Tom Jones International

As we begin Thanksgiving week here in the US, we naturally think of all those things for which we are thankful. On that list is, as you might expect, Tom Jones.

Our appreciation of Tom grew by leaps and bounds — or, maybe, it was just reaffirmed — when, a few weeks ago, we went to see Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Chuck Berry. Now, at 71, 74 and 80, respectively, these guys are game. Billed as “The Foundation of Rock and Roll,” they each come out and for 30 minutes or so revisit their glory days.

(Before we continue, we just want you to know that we never feel it’s necessary to put others down to build Tom up. We’re merely writing about our impressions, what we saw and heard and hope that message comes through clearly.)

It’s great to know they’re still around and performing and each is still a phenomenal musician. But Jerry Lee walked slowly onstage with someone on either side looking, it seemed, ready to help if he should fall. Richard came out on his own, but using a cane in either hand (although he repeated several times that he is the “prettiest Jew you’ll ever see” and he is pretty) and Berry came out on his own but he seemed to lose his lyrics, unable to keep the words and music in sync.

They are all still amazing musicians, as we mentioned above. No matter the ravages of time and of past high living their muscle memory is breathtaking. They all play pretty much like they did back in the day. No, Jerry Lee and Little Richard do not jump around and Chuck doesn’t crouch and glide across the stage, but they sure can play. That was wonderful to hear.

We’ve also seen Wayne Newton and Frankie Avalon. Wayne’s voice is definitely gone and has been for years. Frankie Avalon’s voice is the same as it has always been, but his show is pure nostalgia. Nothing new in decades. He still looks good. Poor Wayne looks as if he’s been embalmed. And, of course, neither has ever come close to having the vocal talent or energy that Tom has. That’s still true today.

Needless to say, we walked away from all these performers appreciating Tom Jones. Younger than all but Newton (whose voice is akin to Rod Stewart on a bad day), but from the same era, Tom has taken care of himself. Sure, he’s been known to party and we’d bet he’s had lots of good times. Luckily while he may have lived large, Tom generally managed to avoid the worst temptations that did in so many of his musical contemporaries.

Of course, Tom’s voice has also changed. And, while he may not be able to reach the heights attained in the first few notes of the original Till, can still wallop a song out of the ballpark. His voice is richer than ever before and carries lots more meaning.

So, Tom, this Thanksgiving season we salute you. We are grateful for all you’ve given us and for what we know is still to come.

We are thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and enjoy your Tom turkeys.

—Ellen & Ursula

Poster photo of Tom is from a photo by Nathalie Lanoir taken last month in Cardiff. Thanks so much, Nathalie!