Spinner

Tom Jones Praises Frank Sinatra's Character

Getty Images

With more than four decades of chart-topping success, Tom Jones has rubbed elbows with the titans of music. Few men still alive today can tell tales of hanging in a Las Vegas hotel suite singing gospel tunes with Elvis Presley or grabbing a drink with Frank Sinatra at Caesar's Palace, but the 70-year-old Jones can. Even after all he's accomplished in his legendary career, including the massive popularity of his new critically acclaimed 'Praise and Blame' album, the Welsh icon remains truly in awe of the things he's experienced.

"Those people, they've gone on since. They've passed away, so I think, 'My god, I was there. I knew them. I knew these people,'" Jones tells Spinner. "It reminds me, when I'm telling people about it and they're going, 'Wow,' I'm still going, 'Wow' myself. It's a thing that I haven't gotten used to."

Like any fan, Jones is proud of the photographic proof he has from hanging with the "chairman of the board." "I've got pictures to prove it. I used to have a drink with Frank at the bar in Caesar's Palace sometimes and I have a picture of that," he says. "He's got his hand on my shoulder, looking over my shoulder. A fan came over and saw us together and said, 'Oh my god, Tom Jones and Frank Sinatra at the same place. Can I take a picture?' And he said, 'If you want a picture, let's do it right.'"

Jones is aware of the mythology surrounding Sinatra, saying, "Sinatra's had all kinds of things written about him in his private times," but he never witnessed that seedy side. "I saw him in his private time and he came across tremendous," he says. "He was huge as a person as a character and I got to know that."

Tom Jones' 'Praise and Blame' is available now. On Aug. 5, he'll kick off a string of 14 shows at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

All the Tom Jones info you want to know

Tom Jones and Jack White Release 'Evil'…

Spinner

Third Man The neverending fountain of song known as Jack White has released…

Sir Tom Jones Dreads Life 'Without…

Spinner

Jim Dyson, Getty Images He's sold over 150 million records, hung out with Elvis…

Belle and Sebastian Turn on the Charm…

Spinner

Jordi Vidal, Redferns Anyone who thought Las Vegas was a strange place to hold…

See all Tom Jones »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

14 Comments

Filter by:
Donald

You guys are dilusional if you think Tom Jones looks good. He looks absurd. Take a look at his pics in his prime. He doesn't look remotely like that anymore because of the horrendous plastic surgery. I am 60 and look great. No wrinkles. You wish you looked as good as me...

August 01 2010 at 12:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Donald's comment
JEREMY

Zinn,I and many others at this post are sick and tired of your negativity.
You think you're so damn fine,I CHALLENGE YOU RIGHT HERE,RIGHT NOW TO POST YOUR PICTURES ON FACEBOOK AND YouTUBE.
SHOW US ALL HOW "HOT" YOU THINK YOU ARE.
Who knows,you JUST MIGHT actually get lucky and score some dates.
There are many here in cyberworld just desparate enough to ACTUALLY SETTLE for a creature like you.
I DARE YOU TO DO THIS!!
Otherwise,shut your damn mouth!

August 01 2010 at 11:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ron

I have seen Tom Jones in concert 5 times over a period of 27 years .. he is awesome, humble, kind, and supremely talented. His extraordinary voice is actually better in his older years !! .. and yes, women of all ages and walks of life still throw panties onstage !! His range of songs is unbelievable...and he still does those cool, smooth dance moves.. A living legend.
Go Tom, go !!!! The one and only.

August 01 2010 at 5:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
peaches

I have loved Tom Jones for 40 years and he is still great. Love u Tom.

August 01 2010 at 1:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marilyn

I can remember Tom Jones in his hey day when the ladies in the audience threw their undies at him. I also remember and watched his weekly TV show. He was and still is a great talent. Everyone gets old....be kind folks!

August 01 2010 at 12:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob

I had the pleasure of working with Tom for 2 years in the late '79-80 as his bassist and can say from first hand experience that he is one of the most genuine and real people I've ever met. He always treated his co workers with the greatest respect and made them feel like family. Never a "diva" moment. He has more natural talent than most singers ever dream of and gave 100% in EVERY show with total consistency. He's never used or needed vocal gimmicks or auto-tuning. His pitch, tone, dynamics, and control are unsurpassed. He's also capable of an astonishing range of musical styles, although the material selection for shows was somewhat limited by his management in his earlier days.
When it gets to that level of vocal talent and professionalism in performers, it doesn't get any better...just different styles for different tastes in music. Tom Jones is a true living legend who hasn't forgotten his roots and never lets his fans down. I'm proud to know him. Keep on Rockin', TJ!

August 01 2010 at 12:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Terrie

He is as good now as he was back in the 70's when I first saw him. He was great than and still is. He still is as humble now as he was back than. And mind you still married to the same lady for all these years. That can't be said about many artist. Love ya Tom Keep on singing and making pretty music.

July 31 2010 at 11:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cindy

I'm so glad Tom is coming back with great music, what ever he signs will be so great. He is so wonderful I just wish I could see him in Las Vegas.In the real world that I live in my bills have to come first. I will buy anything Tom comes out with. I have love him for 40 years! PS so glad to see he is aging gracefully!Cindy

July 31 2010 at 11:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jeff

Yeah Zinn, what are you talking about? He's not Kenny Rogers. he looks great.

July 31 2010 at 10:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
PomMom

To Zinn:
You should look so good at 70; you will crying in your beer.

July 31 2010 at 9:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Donald

What's up with that god awful plastic surgery? He looks like a cartoon character. What a bizarre looking facial eyebrow set.. Why do these showbiz types go to the knife? It rarely ever works.. Dean Martin is the only male in memory who had plastic surgery that did not gross him out..

July 31 2010 at 9:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Donald's comment
bob parks

What the hell you talkin about, Willis?

July 31 2010 at 10:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply