Tom Jones sings a rocking live cover of ‘Johnny B Goode’ in this video of a performance earlier this year!

Most folks of a particular age think first of his good looks and charisma when they hear the name  Tom Jones. With charm, a great smile, and impressive dance moves, he was especially popular among women. However, if you remember the famous performer, you may not also know that he was born in Pontypridd, South Wales, Great Britain, on June 7, 1940. His parents, Freda (Jones) and Thomas Woodward, named him Thomas John Woodward, but he changed his name to Tom Jones, possibly capitalizing on the success of the 1963 Film Tom Jones.  

Sir Tom—knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2006—has been performing for six decades, and he tells a fun story from the 1970’s to introduce his song. Tom explains that he and Elvis were spending a lot of time together in the evenings after performing their shows. 

It’s clear that he feels very privileged to have been a friend of Elvis. He’s abundantly aware of Elvis’s superstardom and comes across as very humble. He explains that one night, Elvis suggested they go hear Chuck Berry. As they listened to the St. Louis, Missouri-born rock and roller, Elvis told Tom that Chuck Berry was “the real king of rock and roll.” Tom repeats the comment, assuring his audience that those were Elvis’s words. He was there when he said it. 

Tom proceeds to deliver an outstanding rendition of one of Chuck Berry’s greatest hits, ‘Johnny B Goode.’ At 83, Sir Tom still has a few dance moves left, even after having two hip replacements! Commenters from around the world express their admiration for him and his music. 

With a howl at 2:10, the guitarist on his right plays a rousing solo until about 2:45. At 3:20, the Welsh singer sings his final note, pumps his fists, gives a nod and a grin to the fans, and mouths “thank you.” It looks like many are standing, and the applause continues for a few moments.

Sir Tom Jones is most famous for hits like ‘What’s New PussyCat?’ and ‘Delilah,’ ‘She’s a Lady,’ and ‘It’s Not Unusual.’ Here, however, he does a fabulous performance and simultaneously honors both senior artists. Chuck Berry, born in 1926, was about 14 years older than Tom, and Elvis, born in 1935, was five years older.    

“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.” Proverbs 29:23