When people think of Tom Jones, they often picture a powerhouse voice, raw charisma, and audiences who simply cannot stay seated. But few realize that the song most closely tied to that image — “It’s Not Unusual” — was once considered a risky move early in his career.
A recording that broke the rules
In 1964–1965, Tom Jones was still a young Welsh singer struggling to stand out. When he was offered “It’s Not Unusual,” he wasn’t the obvious choice. The song had originally been conceived as something lighter, possibly for a more traditional crooner.
Jones turned it into something else entirely. He infused it with soul, punch, and an almost explosive vocal delivery. The final recording, driven by brass and relentless rhythm, sounded unlike anything dominating British radio at the time.
Television wasn’t sure what to do with him
Early live TV performances caused a stir. Some producers worried not about the song itself, but about the reaction it triggered. Audiences — especially women — screamed, clapped, and surged toward the stage. Jones’ physical, energetic style felt dangerously unpredictable for conservative broadcasts.
There was no official ban, but hesitation followed. Inviting Tom Jones meant inviting chaos — and excitement.
Live performance is where the song truly lives
On stage, “It’s Not Unusual” became something bigger than a hit single. Jones never performed it the same way twice. He stretched phrases, teased the crowd, moved constantly, and fed off the audience’s energy.
Over the years, it became one of his signature openers. The moment the brass intro hit, the room changed instantly.
More than a hit — a statement
What makes the song endure isn’t its structure, but its attitude. You don’t have to fit in. For Tom Jones, “It’s Not Unusual” didn’t just deliver chart success — it defined his artistic identity.
Decades later, the song still refuses to feel like a museum piece. It’s alive, physical, and immediate.
The legacy of something “not unusual”
Watching a live performance today, you don’t just hear a great singer. You witness a turning point in pop music — when personality and raw energy began to matter as much as polish.
And perhaps the most unusual thing of all is this: nearly 60 years later, it still gets people on their feet.