Tom Jones: A Tribute To Love And Resilience In His New Song

Tom Jones isn't holding back when it comes to the inspiration behind his heartfelt new song “I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall.” This touching piece serves as a tribute to his late wife, Linda, who stood by him for an incredible 59 years. During a recent performance on The Voice UK, Tom expressed the essence of the song, explaining that it’s about providing strength and encouragement to those we love. “This song is trying to tell you that people that you love, sometimes they need to be backed up,” he shared, reminding us all of the importance of support in relationships.

Since Linda's passing from lung cancer in 2016, Tom, now 82, has found himself reflecting on their deep bond and the way they uplifted each other through the years. He fondly reminisces, “I’m glad we had our lives together, but I wish she was here now. We would be old together. There was one love of my life, and that was Linda.” Tom's words resonate with anyone who has loved deeply and lost.

Born Thomas Woodward in South Wales, Tom met Melinda Trenchard, known as Linda, when they were just 12 years old. Their shared love for music quickly formed a strong foundation for their relationship. “We grew up together, and we loved one another ever since we saw one another,” he recalls. Despite their early bond, Linda chose not to pursue a career in music, even though Tom saw the potential for them to be a double act.

Biography of Tom Jones

Tom and Linda married in 1957, when Tom was just 17 and Linda was 16 and expecting their son, Mark. To provide for his family, Tom worked in construction and sang at pubs at night. Linda was always supportive, saying, “Whatever I’ve got to do to help you get to where you want to go, or where we want to go, I will do it, we will do it.” Her unwavering support laid the groundwork for Tom's illustrious musical career.

By 1964, he had adopted the stage name Tom Jones and achieved fame with his hit "It’s Not Unusual." Initially marketed as a sex symbol, his record label kept his family life under wraps. Over time, he became just as famous for his dynamic performances, which often included tight pants and enthusiastic fans tossing their panties on stage.

While Tom enjoyed tremendous success, Linda remained a quiet presence behind the scenes. She followed him to California and settled in a Bel Air mansion previously owned by Dean Martin, but she preferred to stay out of the limelight. “Home is where Linda wants to be,” Tom stated, highlighting her desire to maintain a low profile while he pursued his career.

Tom's success continued with hits like “Delilah” and “What’s New Pussycat?” He also starred in his own TV variety show, This Is Tom Jones, where he collaborated with stars like Liza Minnelli and Cher. However, fame came at a cost, and Tom spent much of his time on tour, away from Linda. He described his life as having “two completely different parts,” one on the road and one at home.

Despite the challenges, Tom attributes his grounded nature to Linda. “Your head gets a bit large when you start to get hit records,” he explained, noting how she kept him humble, reminding him, “You don’t really think you’re Tom Jones, do you?” Their relationship weathered many storms, including Tom's infidelities, which he openly admitted to, stating, “It’s not an area of my life that I’m proud of.” Nonetheless, Linda always maintained her loyalty to him, recognizing the man she married.

As the years rolled on, Linda became more reserved, often avoiding public appearances, especially after Tom was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II—a moment he cherished deeply. Despite her struggles with health issues later in life, including emphysema and bouts with cancer, their love never wavered. “How do you walk away from somebody that you get along so well with? What’s the point?” Tom mused about their enduring bond.

In 2016, when Linda was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Tom made the difficult decision to cancel his tour. He, along with their son Mark, stayed by her side during her final days. She remained the calmest in the room, while Tom described himself and Mark as “gibbering idiots.” Before her passing, she made him promise not to succumb to despair, a promise he honored by returning to the stage just two months later.

Tom Jones's story is one of love, resilience, and the profound impact of a lifelong partnership. As he reflects on his journey with Linda, he acknowledges, “It was a wonderful, wonderful feeling to have known someone like that all my life.” This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of love and support in our lives.