Tom Jones, born Thomas John Woodward, is a renowned Welsh singer and actor. His professional career began with a string of top-ten hits in the mid-1960s, showcasing his exceptional vocal range.
As a performer, Jones has explored various genres, including pop, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, soul, and gospel. His unique voice has been described as a "full-throated, robust baritone" by Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic. Jones's remarkable adaptability has earned him the nickname "musical shape shifter," capable of effortlessly transitioning between soulful rasp, pop croon, and husky vocals.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones has sold over 100 million records, boasting an impressive 36 Top 40 hits in the UK and 19 in the US. Some of his most notable hits include "It's Not Unusual," "What's New Pussycat," the theme song for the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball, "Green, Green Grass of Home," "Delilah," "She's a Lady," "Kiss," and "Sex Bomb."
Jones has also made a notable impact in the world of television and film. He made his acting debut in the 1979 television film Pleasure Cove, and later appeared in Tim Burton's 1996 film Mars Attacks!. In 1970, he received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy nomination for hosting the television series This Is Tom Jones. In 2012, he played a role in an episode of Playhouse Presents.
Throughout his career, Jones has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966, an MTV Video Music Award in 1989, and two Brit Awards: Best British Male in 2000 and the Outstanding Contribution to Music award in 2003. In 1998, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE),and in 2005, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music.
Jones experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s due to his coaching role on the television talent show The Voice UK from 2012 (with the exception of 2016).
