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BBC Music on the World Service with Cerys Matthews

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Cerys takes listeners on a global journey of discovery with music of all genres and eras.

Cerys Matthews celebrates music of all genres and eras, taking listeners on a global journey of discovery from the recordings of early pioneers to latter-day luminaries.

BBC Music on the World Service with Cerys Matthews: 14/11/2015 14:06 GMT: Sir Tom Jones

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Sir Tom Jones

14/11/2015 14:06 GMT

14/11/2015 14:06 GMT: Sir Tom Jones

BBC World Service - BBC Music on the World Service with Cerys Matthews, Sir Tom Jones

Cerys celebrates music of all genres, and eras, with the chart-topping singer Tom Jones

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’s 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 ‘n’ Roll music that turned his teenage world upside down. We also hear about some of the legendary musicians with whom he has “let it rip”, from the peerless star of syncopation Jerry Lee Lewis, to a like-minded Dusty Springfield, and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll Elvis Presley.

(Photo: Sir Tom Jones)

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BBC Music on the World Service with Cerys Matthews

14/11/2015 14:06 GMT: Sir Tom Jones

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