One of my earliest live concert experiences was unforgettable: at an iconic venue, watching the epitome of cool pour his heart (and sweat) into every note. OK, the fact that my parents took me may not be very cool. Also the fact that it was one of my parent’s artists, not cool. I was 12 years old so I wasn’t going to argue because we were seeing Tom Jones!
The year was 1975. The venue was The Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA. Just last month (October 2024) 50 years later, I had the pleasure, once again, of seeing SIR Tom Jones perform at the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA. This got me thinking about Tom Jones, his staying power and how special he has been to me throughout my life.
I Heard it In The Womb
I didn’t have a choice regarding Tom Jones. His music was part of my childhood. My mother was a big fan of his. All the mothers in my neighborhood were fans. In the late 60’s, early 70’s, Tom had the housewife market locked up, All the moms were stay-at-home and listened to the same radio station. There were days when Tom Jones could be heard coming through the open windows up and down the block. Besides digging his music, hearing his voice reminds me of my mother and that’s really great.
I remember watching his short-lived TV variety show. “Ladies and Gentlemen….THIS is Tom Jones!” . He was so dynamic and exciting. A Tom Jones performance must be so exciting to see in person. Luckily for me, my parents were music fans.
They had a good collection of records and attended live shows every now and then. They had, of course, seen Tom Jones already a few times so when they saw that he was coming back to town, they made plans to see him again.
I’m Going
I am not sure how I ended up going with them. Did they invite me? Did I ask to go? Did I beg to go? Did I bug the hell out of them so they took me? Any of these are possible. Whatever it was, the three of us plus my sister and her boyfriend, hopped into the family Granada and headed down Highway 101 toward San Carlos and the magic that was The Circle Star Theater.
The Circle Star Theater was a one-of-a-kind venue. It opened in 1964 in the sleepy peninsula town of San Carlos. Surprisingly, the venue was backed by big Hollywood types, including Sammy Davis Jr., Debbie Reynolds and others. It was located 25 miles south of San Francisco. The name refers to the stage which was a circle and rotated.
Capacity was 3,700 and no seat was further than 50 feet from the stage. In 1971, the stage became rotating. It would take 8 minutes for the stage to make a complete circle. The performers would enter by walking down the “Star Aisle” from the back of the venue to the stage. I once saw Chuck Berry there (another great story). He stood behind the mic and stated, “I guess I have to start playing for this stage to start turning, so here goes!”
It was quite an impressive place and, for a time, attracted the biggest stars, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., The Jackson 5 and Cheech and Chong. I, personally, attended a good number of shows there until it tragically closed in 1993.
Circle Star-Struck
Needless to say, I was sufficiently blown away by the whole situation at the Circle Star. I was beside myself to see Tom Jones run down that “Star Aisle” and take the stage in all his hairy-chest glory. In 1975, Tom was 35 years old, in fantastic shape. It was Tom’s 10th year in show business.
His vocals were still full-throated baritone. His head of hair had big 70’s volume, his attire was a silk shirt, unbuttoned, big crucifix hanging around his neck and black slacks. The pants seemed to have a full salami stuffed in them. I soaked up everything. His performance, his look, his moves, the Circle Star: all left a lasting impression on me.
Call It “TJ Confidence”
A little secret I am revealing here: As a teen, I used to listen to Tom Jones music as I prepared to go to a dance or on a date. I was hoping that some of his swag and coolness would wear off on me. Looking back on it, the ritual was a confidence builder. It worked. Watching Tom Jones helped me figure out how to move on a dance floor. I was never mistaken for a good dancer but I successfully blended into the crowd. Listening to my parent’s “Live in Las Vegas” album and it’s infectious energy always helped me awaken my Joe Cool mojo.
That Voice Stayed
My Tom Jones fandom has continued on until this day. I spent my adolescence making my way through popular music and, definitely, making my own choices. Whether my latest obsession was Huey Lewis and the News or Metallica, I always tried to keep tabs on Sir Tom. He would fall in and out of favor over the years but he continued to work. In the 90’s, however, he had a big resurgence based on the popular TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and it’s character, Carlton. Tom continued to make music and some songs actually charted. His voice, THAT voice never, ever faltered. This is the true appeal of Tom Jones. Yes, the ladies love his sex appeal and all the guys want to be cool like him but it’s his voice that has stood the test of time.
Sir Tom
Fast forward to today, Tom is now called Sir Tom after being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 at Buckingham Palace for his services to music. Tom has also had a resurgence due to his judgeship on the UK’s version of the TV show “The Voice”. He has been back in the studio and produced a few serious chart contenders. He has appeared ageless save for the full head of silver hair. His voice has survived the years. Can he still hit those full-throated baritone notes? Most would say he ‘almost’ gets them. Tom Jones’ ‘almost’ is better than most singers.
Tom’s “Surrounded By Time” Tour made a stop at the Fox Theater in Oakland this year. I was very happy to attend. Tom is 84 years old. He has, understandably, slowed down. His signature stage movements are mere suggestions now. Both hips have been replaced and he has to sit down a few times over a 90 minute show. His show is a good mix of the big hits and poignant newer songs that are more appropriate for a man of Tom’s age. In fact, the show starts off quietly with a song from his “Surrounded By Time” album called “I’m Growing Old”. Tom sits on a stool and laments about aging, looking old and feeble. What a fake-out that was! He may be growing old but he is not withering away.
He IS Growing Old
Tom Jones is the VOICE and that voice shows no sign of growing old. After that opening number set the tone, Jones spent the rest of the night proving it wrong. He wasn’t moving like he did in 1975 but he sure was hitting all the notes. An amazing 49 years later, I am still amazed and entertained by the same man. Tom and his young, energetic band ripped through the greatest hits, playing them in a stripped down way. There was no orchestra, just a small group of musicians who could recreate the magic. Even on those classics from the 60s. The stripped down versions of “Delilah” and “What’s New Pussy Cat” sounded as fresh as the day they were released.
There is still the glimmer of a sex symbol even at his advanced age. Ceremonial panties were thrown on the stage. Ladies of all ages were swooning at an 84 yr old man. For Tom, it’s business as usual. He knows exactly how to act and exactly what to say. Lately Tom has been talking about his relationship with Elvis. The two were apparently good friends during Elvis’ Vegas years. I can only imagine!! Seeing Tom STILL killing it at his age only makes me think of what Elvis would be doing these days. I’d like to think he has grown old gracefully with his voice still intact. Just like Tom Jones has done.
