Tom Jones: From the Valleys to Vegas: The Biography [Paperback]

Gwen Russell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2010

Celebrity biographer Gwen Russell traces Tom's phenomenal journey from his first South Wales gigs as an unsigned frontman, to his breakthrough hit "It's Not Unusual" and beyond to his superstardom as the voice behind "What's Up Pussycat," "Delilah," and "She's a Lady." But it has not all been plain sailing for the legendary Grammy Award–winning entertainer whose shows are renowned for panties-hurling frenzies. Tom was struck down by tuberculosis and bed-ridden for almost a year; he has had affairs, lost his longtime manager to cancer, and ridden the quiet times in his career to come out on top. His collaborations reads like a who's who of pop and rock history and includes Johnny Cash, the Bee Gees, Robbie Williams, Pavarotti, and The Cardigans. This informative and affectionate account includes recollections from famous friends, relatives, and contemporaries.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gwen Russell's previous titles include Arise Sir David Beckham, Arise Sir Tom Jones, and Jeremy Clarkson: The Biography.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: John Blake (May 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844548589
• ISBN-13: 978-1844548583
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,012,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars OK, He's Got a Great Set of Pipes, He's Bedded A Lot of Women, His Wife is Reclusive, Yadda, Yadda, Yadda!, September 16, 2010

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tom Jones: From the Valleys to Vegas: The Biography (Paperback)

If people ever ask for an example of a skin-deep bio, show them TOM JONES, FROM THE VALLEYS TO VEGAS! This rags-to-riches story ranks right down there as an exercise in padding and repetition. The man with the window-rattling lungs certainly deserves a top-notch biography but this ain't it, folks!

Thomas Jones Woodward has undoubtedly had an interesting life, journeying from a Welsh mining town to headliner status in Vegas to a knighthood. Along the way, he's obviously had fame, fortune and, as endlessly emphasized in Gwen Russell's book, thousands of one-night stands. He's been married to the same woman for 53 years and, as endlessly emphasized in Gwen Russell's book, his wife has become very, very, very reclusive. After being bludgeoned over the head for about the 12th time on these points; I get it, Ms. Russell, I get it. Womanizer. Recluse. Enough already.

So, while Russell supplies basic details on Jones' life and career, they're overshadowed by the shameless padding that runs throughout the book. If Russell would've cut out the repetitive stuff, her 254-page book would probably come in at about 200 pages...maybe.

A much better TJ biography was done by Lucy Ellis back in 2001. As regards TOM JONES, FROM THE VALLEYS TO VEGAS: don't bother!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very poor book, September 2, 2010

By 

Anonymous "booksandcookies" (Charleston, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tom Jones: From the Valleys to Vegas: The Biography (Paperback)

This book ranks among the worst books I have ever read. I bought it to give to a friend as she is a Tom Jones fan, but I thought I should preview it before giving it, and I ended up reading it. It is a very simple read, indeed, at probably a third grade reading level. It could have been condensed to about five pages if not for the incessant repetitions of the same comments over and over and over and over again. There were also some blatant typographical errors that a careful editing process would have easily caught. Beyond those two criticisms, it was also extremely light on content. There was really nothing to it! A waste of money, paper and time. I would be embarrassed to give this as a gift.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tom Jones From the Valley to Vegas, May 22, 2010

By 

Steven F. - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Tom Jones: From the Valleys to Vegas: The Biography (Paperback)

Great book! Of course anything about Tom would have to be good. A very honest telling of Tom's journey through life. All of his fans would love it!