Happy Birthday, You Welsh God: 9 Must-See Tom Jones YouTube Videos
Sir Thomas Jones Woodward was born on on this day in 1940 and remains an entity that should be seen and heard. So let’s all celebrate in true Tom Jones fashion (by tossing our underthings in his general direction, of course) with nine YouTube videos that truly showcase his endless, glorious talent.
1) “Treat Her Right” (1968)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UxU8s7Au0A
This was my first introduction to Tom Jones YouTube videos back in college. Some people are proud of themselves for such accomplishments as “getting the job,” raising a “family,” and “volunteering” in old folks’ homes. I think I’m most proud of the joy I know I’ve spread by showing this video to every person I’ve ever met at every occasion possible. It may take a bit to get started, but it’s worth every second.
2) “Land of 1,000 Dances” (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g–Cq_7x7nA
Just in case you didn’t get enough of his sweet, sweet dance moves from the first video. I know I didn’t — and never will.
3) “Tom Jones Little Dance” (1976)
Everything about this video is perfect. The song, the title, the “little dance” itself, the duration, the shirt, the angle, the face. I wish I could watch it on loop. If any of you are tech-y people, please make a loop for me. Please? I want it projected at my funeral. It captures the memory of my life more than the usual mixtape of Josh Groban and “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
4) “It’s Not Unusual” (1969)
“It’s not unusual… to have a picture-in-picture of ladies fainting while I dance.” The smile when he sings “I wanna die” says more than the words themselves. Also, his butt controls the colors of the screen starting at :48, and what could feel more right than that? I think, however, you’ll find that the final image of the video is quite unsettling, and I’d prefer if we just pretend like it didn’t happen.
5) “Sloop John B” (1974)
No description needed.
6) “Raise Your Hand” with Janis Joplin (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXlP7PyaHdA
Tom’s actually a wee bit awkward when he’s performing alongside a powerful lady and stays solidly in one place while bopping back and forth… but doesn’t that make you love him more?
7) “Hot Legs” with Tina Turner (1977)
Please see above. It kind of makes me feel a little bit less intimidated about the moment in my life where we eventually meet in a party situation and I woo him with my knowledge of his YouTube videos and we dance the night away.
8) “She’s A Lady” (1971)
BEST. JACKET. Love how it doesn’t block the view of his swiveling hips. Well played, Sir Tom.
9) “Help Yourself” (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvHkWl8HfrI
Help myself to such a visionary eye of the future? Don’t mind if I do. The ruffled shirt, the intricate lever choreography, the tight white jumpsuits, the face mosaic. Tom really had his finger on the pulse of where society was headed.
Share your favorite Tom Jones videos in the comments!
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James Ryan