Introduction:
When Sir Tom Jones burst onto the music scene with his explosive hit “It’s Not Unusual” in the 1960s, audiences around the world were immediately captivated by his powerful, soulful voice. But for many, there was something unexpected — they assumed he was Black. The depth, grit, and emotion in his vocals echoed the gospel and blues traditions deeply rooted in African American culture, leading many to question not just his style, but even his heritage.
In a candid conversation, Jones recalled that when he first came to America, fans and radio listeners alike were stunned to discover he was white. “People heard me sing on the radio and were surprised to learn I was white,” he admitted. Even today, he says, many still believe he’s Black upon hearing his voice. The influence of Black music on his vocal style is undeniable and something he’s always acknowledged with respect and gratitude.
He shared an anecdote about a school memory where he sang The Lord’s Prayer with such emotional intensity that his teacher asked, “Why are you singing this like a Negro spiritual?” At the time, he was just a boy, unaware of the stylistic roots he was tapping into. “I didn’t know what she was talking about,” he said. “I was just singing it the way I felt.” In hindsight, he believes that he may have subconsciously absorbed the sounds of legendary gospel artists like Mahalia Jackson, whose voice often graced the radio during his youth.
A reporter once asked Jones if he would be “opposed” to taking a DNA test to explore whether he might have Black ancestry. “I said no, I wouldn’t be opposed to it,” he recounted. But the story quickly spiraled, with headlines suggesting that Jones was actively seeking to prove he was Black — something he never claimed. “I never said that,” he clarified. “I still haven’t had the test done.” Nonetheless, he admits, “Maybe I do [have some Black ancestry], who knows?”
Jones isn’t alone in this experience. He pointed out that Frankie Laine, another white singer known for his soulful delivery, faced similar assumptions. Laine’s rendition of “Shine” had such passion and authenticity that many listeners believed he was Black, too.
For Tom Jones, being mistaken for a Black singer has always felt like a compliment — not because of race itself, but because it means he channeled the emotional truth and raw power that define the greatest traditions of soul, gospel, and blues. His voice, shaped by deep admiration for Black musical heritage, broke through racial barriers and connected across cultures.
In a world too often divided by appearances, Tom Jones is living proof that music speaks first — and that authenticity, above all, is what truly resonates.