Tom Jones International

I was one of the people who worked on Tribute to A Legend, the hardcovered book fans who belonged to Jones the Voice wrote and published in a limited edition for Tom. It was a great experience to meet him at the presentation on November 13, 2004 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

His very enthusiastic “Well, thank you very much!” and his interest in the book made every minute working on it worth it. The fans should be proud of their contributions of stories and photos as Tom was very appreciative.

Without further ado, let’s get down to the juicy stuff: my experience meeting the peerless Tom Jones.

We were called backstage and had to wait for a couple of minutes outside the door. At one point, we were told that Tom specifically asked to meet with us first, before he met with the others waiting to see him. What an honour!

Tom was receptive, gracious and interested in the book. He listened intently as Keith Cooper, owner of JTV described how the book came to be. TJ held the book, read the cover, commented on the photo, and glanced through the book as much as he could (with that line-up of people outside waiting to meet him). He quite liked the pictures and, when told about the controversy about one particular photo, seemed surprised.

“Ooh,” he said, looking at the photo. “I must have been singing a really sexy song.”

He is absolutely charming.

I didn’t feel very nervous, I just didn’t know what I should say (and asked my friends approximately 956 times in the two days prior “What should I say?!”) As it ended up, Tom is so lovely and friendly in a gentle way that I just shook his hand and said “I am so pleased to meet you!” Perfect.

His smile lit up the room, very genuine. His voice is so deep and resonant, I could feel it as much as hear it. My first impression was his size and build. He is so fit and has very broad shoulders. Ladies, to say he is masculine is an understatement. He is groomed impeccably, and has gorgeous skin.

He doesn’t look like his pictures at all, if that makes sense. He’s drop dead gorgeous and has such a sparkle and depth to him, it’s intoxicating. His eyes are so blue and I noticed his eyelashes are lush, crisp and dark as I looked up at him. Tom has a warm and friendly demeanour and is definitely worthy of all of our love and affection. He’s one in 6.4 billion, there is no one else like him on the planet. I want to say I was quivering to the very core of my being but that would sound ridiculous.

Don Archell and Sandy were kind enough to take group pics for us after we presented him the book. We stood together while everybody took a picture on each camera. After a minute or so standing with my arm around his back, and my other hand on his arm, my heart was pounding and I couldn’t contain myself. I blurted out “I’m having fun!!” and he laughed. Very cool!

His show on Sat. night was great, the show on Sunday night ROCKED! The band and back up singers were excellent, as usual. I love the way he can sing different songs from four decades, back-to-back, and the passion with which he delivers them. Nobody connects with their audience like Tom Jones. I have only seen him perform live four times (all in 2004), and I can’t wait until my next opportunity.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this IS Tom Jones.