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Show The Daily Utah Chronicle, Thursday, May Page Eight Jones enjoys his sexy by LINDA OLSON Chronicle staff After quarreling with managers at the stairs leading to his private plane, I began to believe Tom Jones didn't want an interview. Upon boarding, Jones greeted the photograper and me warmly and invited us into his cabin away from wary promoters. From the way agents described him, I thought it was going to be difficult to talk to him, however, those managers gave me a false impression. Tom Jones was open, friendly, willing to talk, if not excited about it. Most noticeable is the incredible shape the man is in; lean, smooth facial lithe, very tanned and healthy-lookinfeatures, appears 20 instead of near twice that. He looks the same as he did during the Tom Jones television show a decade over-protecti- ve g, ago. in He was raised in a musical family, do to this have something tough Welsh mine territory. Did with his musical style? "It had a most definite affect," Jones said with his distinctive British accent. "I used to sing at pubs and clubs you know. And I was a part of a thing they called a 'concert party'. There was a comedian, who did his part, and different singers, and I was the rock and roll artist. We all had our own set things to do and we toured around." During this experience Jones began to sing ballads and pop tunes. "You know in this country, a pop singer has sort of a bubble-gummimage. In England, the pop singer is one who sings popular songs and so that's what I did. Over here I'd rather be described as an entertainer than a pop singer." Jones says he always thought he had enough talent but was surprised at his success in America. "Well, with the television show and people asking me to do stuff every week, it was very enlightening," he relates. "You know I got to work with so many different people through the show, I'd never had the chance to work with so many artists if I hadn't done it. Every week it was somebody new." Who does he like to work with the most? "Probably Jerry Lee Lewis, he's influenced me a lot," Jones says. non-profession- er image How did he feel when he knew his show was discontinued? Naturally, I was disappointed," he said quietly. "We started getting scheduled against movies and the people at ABC-Twouldn't change my time slot. I'll never forget the first movie they showed, it was the Guns of Naverone and it was the first time on television. You know I think we had a good show. I wasn't worried about my financial future or anything, but what do you do when they start competing with movies?" Jones doesn't think his image has altered his life much. it's easy. It's not hard to live up "Actually, personal to. It's a very natural image of myself. You know I enjoy it, it might become difficult for me when I'm an old man." Of his own recordings, "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," is his favorite. "I like the song and it has special meaning for me. It was done in one take, no dubbing over. The orchestra was just sitting there and we just did it." When asked if there was something he would like to change about his career, he stopped talking, thought hard and looked at me puzzled, saying slowly "No, there really isn't. I had a mixture of things in my life and I can't think of anything I'd want to have different." Songwriters that he likes best are LennonMcCartney, Kris Kris toff erson, Mickey Newberry and Burt BacharachHal David. Dancing, which is a strong part of his act, he picks up from "watching the kids in the discos. I just try and do what they do," he explains. "People enjoy dancing and I do what I feel is good." Jones stages his own routines and has no special choreographer. As I talk to him I realize he is quite different from the sensual, electric, hollering and screaming performer I've always seen. His offstage personality is honest, relaxed and attentive. Future plans might include movies. Jones has been reading scripts and would like to launch an acting career. "I've quite near been offered some roles," he says. "Actingand the whole process of getting it going is very hard, but you know I really would like to do it." Jones appeared in concert at the Special Events Center V sex-symb- ol mmmmmR terns? Wednesday. Dresents the 4th Annua Good-TimOutdoors, Music Festival. (In conjunction with Mayfest) concerts 1 e, On-the-Gra- ss 11:00 12:00 1:15 2:30 10:00 12:00 1:00 2:30 w 11, 1978 18 May Lichtenstein Circus Royal Gove Scrivenor Mike Williams Smoulder Brothers May 19Ensemble University Jazz Royal Lichtenstein Circus Toulouse Englehardt Cow Jazz Lay around in the sun at Speakers Rock and hear some good music while you enjoy May Fest. If you DISAGREE with the decision about CHICAGO, KANSAS, etc . Let Someone Hear About It! Write a letter and show up at Mayfest. 0 |