I would imagine that Tom Jones' fans worldwide (and there are a LOT of them) are anxiously awaiting the release of This Is Tom Jones, his new DVD set produced by the folks at Time-Life. If so, their wait is almost over. The three disc set, encompassing eight of the best episodes from his TV variety show (which ran from 1969 to 1971) is being released on June 26th, and according to my calendar that's just around the corner.

Tom Jones - born Thomas John Woodward - is of course the Welsh legend who started as an unknown pop singer in Great Britain, but became one of the biggest musical stars around. His transformation began in the mid 1960s (about the time he simplified his name) when he began dressing up his act, becoming more of a crooner and less of a belter, and that makeover - along with his smoldering sex appeal - turned him into a star.

These episodes from his TV show (which was also titled This Is Tom Jones) provide a good time capsule of both the show and the look and sound of entertainment at that time. The current Tom provides an introduction to each segment, complete with his memories of those days, and a separate interview with him is included as a bonus feature. (Added thought - although the lighting is subdued and flattering to him in these scenes, he still looks pretty darn good.)

The value of this set is two-fold. First, the obvious one — Tom's fans will love it. His charisma, stage presence, and swagger are on full display. But for those who are less interested in him and his singing, the chance to see many of the entertainers of the era in their prime can still provide a lot of enjoyment. Seeing quality video of singers, dancers and comedians from almost forty years ago provides an experience very much like actually being there.

If you're old enough to remember those days, it's not difficult to let your mind take you back as you watch performers that include Stevie Wonder, Richard Pryor, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, The Who, Little Richard, The Moody Blues, and even Joe Cocker and the Grease Band. (The details of all performers and their acts are too numerous to spell out here, but a partial listing can be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom, and a full listing is available at the Time-Life website.)