The video below captures a moment in time, an era when music was king and television was queen. The year was 1968, and America was buzzing with the sound of the Beatles, the Stones, and Motown. A gallon of milk cost 34 cents, a dozen eggs just 53 cents, and a gallon of gas was a mere 34 cents. It was a time of optimism, hope, possibilities, and dreams, and no one embodied that spirit more than Tom Jones.
In the video, Tom Jones takes the stage on The Ed Sullivan Show and delivers a performance that is nothing short of electric. The audience is on their feet, screaming and cheering, as Jones belts out his hit song “Delilah.” His voice is powerful and soulful, and he commands the stage with the ease of a true showman.
It’s easy to see why Jones was such a sensation in the late 1960s. His good looks, charm, and charisma made him a heartthrob to millions of fans around the world. But it was his voice that truly set him apart. With its raw power and emotional depth, Jones’ voice had the ability to move people to tears or make them jump out of their seats with excitement.
As Jones sings “Delilah,” the camera pans over the audience, capturing their ecstatic reactions. Clearly, this performance was a defining moment in Jones’ career and cemented his status as a pop icon.
But there’s more to “Delilah” than just a catchy tune and a great performance. The song, written by Barry Mason and Les Reed, tells the story of a man who comes home to find his lover with another man. In a fit of jealousy, he kills her and is subsequently caught by the police. It’s a dark and disturbing tale, but one that is made all the more poignant by Jones’ powerful vocals.
Interestingly, many fans may not know that “Delilah” was originally intended for Frank Sinatra. Mason and Reed had written the song with Sinatra in mind, but when Jones heard the demo, he immediately fell in love with it and knew he had to record it himself.
And now, more than 50 years after it was first performed, this video of Tom Jones singing “Delilah” is still as powerful and thrilling as ever. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a great song and a great performer and a reminder of a time when music truly ruled the world.
So watch the video below, and share it with your friends because this is a performance that deserves to be seen and heard by everyone who loves music and believes in the power of a great performance to move and inspire us all.
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