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Cerys celebrates music of all genres and eras with the singer Tom Jones. Beginning with his early days in Wales, Tom shares the rich musical mix that's influenced his long career.

Cerys Matthews takes listeners on a musical journey with the help of Sir Tom Jones, a charismatic, natural-born performer for whom "singing is like breathing". One of Wales' greatest ever cultural exports, he got his first record deal in 1964. And, he has been entertaining the world ever since, adapting as the musical landscape changed, and selling 100 million records along the way.

Beginning with his early days in Pontypridd, South Wales - long before he became a professional singer - Sir Tom remembers dancing along to the radio in his mother鈥檚 arms and how his Uncle Snowy taught him how to overcome childhood shyness and become the compelling performer he was destined to be.

A huge music fan, Sir Tom also reveals the rich musical mix that has influenced his extensive body of work, from the Yiddish ballad loved by his father, to the exciting new Rock 鈥榥鈥 Roll music that turned his teenage world upside down. We also hear about some of the legendary musicians with whom he has 鈥渓et it rip鈥, from the peerless star of syncopation Jerry Lee Lewis, to a like-minded Dusty Springfield, and the King of Rock 鈥榥鈥 Roll Elvis Presley.

(Photo: Sir Tom Jones)

50 minutes

Last on

Sat 14 Nov 2015 14:06GMT

Music Played

  • Tom Jones

    It's Not Unusual

  • Tom Jones & Cerys Matthews

    Baby It's Cold Outside

  • Rhos Male Voice Choir

    TYDI A RODDAIST

  • P茅rez Prado

    B脡SAME MUCHO

  • Elvis Presley

    POLK SALAD ANNIE

  • Wilson Pickett

    HEY JUDE

  • Tom Jones

    Thunderball

  • Andr茅 Toussaint

    MI YIDDISHE MAMA

  • Eve Young

    SILVER DOLLAR (feat. THE HOMESTEADERS)

  • Bill Haley and His Comets

    Rock Around The Clock

  • Jerry Lee Lewis

    WHOLE LOT OF SHAKIN聮 GOING ON

  • Little Richard

    LUCILLE (LIVE)

  • Dusty Springfield

    SPOOKY

  • Tom Jones

    RAISE A RUCKUS

Broadcast

  • Sat 14 Nov 2015 14:06GMT

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