Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
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Notes For Tom Jones Fans From Two of Gordon Mills’ Children
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008As we posted on May 31, last Friday a ceremony was held in his hometown of Trealaw to honor Gordon Mills, the man who wrote It’s Not Unusual and who discovered Tom. We noted then, that despite what one news report said, Tom was unable to attend the ceremony because he was about 6,000 miles away in Seattle.
What we didn’t say then was how much fans who were fans when Gordon was around really appreciated Gordon’s appreciation — and understanding — of the fans. While we like to believe that Tom is so good to his fans because he’s a fan himself (just listen to him talk about Elvis and Jerry Lee). Gordon understood how important fans were and, within reason, always saw to it that they had access.
After we posted the story about the honor for Gordon, we heard from Tracy, his oldest daughter, who lives in Zimbabwe. Today, the second-oldest, Bev, added a note and we were so happy to hear from both of them. Bev’s note said what we suspected was true — that Gordon’s family had been in touch with Mark, who explained that Tom was on tour. No insult, no surprises, in Tom not attending the ceremony.
So, we thank Tracy and Bev for writing and hope that fans will take a second to add their own tributes to Gordon Mills.
Hello. I am Gordon’s eldest daughter, Tracy. I am living in Zimbabwe and was unable to attend the memorial to my dad in Wales this last weekend. However, I’ve heard all about it from my family who said it was a most wonderful day. I just want to say that I am so glad that someone has actually decided to honour my dad in this way. As my brother Gordon said, to do it once could have been fluke. But to make three completely different people into world-wide superstars ….. definitely talent! My dad was an extraordinary man who was able to see other talent for what it was, get tremendously excited about it and then actually act on his own excitement in turning that talent into star quality. A rare gift indeed. To all of you who have made wonderful comments about my dad, I would like to thank you so much.
I am Gordon’s second eldest daughter, Bev, and I attended the Tribute to my dad in Trealaw on Saturday along with most of my family. It really was a most touching day and we all felt so proud. It saddened me to see the snide comment made by the reporter about Tom not being there. My mum spoke with Mark (his son and now manager) and invited them to come and they had a long chat and caught up on news etc. Mark explained that Tom was on tour and we did tell that to the reporter, however, they always seem to print what they like! My mum used to run Tom’s fan club! We, the family as a whole, have always been and continue to be great fans of his. He is an incredible singer and to quote my dad “the greatest performer in the world”!!! I would also like to thank those of you who have added supportive comments.
Photo, from left, are Gordon, Tom, Tom’s father and PR man John Moran. Tom is wearing a shirt from Cardiff-By-the-Sea, California, that was given to him by a fan.
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I remember meeting Gordon backstage at a theater in the southeast USA. He was most cordial. We started talking about cars and had a good conversation. He was unfailingly kind to Tom’s fans and even though that was in a business context, we liked him and realized how much more accessible Tom Jones was than so many other performers. That’s one of the things we liked about Tom. The possibility that we could one day meet him and tell him in person how much we enjoyed his music. We have Gordon to thank for that.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
How very heartwarming to read notes from Gordon’s children. I have often checked out their Mum’s website on their father, and know his memory is kept alive through his family. Knowing Tom’s history, we should recall how much influence Gordon had in helping Tom start his career, and then making it as big as it has been. So many thanks go to his family, and we are proud to have seen Gordon is receiving his due in his hometown.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:25 am
How lovely to read the messages from Gordon’s daughters, Tracy and Bev: I was a member of the original fan club started by Jo (happy memories!) and would like to send all the family my best wishes.
I’m so pleased that Gordon Mills has received this tribute: it’s well-deserved and long overdue. Imagine if he had not taken that fateful decision to see a certain young Welsh singer at the Top Hat Club in Cwmtillery all those years ago? Whilst talent like Tom’s was bound to surface eventually, it’s anyone’s guess how much longer it might have taken.
I will always remember Gordon with affection and deep gratitude: the debt owed to him by all fans of Sir Tom Jones is beyond measure.
June 4th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Wow! Sounds like a wonderful tribute to a very special man, what a great honour to the family. Great to hear from his daughters, very cool!
June 4th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Tracy and Bev: As a forty year collector of Tom’s music, I have unsurpassable respect for your Father’s genius. Diligence paid off when I recently obtained a copy of his 1965 LP “Do It Yourself”. As expected, it was a hot topic when I met with Tom last March. As such, I presented a cd copy to him for his road pleasure. A tribute to your Father was indeed worthy.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I remember Gordon as being very patient with Tom’s fans and treated us with respect. I also remember John Moran as being a very decent guy and very easy to approach. Gone too soon.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I agree it was a lovely tribute to Gordon. Lovely too, to hear from his daughters. Just goes to show TJI is a truly “international” website.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
http://www.gordonmills.co.uk/ I failed to put in the weblink above for Gordon Mills website in my previous post. I think all Tom’s fans will find the site very interesting, informative, and fun to listen to the songs on it. It gives a little more insight into this great man’s talent.
June 5th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Marian, All: We posted this site, along with loads of other information two+ years ago when we launched tji.com. Just go to Back In The Day on our site to check out Gordon, Lloyd, singers and musicians who used to play with Tom.
It really is — if we say so ourselves — worth exploring this site. Lots of research and work went into it and we’re very proud of it.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I was so please to hear that Gordon Mills has been honoured. I have very fond memories of Tom’s fan club that Jo Mills ran .All Tom’s fans were called ToJo.When ever you wrote to the fan club they always answered .I think the other lady that worked with Jo Mills was called Frankie savage .Happy days