Tom Jones, the celebrated Welsh singer, first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s with a string of chart-topping hits including “2It’s Not Unusual”, “What’s New Pussycat?”, “Green, Green Grass of Home” and “Delilah”. With his powerful baritone and impressive vocal range, Jones earned acclaim for his ability to switch seamlessly from a deep, resonant tone to a smooth, melodic style, and received praise from critics such as AllMusic and The New York Times.
While he enjoyed popularity for several decades, Tom Jones’ image underwent a transformation in the mid-1970s. Once seen as a wholesome entertainer, he was increasingly viewed as a novelty sex symbol and his popularity seemed to wane. However, his career took a remarkable revival with his collaboration on Art of Noise’s cover of Prince’s “Kiss”. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Jones’ reinvention into the beloved and respected figure he is today.
Discover the timeless appeal and extraordinary talent of Tom Jones. Watch the video below to witness his evolution from a ’60s icon to a revered and cherished figure in the music world.
The Young Man Gets Married
A youthful groom embarked on the journey of matrimony.
His mother, advanced in years, resided under his roof. One evening, as they gathered for supper, his wife abruptly excused herself, retiring to their chamber. Observing her departure, the elder woman advised: “Son, tend to her well. Ensure she does not endure hunger. Look after your wife”.
Concerned for his beloved, he sought her out. “My dear, are you unwell? Why dine alone?” he inquired. She hesitated: “I cannot. The sight of your mother’s hands… it unsettles me”.
Wrinkled and weathered, those hands bore the weight of untold sacrifices. Yet, to his wife, they were a source of discomfort. “What would you propose?” he inquired. She suggested: “Perhaps a nursing home would be best”. Assuring her, he vowed: “Fear not, my love. Tomorrow, we shall resolve this. But first, we must honor our invitation to your parents’ abode. Upon our return, I shall arrange for my mother’s care”.
The following day, accompanied by his wife and mother, they visited her family. Noticeably absent from the table was his mother. Sensing his unease, his wife assured: “She dines alone, in another room”.
Perplexed, he inquired: “Did you instruct her to seclude herself?” She affirmed: “Indeed”.
As the meal commenced, the father-in-law broached the delicate topic. “Son-in-law, our daughter’s happiness is paramount. She deserves a home solely with you. Resolve this matter regarding your mother”, he urged.
Reassuring them, he pledged: “Rest assured, we shall address it today”.
Despite the spread before him, he abstained. “Why do you not partake?” queried the father-in-law. With conviction, he declared: “I cannot. Your hands… they taint my appetite. They mirror your hearts!” His wife was taken aback.
Rising from the table, he sought out his mother, kneeling beside her. Tears streaming, he kissed her hands, imploring: “Come, mother, let us depart”.
Perplexed, she questioned: “But, son, where are we bound?” Overwhelmed, he simply wept. Loading her into the car, he whispered: “To Paradise, mother… to Paradise! Lead me to Paradise, if you are content with me”.
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