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Sir Tom Jones celebrates his 70th birthday today. He was born Thomas John Woodward in Trefforest, Pontypridd, Wales. Tom’s long-time manager Gordon Mills suggested the stage name “Tom Jones” in 1964, in reference to the title character of the hit film and to emphasise Tom’s Welsh nationality. After fronting Tommy Scott and the Senators for a couple of years with little success, Tom’s career took off in 1965, shortly after going solo. His first hit was the UK number one “It’s Not Unusual.” This was followed by classics such as “With These Hands,” “What’s New Pussycat,” “Green, Green Grass of Home,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Delilah,” “Help Yourself,” “Love Me Tonight,” “She’s a Lady,” “Till” and “A Boy from Nowhere.”

Tom has also been involved in a number of successful collaborations, including the UK number one album “Reload” in 1999, from which he released four singles that hit the top 20 in the UK, including “Sex Bomb” (with Mousse T) and “Mama Told Me Not To Come” (with the Stereophonics). More recently Tom worked with Jools Holland on the predictably titled “Tom Jones and Jools Holland” album, which hit number five on the UK album chart in 2005.

Tom’s latest album, “Praise and Blame,” is due out on July 26 in the UK and August 10 in America. There is also a single released today in the UK and June 15 in America, which is available on mp3 or limited edition vinyl. The single gives us a sample of what to expect from the new album, with very good covers of Dylan’s “What Good Am I?” (see video below) and John Lee Hooker’s “Burning Hell.”

To mark Tom’s 70th, here’s seven memorable performances – one for each decade.

Tom Jones – “It’s Not Unusual” (1965)

Here’s Tom in 1965 blasting through his first hit “It’s Not Unusual.” Anyone know which tv show this was?

Tom Jones – “Treat Her Right” (1968)

This clip from the first season of the “This is Tom Jones” show has become quite well known and is guaranteed to raise a smile. Those who have only seen the older Tom Jones on stage, with his more sedate moves, will be surprised by just how frantic and explosive his moves were in 1968.

Tom Jones – “Delilah” (1968)

Here’s Tom singing his monster hit “Delilah” on Top of the Pops in 1968. The song went to number two on the UK singles chart and number one in several countries.

Tom Jones and Little Richard – Good Golly Miss Molly (1969)

Little Richard was a guest on the second season of “This is Tom Jones.” The episode aired in November 1969 and included some great rock ‘n’ roll duets between the two, including “Good Golly Miss Molly.”

Tom Jones and Janis Joplin – “Raise Your Hand” (1969)

Among the guests on the very next “This is Tom Jones” show was Janis Joplin and the pair sang a memorable duet on “Raise Your Hand.”

Tom Jones – “Green, Green Grass of Home” (2009)

Moving forward 40 years, here’s Tom singing a great rendition of one of his signature tunes at the Glastonbury Festival.

Tom Jones – “What Good Am I?” (2010)

Right up to date now, with a performance of Dylan’s “What Good Am I?” on “Later with Jools Holland” last month.

The song is released with “Burning Hell” as a single today and will appear on Tom’s album “Praise and Blame.”

Happy Birthday to Tom Jones.

You can pre-order Tom’s “Praise and Blame” album and buy the new single from the following online retailers:

Title
"Praise and Blame" album	Pre-order	Pre-order	Pre-order
"Burning Hell / "What Good Am I?" single	Pre-order	Buy Now – mp3 Buy Now – vinyl	N/A