Tom Jones turns 80: Icon celebrates his milestone birthday

Sir Tom Jones, who boasts a successful music career spanning nearly 60 years, has turned 80.

Celebrating his milestone birthday on Sunday, the award-winning artist was met with gushing tributes from his The Voice UK co-judges Jennifer Hudson and Olly Murs, host of the show Emma Willis, ex-judge Paloma Faith, as well as comedian Lenny Henry.

The music icon proved there’s no stopping him as he vowed to keep singing ‘as long as there’s breath in my body’ in a new interview.

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Speaking to Cerys Matthews on BBC Radio 2, the She’s A Lady hitmaker declared he ‘won’t stop’ performing after dominating the industry for over half a century.

Tom explained: ‘The memories are tremendous and I don’t want to stop. To reach 80 and to have such wonderful memories and to be still doing it and still making a point, or trying to – thank you to everybody that has been with me, the audience.’

On being able to maintain his stellar vocals, the media personality said: ‘You can’t express yourself properly unless there’s people there to listen to you.

‘God has been good to me and my voice is still there. So as long as it’s there I wanna get up… singing live to people is the thing.’ 

For nearly 60 years, Tom has been delighting audiences with stunning stage performances and hits such as It’s Not Unusual and Delilah.

The Welsh baritone, who once drew comparisons to Elvis, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, reinventing himself for new audiences over the years.

The flowing shirts and tight leather pants of his early career gave way in the 1980s to black jeans and turtlenecks. The music icon has dabbled with other musical styles as well, including blues and gospel.

Tom was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 and for several seasons has been a mentor on the U.K. version of the singing show The Voice.

His The Voice co-star Olly posted a gushing video tribute to the star, saying to the camera: ‘Tom! It’s me, it’s Olly. I just wanted to wish you a happy 80th birthday! You are an incredible man!’

Referring to the COVID-19 lockdown, Olly added: ‘I love you – I miss working with you. I hope you’re keeping safe. I can’t wait to have a glass of champagne with you when this is all over!’

Former co-judge Jennifer posted a similar tribute, in which she said sultrily: ‘Tom Jones, it’s me Jennifer Hudson, and I just wanted to stop by and wish you the absolute best most happiest birthday ever!’

She then sang him a rendition of Happy Birthday To You.

‘Many happy returns Sir Tom!’ The Voice presenter Emma said in her tribute message. ‘I hope you are surrounded by your family and they are showing you with love. 80 years young today! Have a cracking day and I’m sending you loads of love!’

The Voice Kids judge Danny Jones filmed his son Cooper, two, wishing Tom a happy birthday, after which the McFly singer branded Sir Tom a legend.

Tom retweeted the tribute video, adding: ‘This made me smile, thanks #TeamVoice!’