182. Tom Jones

The three iconic words: Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll fit many acts on this list, but only Sex seems to fit our next act. It would be very tough to argue that any other artist exuded more sexuality (and still does) than our list’s first Welshman, Tom Jones. At the very least, no other artist (in the Hall or not) has had more pairs of women’s underwear thrown at them.

If you forget about his looks, you still have a man with a powerful and attention grabbing voice. Emerging from the British Invasion, Jones signature calling was his powerful baritone, one of the voices that could mesh with the over the top Pop orchestras that would back him. Amazingly, Jones was able to stretch his voice over Country, Rock, Dance or Techno, without it being a parody. Still selling out concerts world wide, there is no evidence that his fan base is shrinking. The biggest knock against him is that he did not write his own material, but after listening to Tom Jones sing a song, could you really imagine anyone else singing it?

www.tomjones.com

Should Tom Jones be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 82.7%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 4.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.3%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 4.3%

The Bullet Points

Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 June 1991
Country of Origin: United Kingdom (Wales)
Why they will get in:
He is considered by many to be an icon and his vocal talent is unquestionable.
Why they won't get in:
He did not write his own material and his “Rock” status is questioned in some circles.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums:
Green, Green Grass of Home (1967)
Delilah (1968)
She’s A Lady (1971)
Reload (1999)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:
It’s Not Unusual (Single, 1965)
Thunderball (From the Thunderball Soundtrack, 1966)
Delilah (From Delilah, 1968)
She’s A Lady (From She’s A Lady, 1971)
Sex Bomb (From Reload, 1999)