Sir Tom Jones, also known as “The Bull from Wales”, has enjoyed a successful and versatile career in music for over six decades. He has been praised as a “musical shape shifter” for his ability to effortlessly transition between different genres.
In 2016, Sir Tom was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his significant contributions to music. While it was undoubtedly a great honor for him, that same year he faced the most devastating tragedy of his life – the loss of his beloved wife.
Linda Trenchard, Sir Tom’s wife since 1957, passed away after a short but fierce battle with lung cancer. Her death left a profound impact on Sir Tom, leading him to cancel all his concerts and withdraw from the stage. In an interview with This Morning, he revealed that he believed he would never be able to love again.
“When my wife passed away, I didn’t think I could sing,” Sir Tom shared. “When you’re emotional, you can’t sing; your voice closes up. There were certain songs I couldn’t perform. But I had to try and gain a new perspective. I learned to use my emotions to my advantage and channel them into my songs.”
Linda’s passing had further consequences for Sir Tom. He made the decision to sell their large mansion in Los Angeles and all their furniture, fulfilling Linda’s last wish to return to the UK. Today, he resides in a flat in London, honoring his late wife’s desires.
The couple had been married for an incredible 59 years, having tied the knot when Linda was just 16 years old. Sir Tom fondly recalled the magical moment he first laid eyes on his future wife while she was playing marbles. He was captivated by her beauty and considered her the most attractive girl in the area.
However, their marriage endured its fair share of challenges, including scandals and infidelity. Throughout his career, Sir Tom was known as a sex symbol and confessed to having multiple affairs. It is unclear how much Linda knew about his indiscretions, but they had an unspoken “don’t ask” policy during his tours.
“Linda lived a quiet life and rarely left the couple’s villa in Bel Air,” shared biographer Robin Eggar. “During their marriage, she also struggled with alcohol problems.”
These challenges reached a breaking point in 1987 when Sir Tom had a brief fling during a US tour, resulting in a pregnancy. Despite initially denying the child, a DNA test confirmed that he was the father. Although he financially supported the child, Sir Tom showed no interest in building a relationship.
Jonathan Berkery, Sir Tom’s son from the affair, has always yearned to connect with his famous father. Unfortunately, their meeting never materialized. Jonathan blames his father’s absence for his struggles with addiction and periods of homelessness.
With the passage of time comes reflection and regret. Jonathan expressed his concerns, stating, “Now I worry about him being ill. He’s old; he might pass before I get the chance to right the wrongs. I don’t want anything from my father; I just want the opportunity to sit and talk, to share our lives and have a normal conversation.”
Sir Tom Jones’ life has been one of remarkable triumphs and deep sorrows. Through it all, he has continued to captivate audiences with his powerful voice and enduring talent. As he enters the later years of his life, he remains a beloved figure in the music industry, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends time.
