Over the Top and Back

The Autobiography

By: Sir Tom Jones

Narrated by: Jonathan Pryce

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2015 Tom Jones (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"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)

"In attitude and anecdote, his engaging and illuminating book backs him up...A remarkable memoir by a remarkable artist." (Kirkus, starred review)

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.

made me love Tom Jones even more!

I love autobiographies and I truly loved hearing about Tom's life. But what I thought was remarkable was his relationship with his wife and how they weathered all those decades together even through his stardom. it obviously shows a very large amount of trust on her part knowing that your husband is one of the sexiest men in the whole world and women are throwing their underwear and room keys at him and you don't have to worry about him cheating. the entertainment business is one of the hardest careers to be in and I think Tom Jones is a perfect example of if you want it bad enough you can have it! I've seen him in live only once but I hope that I do get to see him again someday!

Sir Tom Jones

Didn't disappoint! I loved listening to him read his story. That Voice! What a treat!

Thoroughly Enjoyable Memoir

I really enjoyed Tom Jones' memoir. He broke in showbiz just before I was born, so he's been a fixture in public life all my life. I had recently seen highlights of his coaching stint on YouTube as I am in America. Seeing him sing solo, sing duets etc. renewed my respect for him as an artist. Love is writing style. Very down to earth. And Jonathan Pryce did a great job reading it.

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.

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.