Home > Line up 2023 > 19 july 2023 > Sir Tom Jones

Behind his charming smile and crooner's voice, Sir Tom Jones hides a man with a difficult childhood. Born on 7 June 1940, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis at the age of 12, forcing him to stay in bed for nearly two years. Music and drawing helped him deal with this period. He began his career in various adverts, where his little movements caused hysteria among his admirers, nicknaming him "the tiger". In 1962, he made a name for himself after taking part in a BBC radio talent show. Three years later, he found immense success with the singles "It’s Not Unusual" and "What’s New Pussycat". These smash hits were followed by "Thunderball", the theme tune to the James Bond film of the same name, while he received the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1966. He then flew to the United States, where he launched his own television show. He would go on to experiment with new musical styles, ranging from pop to country to disco, giving concert after concert at a frantic pace. After years of success, the 80s were less glorious for him. It would be 1999 before he returned to success with the single "Sex Bomb", making himself known among the younger generation. Since March 2012, he has added a new string to his bow as a coach on The Voice in the UK. Tom Jones' career, which has spanned more than 50 years, has gone from strength to strength. While retaining his popularity as a showman and over the course of five decades, at the age of 75, he received the best reviews of his career for his latest albums Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame. It is an honour to welcome him to the Nice Jazz Festival this year!