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Tom Jones music biography continued...

from pop and rock to standards, rhythm and blues to rockabilly, country to dance and contemporary urban sounds and the audiences who cherish him have remained stalwart throughout the years. Born Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, South Wales, Great Britain on June 7, 1940, Jones' father worked the coal mines, while his mother was a homemaker. At the age of six, Jones knew he wanted to be an entertainer and would have his mother open the drapes and announce him to his "audience" (mostly family). Married and working several day jobs, Jones sang in the Welsh pubs at night and was discovered by a more established performer/songwriter that became his manager and shopped Jones around London. Eventually, they hit pay dirt and Jones was signed by Decca Records. His second single for the label, "It's Not Unusual" became a big international hit and sent Jones on his way
Tom Jones songs that became massive hits include, "What's New Pussycat?," "Delilah," and "She's A Lady," (1971), which was written by Paul Anka, and became Jones' highest charting US single, peaking at #2. He is also well known for his collaborations with younger artists, like Prince ("Kiss") and Talking Heads ("Burning Down the House"). For his contribution to the recording industry, Tom Jones has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was awarded a Knight Bachelor in the 2006 New Years Honors list for his services to music, and was subsequently knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, London in March 2006. Although his manager and public relations staff has attempted to change his sex-bomb image and neutralize the panty-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. Not bad for a coal miner's son.