No stopping Jack the lad

Legendary crooner Jack Jones is back – and ready to set hearts fluttering and toes tapping across the UK. It’s something he has done for the best part of 50 years and, as Susan Welsh discovered, he has no plans to stop

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FRANK Sinatra described him as “one of the major singers of our time”, while Judy Garland called him “the best jazz singer in the world”.

Some 50 years later, legendary American singer Jack Jones still has the type of voice that makes grown men jealous and women swoon.

One of the last great singers of his generation, Jack is currently undertaking a 13-date tour of the UK which swings by Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, tonight.

Those lucky enough to have tickets to see the double Grammy winner singing live are in for a treat, as it has been said that, unlike some of his peers, his voice continues to be on top swinging form.

“It’s great to be respected and great that I am still out there singing,” said Jack, after apologising for sounding a little gruff due to jet lag and a lack of sleep.

“I’m getting standing ovations and I think I’m sounding better now than I used to.

“If singing is something you like doing, well nobody wants to stop, and I certainly don’t want to.

“I met a man at a convenience store who used to run the store but had been made to retire. He told me he didn’t know what to do with himself now.

“I thought about that and realised I’d be exactly the same. Singing and performing has been part of my life for so long I wouldn’t know what to do without it.”

Jack has been around music for as long as he can remember. His father, Allan Jones, was a famous movie star and singer (Showboat, A Night at the Opera), who encouraged him to study singing and drama at the University High School in West Los Angeles.

He was friends with Frank Sinatra’s daughter Nancy, and she invited her father to sing in the school auditorium. That experience left Jack in no doubt that this was the way he wanted his career to go, too.

At 19, he made his professional debut as part of his father’s act at The Thunderbird Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

While pursuing his singing career he supported himself by taking a host of odd jobs.

Then a funny thing happened. He was working as a gas station attendant and, while washing a customer’s windscreen, heard one of his tracks playing from her car radio.

Fame beckoned – and he answered her cry.

Since then, he has recorded 50 albums, 17 of which have featured on the Billboard’s Top 20, sold millions of albums and earned a reputation as an accomplished writer/arranger.

He’s also a critically acclaimed actor in theatre, television and movies with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – not far from where his father’s star is located.

“Some days, like today, when I’m suffering with jet lag, it does seem like I’ve been in this business for 50 years, but most days it doesn’t,” said Jack.

His repertoire includes hits such as Lollipops and Roses, Wives and Lovers and the all-time favourite the theme tune for cult TV show The Love Boat.

“On this tour, I’m celebrating my 50 years in showbusiness, so the audience can expect to hear some of their favourites – I’ve had requests to sing particular songs – and some new material, too, that’s quite a bit different, which they may not know.

“I hope they come along and enjoy the musical part of life, and have a fun night out.”

With a ticket to see one of the great interpreters of the American songbook, how could they possibly fail?

Jack Jones appears at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, tonight. Call 01463 234234 for tickets and further details.