The Prince song that revived Tom Jones’ career
Sir Tom Jones has maintained a steady presence in the music scene since the 1960s, and even in his 80s, he remains active, achieving number one albums and embarking on global tours. While many of his contemporaries might prefer relaxation, Jones thrives on the stage, continuously defying expectations with high-energy dance moves and vocal excellence.
In fact, his powerful voice retains the same allure that captivated audiences decades ago. Throughout his career, he’s amassed numerous hits, held residencies in Las Vegas, hosted a popular television show in the US, and received a knighthood, yet his passion for his artistry remains solid and unwavering.
Even though Jones’ first solo release, ‘Chills and Fever’, didn’t make waves on the charts, his subsequent single, ‘It’s Not Unusual’, became an immediate sensation, topping the charts in the UK and reaching the top ten in the US. Despite its 1964 release date, ‘It’s Not Unusual’ claimed the number one spot a year later, setting the tone for what would become the pivotal year in Jones’ remarkable career.
Given Jones’ dedication to musical excellence, it’s unsurprising that the globally acclaimed singer Prince significantly influenced him. In fact, one particular song had such a profound impact that it altered Jones’ career trajectory for the better: the unmistakable ‘Kiss’.
“If I hear a song I like I’ll do it in the show, so when I heard [‘Kiss’], I sang it in an R&B style,” Jones said in The Guardian. “Then I was due to go on Jonathan Ross’s programme in 1987 to perform the ballad ‘A Boy From Nowhere’, and he wanted something upbeat too. My philosophy has always been: when in doubt, do ‘Great Balls of Fire’.”
He added: “But Jonathan asked if I had anything new. Art of Noise were watching and they asked if I’d do a version with them. When they sent me the finished version I thought: ‘If this isn’t a hit, I’ll bloody well pack it all in.’ It was a busting hit.”
Although ‘Kiss’ eventually appeared on Prince’s 1986 album Parade, its origin lay with a different group altogether. During the mid-1980s, Prince’s bassist, Mark Brown, opted to step away from touring with The Revolution to launch his side project, Mazarati. Upon signing with Paisley Park Records, Brown approached Prince for assistance, requesting a song.
Prince gladly agreed, pausing the Parade sessions to craft a hit suited for his former bandmate. Driven by his dedication to his craft, Prince not only returned to Mazarati with one song, but two, recorded on a mini tape recorder. The initial track was ‘100mph’, followed by a bluesy piece strummed on an acoustic guitar, later known as ‘Kiss’.
