Born in Pontypridd, South Wales in 1940 to a traditional coal-mining family, he began singing at an early age in church and in the school choir. Left school at 16 and was married with a son a year later. He brought in money for his family from an assortment of jobs, singing in pubs at night. By 1963 he was playing regularly with his own group in the demanding atmosphere of working mens clubs. Gordon Mills, a performer who had branched out into songwriting and management went to see him. He became his manager and landed him a record contract in 1964. They made a great team and had huge international success with their second single, a song penned by Mr Mills - "It's Not Unusual". An avalanche of gold singles and albums followed. Mr Jones, a vocal powerhouse, has sustained his popularity for over three decades and his recordings have spanned the spectrum of musical styles. Now lives with his wife Melinda in homes in Wales and California.


Sister: Shelia Woodward. Had UK 26 Top 20 hits between 1965 and 1999. Singer. His son is now his manager. Lives in Bel Air, Los Angeles. He once performed "It's Not Unusual" live to the audience, and as he was dancing, he ripped the bottom part of his trousers!. His song "Sex Bomb" was so successful, a group of girls in the Philippines was formed and named after the song. That group was very successful 3 years after the song was released. Was given a knighthood in the 2006 New Year's Honours List. He was awarded Knighthood in the 2006 British New Year's Honours List for his services to music. Winner of the 2003 Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution. Elvis Presley was a frequent guest at Jones' Las Vegas shows in the 1970s. In one show, Presley came to the stage, took the microphone from Jones and made some karate moves for the audience. Good friend with British pop star Robbie Williams. Insured his chest hairs for $7 million [February 7, 2008]. First male to perform a James Bond opening credits song.