Introduction:
Tom Jones’s song “It’s Not Unusual” became an iconic hit and a career-defining track for the Welsh singer. Written by Les Reed and Gordon Mills in 1964, the song was initially intended for British singer Sandie Shaw. After hearing Tom Jones’s unique demo performance, Shaw encouraged him to record it himself, feeling that his distinctive style gave the song a special appeal. Released in 1965, the song quickly topped the UK Singles Chart and climbed to the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, marking Jones’s first major breakthrough internationally.
The success of “It’s Not Unusual” was propelled not only by Jones’s powerful, soulful delivery but also by the vibrant arrangement that captured the energy of the British Invasion era. The song’s quick chart ascent was partly due to airplay on pirate radio stations in the UK, which played it after the BBC initially restricted it due to Jones’s “sexy” public image. His electrifying appearances on American television, including The Ed Sullivan Show, helped cement the song’s popularity in the U.S. Jones continued to perform “It’s Not Unusual” throughout his career, and it even became the theme song for his television show, This Is Tom Jones, from 1969 to 1971.
Over the years, “It’s Not Unusual” has remained a signature piece for Jones, symbolizing his entry into the global music scene and marking him as a powerful new voice of the 1960s. The song’s timeless appeal and catchy melody have kept it relevant, still celebrated in popular culture decades after its release
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