Introduction:
For many artists, a long-term manager is a staple of their career. But in the case of Sir Tom Jones, a turning point led to a significant change—not due to industry politics or artistic disputes, but a deeply personal loss. As his career continued to flourish, Sir Tom found himself in need of a new manager and a refreshed public image. Instead of hiring a seasoned industry veteran, he made an unconventional yet inspired decision: he appointed his own son, Mark Jones.
Renowned Tom Jones biographer Colin Macfarlane shared in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk that this move wasn’t driven by nepotism. On the contrary, Mark had spent years immersed in the music world, making him uniquely equipped to guide his father’s evolving career.
Sir Tom’s legendary first manager, Gordon Mills, was the architect behind his iconic persona, transforming Thomas Woodward—the married Welsh laborer—into the charismatic superstar known as Tom Jones. Mills’ death in 1986 left a void, both professionally and personally. But in the years prior, Mark had closely observed Mills at work, gaining invaluable insight from what Macfarlane called “the master.” In many ways, Mark had been preparing for this role long before he officially stepped into it.
“Mark was the apprentice,” Macfarlane explained. “He learned directly from Gordon Mills. So when Mills passed, Mark naturally stepped up. He had absorbed so much just by watching.”
Mark’s transition into the role wasn’t something many saw coming. One local from Pontypridd, who went to school with him, recalled Mark as a pleasant kid but never imagined he’d one day manage one of the world’s biggest music icons. “He was just too young at the time,” Macfarlane said. “When Tom got his big break in the mid-1950s, Mark was still just a child.”
Despite their close age gap—Sir Tom became a father in his teens—Mark and Tom developed a remarkably strong and effective professional partnership. Mark not only helped reframe his father’s public image, but also took steps to ensure his well-being offstage.
In a 2010 interview with the Daily Express, Sir Tom spoke candidly about his son’s influence: “When Mark became my manager, the first thing he did was get me out of those tight trousers and completely revamp my image. I look back now and think, ‘No wonder!’”
Mark’s impact went beyond style. Having once indulged in the temptations of life on tour, Mark adopted a more grounded lifestyle and became a steadying force in his father’s life. “I’m always on him about drinking,” Mark admitted. “He knows it comes from a good place. I tell him, ‘Enjoy yourself, but don’t destroy yourself.’ I’m persistent—very Welsh that way. We’re like nanny goats.”
Their dynamic—rooted in both familial closeness and mutual respect—has enabled them to navigate the challenges of fame together. Mark didn’t just manage Tom Jones; he evolved with him, helping to reshape the legacy of a music legend.