Tom Jones only had one true love in his lifetime—his wife, Linda Trenchard. However, the famous singer had countless affairs with women. Jones was Trenchard’s happiness and source of strength until her death. Sadly, Jones blamed himself for her passing and broke some vows he made before she died.
Tom Jones, born Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, South Wales, was barely a teenager when he first fell in love with Melinda Trenchard. At the time, he was still a young boy recovering from tuberculosis, a disease that kept him at home for two years.
While confined to his room, Jones only had Trenchard in his mind. He recalled wondering where she could be and the activities that kept her busy. He didn’t make contact with anyone but his doctor and tutor, but he occupied himself with thoughts of Trenchard.
When he recovered, Jones pursued Trenchard, and they fell in love. At age 15, he left school and worked as an apprentice glove cutter. Although his job did not fascinate him, Jones was happy being in love with someone he described as “a shy, pretty girl from 3 Cliff Terrace.”
When he was younger, a gypsy told his mother that Jones would one day travel the world. Although his mother believed the woman, she didn’t think her son would become a world-renowned singer.
It didn’t take long before Jones and Trenchard decided to tie the knot at 16 when she was already eight months pregnant. The couple had their wedding in March 1957 at the Pontypridd register office.
Although still young, they expanded their family and welcomed a son, Mark Woodward, a month later. “I was working on the night shift when she went into labor,” Jones recalled. “Holding our son, Mark, for the first time was overwhelming.”
At the time, Jones was yet to pursue a career as a singer. He worked regular jobs to make ends meet until his wife encouraged him to pursue entertainment.
When he was younger, a gypsy told his mother that he would one day travel the world. Although his mother believed the woman, she didn’t think her son would become a world-renowned singer for several decades.
Jones only started gaining fame in 1965 after releasing his hit song, “It’s Not Unusual.” However, his talent began at a young age. Jones would stand on a chair in front of his relatives and sing to the tunes played on the radio.
Trenchard rarely attended her husband’s concerts and preferred to stay home. Because of the big lie to sell Jones, Linda’s insecurities heightened.
When Jones’ career took off, his wife showed her unwavering support. However, they did not always live in marital bliss while he made a name for himself. Still, they remained married until the end of Trenchard’s life.
Trenchard adored her husband and felt alive whenever she saw him come home, regardless of the time. Throughout their ups and downs, she stood by her husband.
As he started his career, Jones’ manager introduced him to the world as a 22-year-old single singer. In truth, he was 24, married, and already a father to a seven-year-old boy.
Trenchard rarely attended her husband’s concerts and preferred to stay home. Because of the big lie to sell Jones, Linda’s insecurities heightened. Jo Mills, the wife of Jones’ manager, said:
“I think from the very beginning, Linda was made to feel as if she mustn’t exist in his life. It is sad because she is a lovely person, very warm, and if only she got that confidence initially, she would have been very different.”
Jones’ career became a whirlwind of success, thanks to his wife, who pushed him to pursue a music career. He sang several great hits, including “Green Green Grass of Home,” and even became good friends with Elvis Presley. He was also close to the King of Rock’s wife, Priscilla, and was rumored to have had an affair with her.
Along with his fame came many women throwing themselves at him, and unfortunately, Jones couldn’t resist the temptation. On average, he slept with up to 250 women in a year but admittedly “never kept count.”
His infidelity was no secret backstage and amongst his crew. During tours, he would have two dressing rooms, one used to entertain friends and the other to entertain groupies. He had affairs with all kinds of women, from 21-year-old lap dancers to fellow singers, including Mary Wilson of The Supremes.
Unfortunately, Jonathan grew up without much guidance. He involved himself with drugs and became a homeless gun-carrying dealer.
His relationship with beauty queen Marjorie Wallace became publicized when press members photographed them together in Las Vegas and Barbados. As Trenchard was about to find out about his extramarital romance, Jones immediately left Wallace.
Wallace was already in love with Jones then and had difficulty in his exit from her life. Despite his many affairs, Jones always went home to his wife. The singer’s heart only had space for Trenchard regardless of the many women he slept with. He said:
“She’s the most important thing in my life. All the rest is fun and games.”
Jones also once told his publicist, “It’s Linda that I truly love.” Soon, Jones’ romances would circulate amongst the media, but his wife stood by him. “I believe him absolutely,” she said. “Nothing that these women throw at him will ever destroy that love.”