SUN CITY – While Tom Jones might say “It’s Not Unusual” to fall in love, it is rather unusual to find someone with such a strong tribute performance to Jones himself.
Lou Nelson. (Photo provided)
Taking the stage in Sun City on June 19, Tom Jones tribute artist Lou Nelson is set to perform upwards of twenty-six of Jones’s songs in a voice that is uncannily akin to the original, according to Nelson’s talent agent, Nick Hill.
“Lou has the closest sound to Tom Jones, and he is the top Tom Jones tribute artist,” said Hill.
Nelson, a Canada-native who has performed with his tribute band and other musical groups in countless venues around the globe, is more humble about his musical career. His impressive credits include performing as lead singer in the band WRABIT alongside Black Sabbath, having a number one hit song in the U.K. (“Anyway Anytime”), and recording songs for Diet Coke and Yoplait commercials, to name a few.
However, Nelson’s tribute career took off in an unforeseen way.
“It actually started out as a joke, and I got a job out of it,” Nelson said, explaining that his friend suggested performing Jones’ songs at their show one night. “The next day I got a call from a Coca Cola rep. I didn’t even know about the tribute artist society until I got into it.”
Twenty years later, Nelson has performed his Tom Jones shows in venues ranging from Viking Line ships in Scandinavia to theaters in the Midwest. He was also the last performer to sing at The Forum in Montreal. This June will be his first performance in Huntley.
What kind of show can Drendel Hall expect?
“I perform as the 70s and 80s Tom Jones with the leather jacket. I like having fun with the audience and joking around,” Nelson said, explaining that his performance is a 90-minute piece divided into two sets and about thirty songs (which is nowhere near his record of ninety songs in one night).
“If I just keep going, I’m fine. I’ve got a workhorse of a voice,” he said.
Nelson, it seems, was born to perform.
“It’s a good life. It beats working 9 to 5, that’s for sure,” he said.
