Singer Tom Jones has a career spanning nearly 55 years.
Born in Glamorgan, South Wales, he started singing at an early age, flexing his vocal skills during family gatherings and weddings. He wasn’t much into school or sports, but his confidence bloomed when he sang. At twelve, Jones was diagnosed with tuberculosis.
He later revealed:
“I spent two years in bed recovering. It was the worst time of my life.”
Despite the obstacles, Jones kept with his passion, ultimately releasing his first song “Chills and Fever” in 1964.
Since then, the Welsh vocalist has sold over 100 million albums, boasting 36 Top-40 hits in the United Kingdom and 19 in the United States. These days, however, you’re most likely to find him coaching contestants on The Voice UK.
Although Jones has held a long-running spot on the series, one lucky audience got the surprise of their lives when they were treated to a special performance.
During the episode, fellow judge Olly Murs begins humming the intro to Jones’ signature song— “It’s Not Unusual”.
After Murs sings a few lines, the audience cheers for Jones to join in.
Even though it takes some goading from Murs and Will.i.am— not to mention the band joining in to play the song— Jones eventually can’t hold back.
He busts into “It’s Not Unusual” with his iconic, robust voice. As you can imagine, the crowd goes wild.
“It’s Not Unusual” was actually Jones’ first hit in the United States, peaking at a #10 slot. It also hit #1 on the UK Singles Chart— despite BBC initially refusing to play the track; apparently, executives considered Jones’ image to be “too sexy”. Interestingly, “It’s Not Unusual” wasn’t supposed to be performed by Jones at all. It was initially offered to Sandie Shaw with Jones hired to record the demo. Soon enough, however, Sandy heard Jones’ recording. Upon hearing the classic rendition, Shaw was so awe-struck, she urged him to release it himself.
As Jones sings the song, the other judges can’t help but dance to the beat of his smooth, baritone voice.
Jones initially seemed to be holding back, but towards the end, he sings freely with gusto— adding hip swivels to his performance and all.
Since being uploaded, Jones’ impromptu performance has been viewed over three million times.
It’s easy to be awed by his vocal mastery and skill— after all, he’s been a legend for nearly 55 years.
This past July, 78-year-old Jones was rushed to the hospital as a result of a viral infection. Since then, he’s been taking his health more seriously, using boxing to stay fit. “It keeps me on my toes,” he said.
“I do it twice a week. I get in the gym whenever— three times a week usually. I try to watch my diet too.”
Despite the temporary setback, he says he’s excited to rejoin the other judges in the New Year.
Watch his impromptu performance below!
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