early seventies. They were in the front row, and my aunt ended up with a sweaty handkerchief from him. I believe she still has it to this day.
Fantastic tribute to such a magnificent voice. This goes hand-in-hand with your tribute to Neal Diamond. My recommendation for another of this genre: Engelbert Humperdink!
At a friend’s wedding reception, one of the guests had a cute little cat. The Groom seized the opportunity and danced with the kitty to “What’s New Pussycat.” At one point he did the Lion King thing (presenting kitty to the world) and I burst out with laughter. :)
John Mulaney has an amazing bit about playing "What's New Pussycat?" 21 times in a row on a diner jukebox. Very funny stuff. It's actually what got me to stop and listen further into Tom Jones' catalogue.
I was around 6 or 7 when "What's New Pussycat" came out. My parents actually took me to see the movie (and it was pretty funny). Back then, a LOT more novelty songs appeared on the radio than now. We had just transitioned from "Camelot" to The British Invasion, and Tom was part of that. What amazes me most about Sir Tom is that he still sounds exactly the same as he did 50 years ago. I was watching old Ed Sullivan performances he did back to back with shots of him doing his nightclub act more recently. He doesn't gyrate the way he used to (sigh...okay, he's in his 80s), but when you close your eyes, that sexy voice is still very much there.
At 19 years old in 1969 I saw Tom Jones live in LA at the Greek outdoor theater. My Mom was a big fan and I knew she would want to hear about it. Great experience. The warm up band was Friend’s 20:01 Of Distinction singing Grazing In The Grass
A mixture of Tom Jones and Burt Bacharach just couldn't fail ! What Magical times the 60's were , so full of greats songs , great singers and creativity ! It was like living in a permanent spring time , where everything felt so new and exciting !
Working as a venue usher, i was able to see tom jones in concert. I can still remember the excitement throughout the venue and jones' amazing performance. And he's still going strong.
Tom Jones, the only musical phenomenom of the 60's my mother an I agreed on. She even hated the Beatles, but Tom always had me swaying and gyrating right alongside her. That was when I was 12 and I still love Tom at 70. Thanks Prof, for the daily memories
Thank you so much for this Tom Jones memory! As a child of the 1960s, I was an odd little Black girl in Atlanta who loved Tom Jones!!! Particularly this iconic song!!
Poll: Who is your favorite SONGWRITERS or SONGWRITING TEAM of the Rock era?
Bernie Taupin & Elton John; Lennon & McCartney; Jagger & Richards; Plant & Page.
Page. Plant
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Jim Morrison, David Gates, Don McLean, and Jim Steinman.
Cash
Lynne
Dylan
Kristopherson
My Dad loved singing Tom Jones and when he sang What's New Pussycat his Siamese Cat sang along with it. What a great memory
Adam, what are the odds? My Mother is dying, she’s 90 and in hospice, they think she’ll pass in the next few days, Tom Jones was her favorite!!! So again, considering you’ve never featured Tom Jones before, this feels like a wink from God that He’s letting me know her passing will be okay and I’ll see her again!!! 😊❤
That's so awesome! My condolences my friend! What a cool thing.
@ absolutely!! It’s so random that I can’t imagine it’s a simple coincidence, and thank you for your condolences, she lived a long and happy life and she LOVED to dance!!! ☺️
I am praying for you and your mother Kari.
My dad would have said, "she had a good run" (like a race horse). My parents both had "good runs". May we all be so fortunate!
❤❤❤❤❤❤
I was Burt Bacharach's keyboardist and Music Director for many years... one of the most fun performances we ever did of "What's New, Pussycat?" was with Mike Meyers on the "One Amazing Night" TV special... a very special reading of the song by Mike, complete with a breakaway tuxedo and dance routine with-you guessed it-pussycat dancing girls. It never ceases to be a magically bizarre song!
Awesome!!
Hey Rob - your work with Burt was fantastic, and the fact that you stuck along with him for so long is an indication of how much Burt respected your musicianship - and that’s a mighty high accomplishment. I was in the third row for that performance, and I will NEVER forget it - I think it’s the definitive live performance.
Great album. Chrissie Hyndes version of Baby It’s You is just incredible. Well done sir
Burt Bacharach wrote many iconic hits, which most folks, (Not you) have no idea.
Is Burt still with us, BTW?
@Thepelon1212- Burt passed away a few years ago.
When he sings those slower ballads his voice is absolutely flawless. “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” is beautiful.
So is the song , Green Green Grass Of Home
Right On.💜
@@CC-nl1boI love the slow ballads by Tom.
"Back when the Grammys were cool." OUCH! THAT'S gotta leave a mark - and SO true...
Also, back when an Oscar meant something.
That's when I watched them.
Ha!
They were never cool.
Seriously.
And back when I used to watch them.
@@kelf114How so? I thought they were. The music and talent were musical and talent-filled.
Tom's rendition of Green, Green Grass of Home can still bring tears to my eyes, even after all these years. What a performer is was and still is. Loved his duet with Janis Joplin back in '69 which I only discovered a couple of years ago. His vocals are unmatched and ladies do I dare say it... he looked amazing in his all black leather outfits.🥰🤩🥰
He was SO good looking. So funny that women threw their panties onto the stage.
He has sung with some very impressive partners over the years, including Janis Joplin, CSNY, and check his cover of the Talking Heads hit "Burning Down the House" with the Cardigans.
My fiancé, Jason, always said She’s A Lady describes me perfectly. Jason died unexpectedly a few years ago. Every time I hear She’s A Lady my heart smiles!!
My condolences to the family 💐
My dad n family use to watch him on his shoe in 70s, many moons ago, my favorite is green green grass of home....I will have to check out this movie I think I seen it as a youngen....gud shew
So glad you have such a warm memory and can smile instead of cry.
So sorry for your loss😢
That was his best! Pussy cat stunk!
I love anything Tom Jones sings! I have loved him since I was a child, I'm 65 now and still love him.
He's gross.
Right there with you! I fell in love with his voice when I was 7 and he sand With These Hands on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Same! Also 65!
My husband loved A Boy From Nowhere
I’m 67, and I was in love with the man!
I love it when you feature artists you've never done before. Tom Jones still sounds good to this day.
AMAZING pipes - saw him in Las Vegas several years ago - he ran his young band ragged - it was a spectacle...
I was a child in the 60's but remember my parents playing Tom's music. One of the great singers. Burt Bacharach + Hal David + Dionne Warwick = Timeless Music!
For sure!
They’re all magic!
I was about 5 when this song was popular. I remember walking down the street with my neighbor friend and she would sing this song at the top of her lungs, lol. Oh the innocence of youth. We thought we were singing about kittens 😂
Today, there's very little, to NOTHING
To hear him sing I'm Never Gonna Fall in Love Again is a truly stunning experience. Yes, my mother never missed his show. But I loved him too, as a kid in the 60s, and never stopped being a fan.
I love that song. I didn't hear it until I got his greatest hits and felt like I had been missing out on a great song.
I'm an Elvis fanatic but I'm Never Gonna Fall In Love Again is one of very few songs that I prefer the more popular version of Tom Jones over Elvis's version.
Mum never missed his show either . It was worldwide even in Australia.
@@Budman_4044I get it! But no one beats Elvis! Not ever!!!!
Unless you're Welsh then Elvis will always come second
I may have born in the late 60's, but i remember seeing Tom Jones on those variety shows of the early 70's. He was my first "music" crush until i was introduced to Billy Joel at the age of 10. Yes, Sir Tom Jones still has an amazing voice.
I thought he was cheesy.
Hey Professor! -- Great episode. But don't forget Tom Jones unforgettable James Bond theme "Thunderball"! -- it's big, bold and filled with bravado -- just like Bond himself
Who else could pull off hosting a solid show wearing a Guns n' Roses t-shirt while talking about Tom Jones? Props, Professor!
😆
Ha ha!
@@ProfessorofRock Speaking of t-shirts: you know your thumbnail has you wearing a Def Leppard T instead of the GnR in the actual video? Easy to fix...
😂
I could do that!
My first crush! I’m still a young girl at heart when I sing along with Tom Jones! I was very young back then and I wasn’t going to miss a single show or appearance! Here’s to you TOM JONES!
His version of “Green, Green Grass of Home” is a classic. Many people have recorded it, but Tom’s version is far and away the best!
My late mother’s favorite BTW.
Absolutely
Hes the original singer.
My mom was a big Tom Jones fan. When I was a kid, she brought me to see him with her, and that was my first concert!
Agree Tom is GREAT. His voice is still strong and clear after all these years and he is a star in all ways. Glad to listen to this episode because Tom is super. Thanks Prof!!!
Thanks Daniel!
"I'll Never Fall In Love Again" is a total underrated song from the legendary Tom Jones.
Amen!
Yes that’s a great one!
love that song
That’s my favorite! ❤
My favorite Tom Jones song!
Yep! Born in 1956 and as people our age we were blown away with all the best 🎶 music. 😊
I just turned 57 on Dec 15. Tom Jones is my first, and all-time, favorite. His show on tv is the first thing I can remember watching. His live at the Flamingo is the first album I ever owned, and I STILL HAVE IT TO THIS DAY. Along with three cleaner copies, as I ruined my original in youth. Best singer ever. Cornell and Rodgers are best rock vocalists, but Sir Tom is just INCREDIBLE.... to this day even. Thank you for covering this incredible talent!!!!
"What's New, Pussycat" is a song my mom used to sing to me when I was in utero. One of her favorite memories was rolling down Pacific Coast Highway in Cali with the top down in her MG heavily pregnant with me singing this song at the top of her lungs. Miss you, mom.
Precious, beautiful memory!
@kimquinn7728 My mom was a special woman. 😊
RIP to your Mom.She sounded like she had a lot of joy in her soul.
😇
"Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!"
Henry Scott-Holland. "Death Is Nothing At All."
@owlnswan4016 Thank you. Sincerely. 😊
Thank you so much for this look at this icon. My mother was a big fan and we actually played 'It's Not Unusul' at my wedding for her. EVERYBODY loved it!
Tom Jones is a legend, I learned "It's Not Unusual" from Carlton Banks, and I can't think of his dance moves without cracking up.
THat's right! The CARLTON!
YEAH WHAT AN ICONIC DANCE
She's A Lady has always been a huge favorite of mine! Used to watch TJ as a kid in the 60's. 🙂
Very cool! Thanks Rick!
"She's A Lady" came out the SAME TIME as the "I Am Woman" phenom, it was VERY interesting to see how "The Tiger" was left alone by the f-emin-sts! ...ha-HAAA!
She’s a Lady is a feel good classic.
She's A Lady NEVER gets old (Whoa, whoa, whoa!)! I have it on my mix CD in my truck.
Tom Jones is the male equivalent of Cher!! He's going to be around forever!! You can always recognize his voice!! A living legend!! A Pop Culture staple for years to come!! Great video again, Professor Of Rock!! Cindy Snow
.....and, he put a new Album TWO YEARS ago! ..."The Tiger", still TIGERIN' .... ; )
Well said Cindy!
Indeed! Hey RBS!
@@ProfessorofRock ...i commented, didja see it!?
I would say Volbeats lead singer is the male version of Cher...
You're so right about "It's Not Unusual". I can't think of another song that is more of a signature for a certain artist. My mother loved Tom Jones till the day she died.😉
@@xray86delta every artist has a "career song"... with Engelbert its Release Me, with Dean Martin its "Everybody loves somebody sometime", Sinatra its "Strangers in the night", Bobby Darin had Mack the Knife, Wayne Newton had Danke Shane
I grew up with my parents playing Engelbert Humperdinck (just listened to one of his Christmas Specials), Tom Jones, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and others. I admit it: I still like a lot of my parents' musical preferences.
IKR. My parents were very eclectic in their music taste and I was exposed to some truly amazing music.
Yes, my mom loved those artists too! When my step dad married into our family, he brought The Carpenters into the fold. I loved them too!
Oh gosh I liked englebert . He's still performing too.
My mom took me to an Engelbert Humperdinck concert when I was a young teen, I'm 65 now and still remember it. She made me wear a long dress, I'm sitting with her now as she suffers with dementia at 85.
As a young kid I first learned to appreciate Tom Jones because of his television show "This Is Tom Jones" (1969-71), and since the mid-70s my music library (records, cassettes, CDs...) has always included Tom Jones.
As always, thank you so very much for the videos.
And I loved the ending of "Mars Attacks" (1996) singing "It's Not Unusual".
Me too! I’m now 61 👀⭐️❤️
At the end of his show, didn’t he say goodbye in Welsh? Years ago after a brief day trip to Cardiff, Wales with a stop at Cardiff Castle, I saw a TV show from the castle starring Tom.
My Grandmother being from England loved Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck ❤ RIP Nan
Yes, great singers💜
Engelbert was so good!
Mine, too. I remember watching both of these singers with my grandmother on her giant console TV she would stand up whenever either one of them were on and sway and giggle at every hip thrust, like a school girl. I think about her whenever I hear either of those names. ❤️Gran
Sir Tom definitely has one of the most iconic voices and still exudes so much charm, soul, and sex-appeal while still being a true gentleman and fantastic story teller. He is a living legend. He is definitely on my top ten list of greatest male vocalists of all time. I still have many of Sir Tom's hits in my playlist and any and every time I hear that incredible guitar intro to She's a Lady I have to stop, crank it up, and dance! Great episode as always, Professor! Thanks for featuring Tom Jones, such an interesting career and master vocalist. His duets with the Icons, Ray Charles and Dusty Springfield from his variety show are perfection!
Amen!
Saw him at the House of Blues in Hollywood in the mid-2000s. Went in thinking it would be goofy and campy, but the guy BLEW THE ROOF OFF THE JOINT. He had horns, girls and hits - he ROCKED. One of the best shows I've ever seen, primarily because it was a small room, one that he filled to the rafters. Been telling people about it ever since, they usually look at me a little strangely - they don't get it, because they weren't there. Thanks for the memories, Tom!
Great topic!! I once interviewed Burt about this song, and he told me that he had used 5 “tack” pianos played simultaneously to make that old-timey carousel/Kurt Weill piano bit right before each verse really stand out.
I remember watching his verity show with my mom. She like Tom Jones and loved singing along. Thanks for.the fond memory
Ah…me too! This makes my heart smile…
So many memorable songs by Tom Jones… his voice truly touched your heart!
He sang the most absolutely bonkers Bond theme for Thunderball, and legend has it, he passed out delivering that last note.
I heard the same thing!
Check out the LP cover for A-TOM-IC JONES some time - it’s in deeply questionable taste, but it also captures the explosive nature of Tom’s voice kinda perfectly.
Yes, "Thunderball" (1965) was a good Bond movie and Tom's singing of the song in the opening credits is fantastic. Not too many singers get the chance to sing for a Bond movie, but he did.
The first time I heard Tom Jones' voice, I was sitting at a bar with my husband, who had gone over to talk to someone, the jukebox came on & this incredible male voice literally shook the room with "She's a Lady, wo oh wo, she's a lady," &, believe me, the room isn't all that shook! "The" greatest "Voice" ever in pop music.
My mother loved Tom Jones. I was able to take her to see him in concert much later in his career but he blew the roof off the place. I love his version of "You Can Leave Your Hat On" which he did for the movie The Full Monty. He voice is still amazing. I love your channel. Your interviews with artists are so insightful and your passion for keeping great classic music alive is inspiring. You are the best!
Ah, Tom Jones! My dad was a baritone; he filled our house with Tom Jones, Andy Williams, Jack Jones, and many others. What I remember most about Tom Jones is seeing how much fun he had singing. Tom brought a zest for life attitude into his performances. I remember that same happy feeling whenever I heard or watched him perform. I still smile when I think about him.
Very cool!
"I'll Never Fall in Love Again" showcases Tom Jones' voice more than any of his other recordings IMO.
I totally agree. I love this song ❤
Wow, it's great to see you cover Tom Jones. An incredible singer that many have referred to as "The Voice". He's in his 80's and still going strong performing concerts. So many great songs which you mentioned
Yes he is!
I need to see him live.
My mother loved him so much and so do l! I know my Mum is still listening to him where she is in Heaven and I love that you’ve featured Tom here.❤️
The Welsh Elvis. I remember the adults joking about the tossing of undergarments. If I remember it wasn't a one off. No pun intended.
It was NOT a one off!
It happened at every performance.
Yes!
Shaking Stevens was dubbed Welsh Elvis not sir tom
🙂 Welsh Elvis sounds just about right.
What a COMPELLING introduction! I was only gonna listen for 60 seconds… but you made the story sound SO COOL in just a few seconds that you got all of my time!! You’re awesome!
You had some great shows in the past. Adam, this one is a true jewel. It’s filled with gems throughout and reveals how a guy like Tom, can make a mark in the history of rock, even though he didn’t “ feel “ it was a good thing for him.
He’s a much underrated vocalist, but one of the most successful male sex symbols in rock.
Hats off to Tom
I love your span of music and the work to get the story. The part that " It is Tom Jones to a T." was a clever turn. Thanks Prof and Happy New Year!!
I remember going to the record store with my mom and buying one of his albums! What a voice!
He was a legend! I could listen to his songs over and over again especially “ I Who Have Nothing” !
Thank you for your stories of Tom Jones!
Thanks Dee!
Tom Jones will always remind me of my Aunt Mary (may she rest in peace). Aunt Mary was a member of the Tom Jones fan club and went to see him whenever he was in Atlantic City or the NYC area. Her prize possession was a framed picture of herself with Tom that she kept with the family pictures in the living room. She took her nieces (5 of us) to see him in Long Island in the mid-70s - I think it was the Westbury Music Fair. I honestly don't remember much of the show, but I remember it was fun!
When I toured with John Denver (as the Starland Vocal Band's Road Manager) in the summer of 1976 it would be a few years before meeting Tom Jones. He came over to hang with us in Kenny Rogers' dressing room at the Riviera Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas.
Afternoon Delight 😂🤣
That John Denver/Starland Vocal Band 1976 Tour was the first concert I ever went to! Me, my best friend (both 13) AND our moms!
@@celialovett5880same here but I was 14. At. Louis Arena, April 24, 1976.
@@lizkrinsky5209 We were in Louisville, Kentucky at that time; I remember it was warm out don't recall the exact date. I didn't know to save my ticket stub but I do still have all from subsequent concerts.
@ it was really warm in St. Louis that day. By the time
Of the concert we were under thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches. The sky looked really dodgy when we went into the arena but all was well. What a great first concert it turned out to be. My next concert was Queen. Two totally different kinds of music and both incredible and unforgettable. What a great time to be a music loving teenager.
After she graduated from high school, my daughter confessed to me how she secretly loved my music choices. Talk about a big ole hug from a kid who was raised on Metallica when at school. Now, all these years later as i giddily listen to TJ with my volume turned way down to not disturb others in the house, i find myself transported back to happy memories. Thank you Prof Adam!!!
Ah, saw Tom onstage live in the 80’s. Wow!!!! Fiercely powerful stage presence. That voice boomed. And he still can. 😎 Awesome.
My mom loved Tom Jones growing up, I never knew he was British until his comeback in the 90s. He was Mr. Steal Your Girl and Steal Your Record, did amazing cover versions of popular 90s songs.
I'm a prog rock/jazz rock/hard rock fan, but, Tom Jones, despite being a pop music(almost a crooner)singer, ROCKS!
Amen!
This was a fun one, love the trivia. I was a kid during the 70s and was absolutely grossed out by Tom Jones on TV but my folks thought he was pretty cool. He has a great voice that I’ve come to appreciate.
I saw Tom Jones sing in NH in 1981. My chorus teacher had a deal with a small local nursing home. She would drag us over to sing songs throughout the school year, they would invite us to their small concerts. He came, played 2 songs, ‘She’s a Lady,’ and ‘It’s so Unusual’ and he left. It was like watching old Elvis struggling to sing old songs. Tom had his shirt unbuttoned to his belt buckle, over dyed big hair, teenage girl me was grossed out. My choral teacher almost fainted with lust.
🤣🤣🤣That's so funny. Tom became very uncool from the mid 70s to the late 80s, but to his credit he was always able to laugh at himself, even going so far as to appear with British comedian Lenny Henry in sketches which sent up his outdated macho man image . That was actually the start of his comeback. He reconnected with audiences, reinvented himself musically, and took off again. All credit to him
That last line made me hoot with laughter. 🤣🤣🤣🤣👏👏
I was grossed out over Tom Jones as a teenage girl too!
He wasn't intended for teenagers! My mother loved Tom, I loved Bowie. Any other way round is abnormal!
I can understand the “fainted with lust” comment………once in a while a man comes along that is like a male Marilyn Monroe and just extrudes pure lust…….and……that IS Sir TOM JONES………..oh, yes! Tom Jones is one of my two all time favorite singers…….I do love him and have lusted after him since 1965. Saw him live in 1974 in Ft. Worth, Texas……….Oh, my goodness!
Another excellent piece of art from your channel ❤. Tom Jones was absolutely the only one who could sell this song !!
Absolutely!
Jones has a huge voice! I recommend to read through all the comments! Superb stories and memories! Thanks Adam!
My husband and I saw Sir Tom not too many months ago in Tulsa, OK. He can still sing as powerful as he did back in the 60s. It’s amazing!
Can't help it, but when I hear "It's Not Unusual" I want to break out the Carlton dance.
Darn! I just did!😂😂
I feel the same way
Ditto, it's an universal feeling.
No kidding!
make sure there isn’t a pool under the floor (🤣)
First time caller here...just found you, Professor! You do an amazing job of synthesizing a LOT of information in a succinct and entertaining manner. Many thanks...am old school and appreciate your effort!
I’m now 61 and absolutely love Tom! He’s even proven that he’s right on top with Elvis ⭐️⭐️❤️ because he’s lasted and was truly right there for those classic days when Elvis was THE MAN! I love hearing about their friendship ⭐️
Thanks for the memory. I was 10 when this song came out I can remember riding with my parents to Myrtle Beach and hearing it on the radio.
“If I Only Knew” was a hit for him in the mid 90s, and that one I still love.
Tom Jones’s career is FILLED with GREAT songs. Do a show that really shows off the depth and passion of his incredible voice, PLEASE! ❤️
When I hear It’s not unusual I think of Carlton on the Fresh Prince show doing that dance. 😂😂😂. Good times. lol. Thanks Professor.
This is one of the best music channels on the internet. Always insightful, entertaining, and with a great presentation. Love The Professor of Rock.
This was another awesome episode about Tom Jones and I have heard most of his songs over the years especially on AM radio during the 70's and 80's
i still hear them occasionally on RUclips Thanks again Professor and have a Happy New Year this Wednesday.🎶🎉🥳📻🥳🎉🎶
Happy New Year Roger!
Ooh I think I love you. Saw him in concert years ago and it was fantastic! Thanks for the share
Tom's My Delilah is an amazing singing of an great story.
I am madly in love with Tom Jones .
I am so happy you are featuring him on your channel. I would appreciate it if you also featured Engelbert Humperdinck as well. 🙂🍷
I'm a singer and I have always considered Tom Jones one of the best singers ever, period! His cover of Kiss... just wow! Another fantastic singer I would love to see you cover is David Clayton Thomas of Blood Sweat and Tears!
Clayton Thomas amazing soul voice!
I really liked him. He never got the notice he deserved!👍
Their version of Sympathy for the Devil.
Thank you, Professor, for giving us the story behind the song, "What's New Pussycat?" Tom's voice is incredible and perfect for this song. And I loved watching the bizarre movie, "What's New Pussycat?" as a kid - even if it's not a movie for children. 🙀 Cheers. 😻
The most impressive thing about Tom Jones is that je grew up in abject poverty. His father died young. He was a coalminer. Je came from nothing, not unlike the American phenomenon Elvis. Good for them both. He handled stardom better, though, and is still around and going strong. 😊
Haha a great song! On my car playlist so hear about once a week, great to hear the story behind it. Happy New Year.
2:54 Please, I hear this a lot from Americans. You don't say 'Queen Elizabeth two' despite how it's written. You say 'Queen Elizabeth the second'. She was a monarch, not a movie sequel.
Sorry.
So sorry..
Not really!!! I'm not sorry!!
You have given the UK. And especially London over to migrants and Islamists who hate you and all you stand for and THIS is the hill you're going to die on???
We call her "Q-E-2"
Correct…she was not a ship, she was a person,a monarch…
Queen Elizabeth two-point-oh?
@@ChrisJones-ij3xpNo..Queen Elizabeth ll ( the second )
Fond memories growing up in the '60s. Tom Jones was one of the greats. You should do a story on Gary Puckett.
I've interviewed him!
Yeah…”Young Girl” hasn’t aged very well.
We always had to watch the Tom Jones Show on Saturdays after cartoons when I was younger. Being elementary school age I didn’t appreciate it at all. I do now. Thanks.
Tom Jones was on the TV all the time in the 60's. I used to dance on the coffee table in front of the TV for my family. I tried my best to immitate him. I was 4 years old. Man I wish they had video recorders back then. I was serious but, it had to be hilarious!
I’m now 61 and have those same memories 🎤 I used a wooden spoon 🥄 for a microphone. I’ve been blessed to make my living as a Recording Artist/Producer ✊ Nicky D “I Need That Soul “ 💥🥊
@depaola63 I gave you a sub. Keep on Singing 👍
Professor great review of Tom Jones. What a awesome singer and performer. 🎶🎙
I’ve loved TJ since I was 14 yrs old. My children knew this and when my son was getting married he suggested we dance to one of Tom’s songs. I chose My Mother’s Eyes. It made me so happy. ❤
My mother and aunt went to see him back in the early seventies. They were in the front row, and my aunt ended up with a sweaty handkerchief from him. I believe she still has it to this day.
In the field of telling an interesting story about music history, you are as good as Tom Jones is in singing, Professor. This was so enjoyable!
Everybody loved this song when it came out. From the first listen, you could sing along, and it stuck in your brain - in a good way.
Had the pleasure of seeing Tom live at the legendary Hollywood Bowl. He was in great voice and put on a fantastic show. Legend.
Fantastic tribute to such a magnificent voice. This goes hand-in-hand with your tribute to Neal Diamond. My recommendation for another of this genre: Engelbert Humperdink!
At a friend’s wedding reception, one of the guests had a cute little cat. The Groom seized the opportunity and danced with the kitty to “What’s New Pussycat.”
At one point he did the Lion King thing (presenting kitty to the world) and I burst out with laughter. :)
John Mulaney has an amazing bit about playing "What's New Pussycat?" 21 times in a row on a diner jukebox. Very funny stuff. It's actually what got me to stop and listen further into Tom Jones' catalogue.
❤
I thought you were going to say, Dalilah. But What's New Pussycat brings back emotions, images, and just pure joy. Thanks.
I was around 6 or 7 when "What's New Pussycat" came out. My parents actually took me to see the movie (and it was pretty funny). Back then, a LOT more novelty songs appeared on the radio than now. We had just transitioned from "Camelot" to The British Invasion, and Tom was part of that.
What amazes me most about Sir Tom is that he still sounds exactly the same as he did 50 years ago. I was watching old Ed Sullivan performances he did back to back with shots of him doing his nightclub act more recently. He doesn't gyrate the way he used to (sigh...okay, he's in his 80s), but when you close your eyes, that sexy voice is still very much there.
At 19 years old in 1969 I saw Tom Jones live in LA at the Greek outdoor theater. My Mom was a big fan and I knew she would want to hear about it. Great experience. The warm up band was Friend’s 20:01 Of Distinction singing Grazing In The Grass
A mixture of Tom Jones and Burt Bacharach just couldn't fail ! What Magical times the 60's were , so full of greats songs , great singers and creativity ! It was like living in a permanent spring time , where everything felt so new and exciting !
I loved these two songs as a teenager. SO cool. Great show, as usual, Prof!
“Till” ⭐️💥🥊 one of the greatest vocal performances ever!
Working as a venue usher, i was able to see tom jones in concert. I can still remember the excitement throughout the venue and jones' amazing performance. And he's still going strong.
Tom Jones, the only musical phenomenom of the 60's my mother an I agreed on. She even hated the Beatles, but Tom always had me swaying and gyrating right alongside her. That was when I was 12 and I still love Tom at 70. Thanks Prof, for the daily memories
Adam, thanks for sharing your memory of this song. It was the best part of this video.
You are a LEGEND, Professor!!
🙏🏼
Thank you so much for this Tom Jones memory! As a child of the 1960s, I was an odd little Black girl in Atlanta who loved Tom Jones!!! Particularly this iconic song!!
Tom Jones is doing 'The Voice' and he will occasionally sing, and he STILL has it! Living Legend!
Usually the highlight of the show. Jones the Voice always shows how it should be done.