Biography
Tom Jones, born Thomas John Woodward on 7 June 1940, is a Welsh singer known for his powerful voice and energetic stage presence. His career spans over six decades and encompasses a wide range of musical genres, including pop, rock, musical theatre, country, dance music, soul and R&B.
Jones first came to fame in the mid-1960s with hits like It is not unusual And What’s new Pussycat? His signature style, often tight pants and open shirts, became a hallmark of his performances.
Jones’s career has gone through various phases, from early success to a decline in the 1970s, followed by a notable resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s, notably with the album Voice and hit songs Sex Bomb.
He has received numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966. His enduring presence in the music industry is often credited to his ability to adapt and reinvent himself while retaining the core appeal of his unique voice.
In addition to his music career, Tom Jones has made notable appearances on television and film, including his own variety show. This is Tom Jones and as a judge The VoiceHis private life, including his marriage to Melinda Trenchard and his status as a sex symbol, also kept him in the public eye.
Welsh singer
Tom Jones |
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 Tom Jones: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Thomas John Woodward |
| Stage name: | Tom Jones |
| Born: | June 7, 1940 (age 84) |
| Place of birth: | Pontypridd, United Kingdom |
| Nationality: | Welsh |
| Education: | Wood Road Nursery, Treforest Primary School |
| Height: | 1.77 minutes |
| Parents: | Freda Jones and Thomas Woodward |
| Siblings: | Vernon Woodward and Sheila Woodward |
| Wife • Husband/wife: | Melinda Trenchard (married 1957–2016) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Priscilla Presley (2017), Mamie Van Doren (1965), Cassandra Peterson, Pamela Des Barres, Sheila Kennedy, Katherine Berkery (1987), Charlotte Laws (1978-1981), Marjorie Wallace (1973-1974), Mary Wilson (1967- 1971) |
| The children: | Jonathan Berkery, Mark Woodward |
| Job: | Singer • TV Personality |
| Net worth: | $330 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Tom Jones, born Thomas John Woodward on 7 June 1940 in Treforest, Pontypridd, Wales, grew up in a working-class family in the South Wales Valleys, an area famous for its coal mining history.
Jones was raised in the Church of England with Welsh ancestry, although his personal beliefs were rarely discussed publicly. His father, Thomas Woodward, was a coal miner, while his mother, Freda Jones, ran the household. Tom had an older brother, Vernon Woodward, who was musically gifted but tragically died in a car crash in 1951, an event that had a profound impact on Tom. He also had an older sister, Sheila Woodward.
Tom Jones’s formal education was limited; he attended Wood Road Nursery School And Treforest Primary School but left school at the age of 15, a common practice at the time, especially in working-class families, where contributing to the household income was often necessary. Before starting his musical career, Jones worked in a variety of jobs, including glove cutter, coal bagger, and construction worker.
Career
Tom Jones’ career spanned more than six decades, spanning a wide range of musical genres from pop and rock to musical theatre, country, dance music, soul and R&B. He first made his mark in the mid-1960s with his distinctive voice and dynamic stage presence, scoring his first hits with It is not unusual And What’s new Pussycat? His charismatic performances, often symbolized by tight pants and open shirts, became iconic.
After his initial success, the 1970s saw a decline in his chart presence, although he remained active performing and recording. The 1980s marked a return to albums Voice and the hit duet with Art of Noise, Kissreintroduced him to a new generation of fans. The 1990s brought another revival with the album Reloadhas collaborations with contemporary and hit artists Sex Bombemphasizes its ability to adapt and maintain relevance.
Tom Jones has also made significant contributions to television and film, with his own television show, This is Tom Jonesin the late 1960s and had a notable role as coach The Voice starting in 2012, reflecting his long-standing presence on screen.
His career has been celebrated with numerous awards, including the 1966 Grammy Award for Best New Artist and the BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Known for his rich baritone voice and remarkable ability to reinvent himself, Tom Jones’ legacy is marked by the resilience, adaptability and timeless appeal of his music.
Social media
- Instagram: Sir Tom Jones (@realsirtomjones)
- Twitter: Tom Jones (@RealSirTomJones) · X
- YouTube: Tom Jones
Discography
Album
- Along Came Jones (1965) – His debut album, featuring the breakthrough song “It’s Not Unusual”.
- What’s New Pussycat? (1965) – Named after the hit single.
- Green, Green Grass of Home (1967) – Includes the title track, one of his most famous songs.
- Tom Jones Live at the Talk of the Town (1967) – A live album capturing his vibrant stage presence.
- Delilah (1968) – Features the iconic song “Delilah”.
- The Tom Jones Show (1969) – A compilation of hits from his TV show.
- The Body and Soul of Tom Jones (1973) – A collection that shows his spiritual side.
- The Voice (1987) – Marked his return with hits like “Kiss” and Art of Noise.
- Reload (1999) – A collaborative album with contemporary artists, featuring “Sex Bomb”.
- Mr. Jones (2002) – Another successful album with a mix of new songs and covers.
Single
- “It’s Not Unusual” (1965)
- “What’s New, Pussycat?” (1965)
- “Green Grass, Green of Homeland” (1966)
- “Delilah” (1968)
- “Kiss” (with Art of Noise, 1988)
- “Sex Bomb” (with Mousse T., 1999)
- “Mother Told Me Not to Come” (1970)
- “She’s a Lady” (1971)
- “Until” (1970)
- “No Love” (1969)
Personal life
Tom Jones, born Thomas John Woodward, married his childhood sweetheart, Melinda “Linda” Trenchard, in 1957 when they were both 16. Their marriage lasted nearly 60 years until Linda’s death in 2016. Despite his public image and the many affairs he openly admitted to, Linda was described as the love of his life. Jones often remarked that they fell in love when they were 12 years old.
Jones has two sons. His first son, Mark Woodward, was born in 1957, shortly after he married Linda, and later became his father’s manager. His second son, Jonathan Berkery, was born in 1987 from a brief relationship with model Katherine Berkery. Initially denying paternity, Jones acknowledged Jonathan as his son in 2008.
Standing at around 5ft 6in tall, Tom Jones was known for his many affairs, which he detailed in his autobiography. At the height of his fame, he claimed to have relationships with up to 250 women a year, including a notable affair with Mary Wilson of The Supremes. After Linda’s death, there were rumors of a romantic relationship with Priscilla Presley, although nothing was confirmed.
Tom Jones has had relationships with Katherine Berkery (1987), Charlotte Laws (1978–1981), Marjorie Wallace (1973–1974) and Mary Wilson (1967–1971). He has also dated Mamie Van Doren (1965), Cassandra Peterson, Pamela Des Barres and Sheila Kennedy. Rumors also suggest that he may have had an affair with Priscilla Presley in 2017.
After Linda died of cancer, Tom Jones returned to England from Los Angeles, fulfilling one of her last wishes. He continued his career, including roles in The Voicewhere his charisma and musical talent remain captivating, reflecting his lasting legacy in the music industry.
Net worth
Tom Jones, the Welsh singer known for his powerful voice and a career spanning more than six decades, has an estimated net worth of $330 million. This wealth reflects his extensive music career, which includes numerous singles, albums and live performances, as well as his role as a coach on The Voice.
Jones’ financial success was further supported by acting projects, film appearances, and his enduring popularity, including long-running shows in venues such as Las Vegas.
