Over the Top and Back cover art

Over the Top and Back

The remarkable autobiography from a national treasure

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Over the Top and Back

By: Tom Jones
Narrated by: Jonathan Pryce
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About this listen

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable, audiobook edition of Over the Top and Back by Tom Jones, read by Jonathan Pryce.

In a career that has spanned six decades, Sir Tom Jones has performed with almost every major recording artist, from Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis and Sinatra, to Robbie Williams, Van Morrison and Jessie J, across every imaginable genre, from rock and pop to country, blues and soul. The one constant throughout has been his unique musical gift and unmistakable voice.

In this, his first ever autobiography, Tom will revisit his past, both personal and professional, exploring the twists of fate that took a boy from a poor Welsh coal-mining family to global celebrity status. He will chart the stories behind the hits as well as the ups and downs of his professional life - from the heyday in Las Vegas and subsequent fallow years in the 1980s to his renaissance and comeback, thanks to the direction and management of his son, Mark - as well as shedding a light on the life he has led behind the cameras and the stage.

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Critic reviews

A story brilliantly told ... Hold up your banners: "Sir Tom F****** Jones". Yeah! (Bryan Appleyard)
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
Over the Top and Back is a great read and funny. It charts his youth in the coal mining town of Pontypridd. It captures his Welshness
a book that gets to Jones's core
The book lays bare a career that has spanned 60 years, Tom revisits his past and tells tales from his journey from wartime Pontypridd to LA and beyond. He reveals the ups and downs of his remarkable life, from his early heyday to his subsequent fallow years to his later period of artistic renaissance
You tell the story of an Electrolux vacuum cleaner with the same gusto as you talk about Elvis Presley, and that's why it's brilliant Tom
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
This lively, thoughtful and entertaining account does justice to a remarkable life and career
A story, brilliantly told... hold up your banners: "Sir Tom F****** Jones". Yeah!
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)
All stars
Most relevant
I always suspected that Tom Jones would be the real deal, a true global 'Celebrity' who told us what we all suspect, that, becoming a star, is, if the talent is there in the 1st place, is a heady mix of : Determination, chance, being in the right place at the right time and having that one 'Fuel in the tank' moment that propels you to greatness within your craft!

His was most certainly having a 'Knickers hurled at you in a New York club' moment. An unplanned, serendipitous PR coup, which gave him the opportunity to win people over with his stage craft and wonderful singing voice. Maybe the many, many wannabe 'Celebrities' who, in these days, litter the TV looking to be are worshipped, should stop for a moment and pray to the god of serendipity for a 'Knickers' moment.

Your a true talent Tom! But I won't wish you good luck, you already had that!

A Knickers Moment.

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Excellent narration throughout. Many many great stories from a fantastic life Tom Jones has had. It's easy to forget how big he really was and actually still is to this day. Loved every bit of it.

Very entertaining

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Jonathan Pryce is excellent at narrating this book, you are instantly submerged into the life of Tom Jones. It's funny, heartwarming & a very interesting read (or listen). I couldn't put it down!

Loved every minute of it!

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absolutely amazing autobiography highly recommended I love you in about my home country Wales during the early days of Tom's life it was like a different world and you will need from Tom's perspective was absolutely brilliant

Tom Jones, the greatest !

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Loved every second. What a genuine guy. Not a image. Would deffo recommend to all.

Fantastic. Genuine funny. Sensitive

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