What a voice! He looked pretty good too. I watched that performance back in 1965 as well. Thx, Dan. PS - I just watched the Doc on Netflix called Rather. It was kind of odd remembering where I was and what I was doing when you broke all those stories on my TV. Thanks for your work over the years and now.
I recall seeing him sing Pussycat on his show as a young girl. He was something else then and still is! I’ve always loved him and thought the flying underwear was hilarious!
Dan, you have a knack of bringing a moment of sanity and lightheartedness when we need to be reminded that life wasn’t always like this and doesn’t have to be this way. To be sure, there were many people who did not appreciate Tom Jones’ gyrating hips but they sat through it the same as I sat through Totie Fields and the guy with the spinning plates or dancing dogs. We learned patience while waiting for our anticipated favorites as in the Beatles or the Bolshoi Ballet and we learned, whether we wanted to or not, that each of us has worldview that doesn’t have to be the same as yours. We learned that there were some things we weren’t aware we could like and some things we’d just assume get a snack than watch - which was all okay. We didn’t have to be the same. There was not just one way to be an American. I don’t know if we can ever get back to that place but reminiscing about it adds an important moment of sanity and hope to my daily existence. I was too young to appreciate Tom Jones at the time, and really the Beatles too, but they are all part of my American Experience. The Ed Sullivan Show was a great example of what America culture can be. Thank you.
Yes, my thanks to Dan Rather for these musical flashbacks to happier ( more innocent despite gyrations) times. As someone who is a Forever Music Fan, my life has been punctuated in particular by artists who appeared on that "really big shew." Also, Tom Jones reminds me of my mom and a long ago concert we both enjoyed. Again, Thanks For The Memories!
That's where I first saw the BEATLES and all of the "British Invasion Bands". I started playing drums and a musical life long career from seeing The Beatles on His show.
Thank you for the reminder of the many acts that were on Ed's Show. Peace & Best Regards. Memories...
I remember hearing “She’s a Lady” over and over again in my youth and how rich the voice behind the song was… thanks for this piece, Mr. Rather. Your taste is terrific. I’m sure tonight’s concert will be thrilling!
My favorite memory of my very reserved, very English mother-in-law is of her singing along with Tom Jones to ‘Sex Bomb’ while played Scrabble. Can’t listen to Sir Tom without telling that story.
I wish you had posted a link to the song Sir Tom sang at the D-Day commemoration earlier this week. He sang to honor his grandfather, who was one of the many D-Day veterans. His voice is still strong, and it was a lovely tribute.
Thank you for this. I couldn’t get the link to work but was able to find & play a video of his performance outside Substack. Unbelievably moving and perfect for the occasion. I’m surprised it wasn’t more widely reported. Or maybe not. We do suffer a bit from navel gazing. Regardless, he met the moment for sure.
As this wonderfully talented man celebrated his 84 birthday, I reflect on his last album "Surrounded by Time" (my favorite album!!) which tells the story of his life, and am reminded that he is as much a powerhouse today as he was 65 years ago! I saw him perform live in 2022, and he blew me away! To those who haven't heard these songs, please go to YouTube and click on any song from this album.
I promise it will make you think differently about being 80 years of age! The guy is a treasure!
Dan….thanks for the trip down Memory Lane of the 1960s….a decade that sure had its array of events both good and bad. Tom Jones style exemplified the ‘60s perfectly. The clothes (snug fitting pants, jacket, leather shoes with elevator heels) and his movements (hips gyrating and finger snapping). And it sure is nice to see these octogenarians being able to perform so well…..Jagger, Richards, Starr, McCartney et al. That alone is a reason to smile. A perfect segue for me to ask you once again to record (on camera) some of your essays (thoughts on the world 🌎 today) or readings and publish them on Steady….or elsewhere. Your voice and opinions are still reassuring and uplifting. And we sure do need some confidence and elation these days.
An in a bit of a digression, a loving RIP to Bill Ackers who also made a tremendous contribution to the decade of the ‘60s with his lunar orbit and the photo of Planet Earth (doesn’t the orb look, peaceful….the way we would like it to be)? We need more moments like Tom Jones and Bill Ackers gave us.
At 80 there’s a sensual appreciation for the many gifts the elders still have. Whether it’s the eloquence of a writer, the voice well remembered , the hands held or hugs still enjoyed ..we revel in a wisdom age brings and cherish our mentors, family and friends, and yes …our loves🫶 thank you Dan , Tom, Joe…
What a bright, energizing song to awaken to this day. That performance was just prior to my graduating from high school. LOVE Tom Jones! Thank you for this! Steady, Dan. 😘
Ahhhhhhhhh, those 60’s, The Ed Sullivan Show!, AM radio, the British Invasion, what a musical scene it was indeed and it seemed every song had its own special dance to it as well… although Tom Jones wasn’t as “ hip” as those super groups coming out, he had a place,…even my parents liked him, along with Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass, Englebert, of course… but this catapults me back in time for sure… thank you Dan for putting a smile and a dance into the weekend! Have a great weekend as well! 🎤🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶
I never went out on my bike as a kid without my little Japanese transistor radio, tuned to the AM top 40 stations. At least, until the bumps and jouncing from the roads got my little radio "all shook up" and it wouldn't play anymore.
You always manage to make one smile, probably because you ,too ,are looking for reasons to smile. The Rather on the Netflix documentary brings back moments ,all along the emotional scale. That all began at Tribeca ,a year ago ,and will continue to bring back our past memories for years of smiles, and tears, heartbreak and triumph. Rather is something to smile about and that “is not unusual!
What a voice! He looked pretty good too. I watched that performance back in 1965 as well. Thx, Dan. PS - I just watched the Doc on Netflix called Rather. It was kind of odd remembering where I was and what I was doing when you broke all those stories on my TV. Thanks for your work over the years and now.
Yes, not bad at all for a 25 year-old Tom Jones. However, THIS is my favorite Tom Jones song.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAVpqOG-HDY
I recall seeing him sing Pussycat on his show as a young girl. He was something else then and still is! I’ve always loved him and thought the flying underwear was hilarious!
Dan, you have a knack of bringing a moment of sanity and lightheartedness when we need to be reminded that life wasn’t always like this and doesn’t have to be this way. To be sure, there were many people who did not appreciate Tom Jones’ gyrating hips but they sat through it the same as I sat through Totie Fields and the guy with the spinning plates or dancing dogs. We learned patience while waiting for our anticipated favorites as in the Beatles or the Bolshoi Ballet and we learned, whether we wanted to or not, that each of us has worldview that doesn’t have to be the same as yours. We learned that there were some things we weren’t aware we could like and some things we’d just assume get a snack than watch - which was all okay. We didn’t have to be the same. There was not just one way to be an American. I don’t know if we can ever get back to that place but reminiscing about it adds an important moment of sanity and hope to my daily existence. I was too young to appreciate Tom Jones at the time, and really the Beatles too, but they are all part of my American Experience. The Ed Sullivan Show was a great example of what America culture can be. Thank you.
Yes, my thanks to Dan Rather for these musical flashbacks to happier ( more innocent despite gyrations) times. As someone who is a Forever Music Fan, my life has been punctuated in particular by artists who appeared on that "really big shew." Also, Tom Jones reminds me of my mom and a long ago concert we both enjoyed. Again, Thanks For The Memories!
That's where I first saw the BEATLES and all of the "British Invasion Bands". I started playing drums and a musical life long career from seeing The Beatles on His show.
Thank you for the reminder of the many acts that were on Ed's Show. Peace & Best Regards. Memories...
Such a great perspective!
I feel the same way. Those were the days, my friend.
Well said!
Beautifully stated! I think you succinctly wrote how so many of us are feeling and have experienced. Thank you, PJ!
I remember hearing “She’s a Lady” over and over again in my youth and how rich the voice behind the song was… thanks for this piece, Mr. Rather. Your taste is terrific. I’m sure tonight’s concert will be thrilling!
My best, as ever…
Anne in MD
🌻💙🙏
My favorite memory of my very reserved, very English mother-in-law is of her singing along with Tom Jones to ‘Sex Bomb’ while played Scrabble. Can’t listen to Sir Tom without telling that story.
Laughing!
I caught my grandmother (Nanny!) tapping her toes. She was about my age now, 75 😎😁
Whenever I hear “It’s Not Unusual” I keep remembering Alfonso doing “The Carlton”. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zS1cLOIxsQ8
Jedi, Thanks I had forgotten that I had watched that years ago. fun memory
You're welcome
I just wrote the same thing!!! I can’t NOT smile when I think of it!!! The Carlton!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🕺🤣🤣🤣
Thank you very much, Jedi. I cannot believe how many wonderful memories are available to us all now.
I never saw the original, but this is precious !! Thank you, Jedi.
Didn't know this clip but laughed along!
I wish you had posted a link to the song Sir Tom sang at the D-Day commemoration earlier this week. He sang to honor his grandfather, who was one of the many D-Day veterans. His voice is still strong, and it was a lovely tribute.
Here you go. https://www.google.com/search?q=tom+jones+d+day&rlz=1CDGOYI_enCA772CA772&oq=tom+jones+d+day&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCTExNzI0ajBqN6gCGbACAeIDBBgBIF8&hl=en-GB&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:a2c7bc58,vid:VaktvsDwZ6I,st:0
Thank you for this. I couldn’t get the link to work but was able to find & play a video of his performance outside Substack. Unbelievably moving and perfect for the occasion. I’m surprised it wasn’t more widely reported. Or maybe not. We do suffer a bit from navel gazing. Regardless, he met the moment for sure.
Thanks, Leslie and Ann. I also was able to find this video, and it is well worth seeing and hearing him sing. Brought tears.
Thanks, Lesley. Really enjoyed seeing Sir Tom and the lovely memorial site.
Thank you Lesley🙏🏼
Lovely.
Truly moving - thank you for sharing ❤️💙
As this wonderfully talented man celebrated his 84 birthday, I reflect on his last album "Surrounded by Time" (my favorite album!!) which tells the story of his life, and am reminded that he is as much a powerhouse today as he was 65 years ago! I saw him perform live in 2022, and he blew me away! To those who haven't heard these songs, please go to YouTube and click on any song from this album.
I promise it will make you think differently about being 80 years of age! The guy is a treasure!
Dan….thanks for the trip down Memory Lane of the 1960s….a decade that sure had its array of events both good and bad. Tom Jones style exemplified the ‘60s perfectly. The clothes (snug fitting pants, jacket, leather shoes with elevator heels) and his movements (hips gyrating and finger snapping). And it sure is nice to see these octogenarians being able to perform so well…..Jagger, Richards, Starr, McCartney et al. That alone is a reason to smile. A perfect segue for me to ask you once again to record (on camera) some of your essays (thoughts on the world 🌎 today) or readings and publish them on Steady….or elsewhere. Your voice and opinions are still reassuring and uplifting. And we sure do need some confidence and elation these days.
An in a bit of a digression, a loving RIP to Bill Ackers who also made a tremendous contribution to the decade of the ‘60s with his lunar orbit and the photo of Planet Earth (doesn’t the orb look, peaceful….the way we would like it to be)? We need more moments like Tom Jones and Bill Ackers gave us.
Good suggestions.
Thank you
I still read these in my head in Dan Rather's voice.
Such a singable tune , another great cup of Sunday coffee, Thanks Dan
At 80 there’s a sensual appreciation for the many gifts the elders still have. Whether it’s the eloquence of a writer, the voice well remembered , the hands held or hugs still enjoyed ..we revel in a wisdom age brings and cherish our mentors, family and friends, and yes …our loves🫶 thank you Dan , Tom, Joe…
What a bright, energizing song to awaken to this day. That performance was just prior to my graduating from high school. LOVE Tom Jones! Thank you for this! Steady, Dan. 😘
Best reason to smile, he’s 84 and opening a show. Thanks
Ahhhhhhhhh, those 60’s, The Ed Sullivan Show!, AM radio, the British Invasion, what a musical scene it was indeed and it seemed every song had its own special dance to it as well… although Tom Jones wasn’t as “ hip” as those super groups coming out, he had a place,…even my parents liked him, along with Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass, Englebert, of course… but this catapults me back in time for sure… thank you Dan for putting a smile and a dance into the weekend! Have a great weekend as well! 🎤🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶
I never went out on my bike as a kid without my little Japanese transistor radio, tuned to the AM top 40 stations. At least, until the bumps and jouncing from the roads got my little radio "all shook up" and it wouldn't play anymore.
lol…I did the same…my little transistor radio held to my ear beebopping along to the songs of the day…how innocent and divine!…
I remember that performance, and Elvis and the Beatles, and fell in love with all of them.
You always manage to make one smile, probably because you ,too ,are looking for reasons to smile. The Rather on the Netflix documentary brings back moments ,all along the emotional scale. That all began at Tribeca ,a year ago ,and will continue to bring back our past memories for years of smiles, and tears, heartbreak and triumph. Rather is something to smile about and that “is not unusual!
Love these "Reason to Smile" features, Dan! They never fail!