Over the Top and Back

The Autobiography

De: Tom Jones

Narrado por: Jonathan Pryce

The long-awaited autobiography of legendary singer Tom Jones, following six decades of unparalleled experiences in the spotlight to coincide with his 75th birthday.

Across six decades, Sir Tom Jones has maintained a vital career in a risky, unstable business notorious for the short lives of its artists. With a drive that comes from nothing but the love for what he does, he breaks through and then wrestles with the vagaries of the music industry, the nature of success and its inevitable consequences. Having recorded an expansive body of work and performed with fellow artists from across the spectrum and across every popular music genre, from rock, pop and dance to country, blues and soul, the one constant throughout has been his unique musical gifts and unmistakable voice.

But how did a boy from a Welsh coal-mining family attain success across the globe? And how has he survived the twists and turns of fame and fortune to not only stay exciting, but actually become more credible and interesting with age? In this, his first ever autobiography, Tom revisits his past and tells the tale of his journey from wartime Pontypridd to LA and beyond. He reveals the stories behind the ups and downs of his fascinating and remarkable life, from the early heydays to the subsequent fallow years to his later period of artistic renaissance.

It's the story nobody else knows or understands, told by the man who lived it, and written the only way he knows how: simply and from the heart. Raw, honest, funny and powerful, this is a memoir like no other from one of the world's greatest ever singing talents.

This is Tom Jones and Over the Top and Back is his story.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"In Jones' new autobiography...the singer recounts some other excesses of his glory days, and of the leaner years and more modest venues that followed before his resurgence in recent decades. But the lasting image is that of Jones, now 75, as a family man who has been married to the same woman...for 58 years."—USA Today

"Packed with the kind of showbiz tales you don't get any more... Jones is a charming, matey voice and the book is a terrific, star-studded journey through the world of entertainment. Even after meeting some of the greats, such as Elvis and Sinatra, Jones still retains an innocence and freshness that is rare."—Daily Express

"A great read and funny. It charts his youth in the coal mining town of Pontypridd. It captures his Welshness."—Sunday Telegraph

"Tom Jones really has had the most astonishing life, one which he recounts here with verve, energy and a vivid eye for detail - this is a hugely enjoyable read."—The Daily Mail

"This lively, thoughtful and entertaining account does justice to a remarkable life and career.—Sunday Express

“A brilliant read full of charm and anecdote that captures the spirit of each decade as well as giving a great behind-the-scenes snapshot of the music world.”—Fanny Blake, Woman & Home

"Bound to be of great interest to pop music fans, especially those who remember Jones’s glory days, when women threw their panties at this übermale superstar. The honesty and openness with which Jones shares his life and career make it a must-read."—Library Journal, Starred Review

"In attitude and anecdote, his engaging and illuminating book backs him up...A remarkable memoir by a remarkable artist."—Kirkus, Starred Review

“A story brilliantly told...Hold up your banners: ‘Sir Tom F****** Jones’. Yeah!”—Bryan Appleyard, The Sunday Times

“A book that gets to Jones's core.”—The Daily Mirror

what a ride to fame, that supported his family.

loved it! Gave me another perspective from being the famous singing star to the young father it was just trying to support his family.

outstanding book!

I love listening to it I would recommend it to anyone excellent book and fun to listen to for it just about anyone.

A Great Story! Candid & Entertaining.

I found this book to be fun and filled with great stories of how Tom Jones made his way through life and the entertainment industry.

I highly recommend it!

I Have Always Loved Tom Jones

So great to relive his earlier life. So happy he received the respect that he deserved for the most unforgettable voice we have ever experienced. I have seen him in person and I will always appreciate that moment. Obviously, he will retain the ability to sing forever! And I will continue to listen...

Who doesn't live Tom Jones!

While missing some of the more personal exploits, this autobiography gives Tom Jones prospective on his life. I'm also interested in reading, someday, a more in-depth review of Tom Jones ' life written by someone else.

One of the best biographies

This is - hands down - one of the best biographies I’ve read, actually listened to… because the reading performance from Jonathan Price is absolutely spectacular.
Thoroughly enjoyable, exciting, captivating (and funny!) from start to finish.
Highly recommended.

Way better than I expected.

Would you listen to Over the Top and Back - the Autobiography again? Why?

I generally don't listen to books more than once but parts of this book deserve a second hearing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tom out to be a very witty and insightful person. Self-deprecation style makes the whole book very listenable even when he's describing difficult parts of his life.

What does Jonathan Pryce bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His reading is fantastic. For much of he book I thought I was listening to Tom himself. Great pacing, inflections and subtlety where required

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were times I wanted to sit in the car andJust continue listening to hear the end of the segment

Any additional comments?

Very strong writing and a great story. I was A big fan of Tom Jones as a musician but now I am as a person. And an artist.

A Life Well Sung

Sir Tom details his rise to fame by letting the rest of us understand how his life has always been about the songs, performing and interpreting the lyrics. Acknowledging all the people that have allowed him to do what he was born to do. I enjoyed his humour and the glimpses into the behind the scenes of the entertainment world. Notice I said glimpses because he does not divulge details of his private life, on tours etc. The performance of this book is excellent.

The Tom Jones we didn't know

Would you consider the audio edition of Over the Top and Back - the Autobiography to be better than the print version?

Johnathan Pryce's narration makes it seem as if Tom Jones himself is telling the story.

What about Jonathan Pryce’s performance did you like?

Wonderful voice he sounded like I imagine Tom Jones would sound if he were speaking.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I thought the book was extremely interesting. To be honest, I'm not a big Tom Jones fan. There are a few of his songs that I love and the rest...well, I can leave them. There is tremendous honesty in this story and he comes off quite funny in many places! I came away with great respect for Tom Jones, who apparently, despite his being seen as a sex symbol for decades, remains faithful to his wife to this today.

Any additional comments?

It was a great listen. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to find other narrations by Jonathan Pryce.

Great reading performance

Story was interesting but somehow I think he left out all the less than flattering parts of his life. Was actually surprised at some of his history Every other word was the F word Jonathan Pryce is so excellent