Sir Tom Jones In My Own Words: Dad still down the pit after success

Sir Tom Jones In My Own Words: Dad still down the pit after success

Sir Tom Jones experienced a journey from the coal mines of Rhondda Valley to the heights of stardom with his hit, It’s Not Unusual, in 1965. Despite his success, Sir Tom never forgot his roots as “the miner’s son from Pontypridd”. His career took off in his mid-20s when he signed a three-record deal with Decca Studios, alongside The Rolling Stones, marking the beginning of his string of hits.

In a BBC series called In My Own Words, Sir Tom Jones opened up about the pain he felt knowing his father was still working in the mines while his own life was radically changing due to fame. Despite living in a celebrity-filled estate in Surrey, he always remained connected to his Welsh heritage, recalling the disbelief his father felt when he learned about his son’s newfound wealth.

Although Sir Tom eventually bought his first home in Surrey and gave it to his parents, the adjustment was difficult for his father. The move away from Pontypridd, where everything they knew was rooted, led to bouts of depression for his father. However, Sir Tom’s upbringing in a tight-knit Welsh community filled with love and camaraderie shaped his deep appreciation for his roots.

In addition to his early success and upbringing, Sir Tom also touched on a lighter topic in the episode – his decision to stop dyeing his hair in 2009. After seeing himself on television with what he described as “dyed, permed hair”, he decided to embrace his natural grey, receiving positive feedback for his authentic look. His journey from the coal mines to international stardom is a testament to his resilience and authenticity in the face of success

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More