When “It’s Not Unusual” hit the airwaves in 1965, few could have imagined it would turn a 24-year-old unknown Welsh singer named Tom Jones into one of Britain’s most electrifying performers. Yet behind its brassy, joyous sound lies a twist of fate — the song was never meant for him.
The track was written by Les Reed and Gordon Mills, Jones’ manager at the time. Initially, they had penned it for Sandie Shaw, one of the biggest British pop stars of the era. Jones was only supposed to record the demo version, a rough cut to help her understand the melody.
But when he sang the opening line — “It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone” — the studio fell silent. His raw power, swagger, and soulful growl were unlike anything the producers had ever heard. It wasn’t pop. It wasn’t soul. It was something new — and unmistakably his.
Sandie Shaw, upon hearing the demo, reportedly said:
“It’s his song. Nobody could sing it better than him.”
So instead of taking it, she convinced Decca Records to let Jones release it himself — a rare act of generosity in the competitive world of pop music. Within weeks, “It’s Not Unusual” climbed to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, marking the beginning of Tom Jones’ meteoric rise.
A Star Is Born — From the Valleys to Vegas
Before the hit, Tom Jones was still Thomas Woodward, a Welsh laborer who played small pubs in Pontypridd. His deep voice and magnetic energy made him local legend material, but fame felt distant.
When “It’s Not Unusual” exploded, doors opened overnight. Suddenly, the man from the coal valleys was sharing stages with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley.
Elvis, upon meeting him in 1965, famously said:
“You’re like me — you sing with your whole body.”
Indeed, Jones’ performances blurred the line between rock and soul, paving the way for artists who would later blend genres with the same passion.
The Power of Chance and Confidence
The story behind “It’s Not Unusual” is not just about luck; it’s about recognizing a voice that didn’t fit the mold and letting it lead.
Had Tom Jones been too shy to give the demo his all, or had Sandie Shaw decided to keep the song, his career might have remained buried in the smoky clubs of Wales.
Instead, that one moment of full-hearted singing — intended for someone else — defined his life.
“It’s Not Unusual” became his signature anthem, a joyful explosion of brass and confidence that captured the spirit of swinging London.
And for millions of fans, it still embodies that feeling of unrestrained joy — when love, luck, and music all collide.
🎵 Suggested listening: “It’s Not Unusual” (1965) – Tom Jones’ debut No.1 hit that changed British pop forever.
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