Jack Jones promises 'beautiful ballads, true stories'

(Feb. 7, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Grammy-winning American singer Jack Jones is doing two Valentine shows in Manila. The 76-year-old crooner performs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 13, and at the Manila Hotel Tent on Feb. 14.

Jones got his big break in the late 1950s, when he was signed by Capitol Records, which released his debut album. By 1961, he was signed to the label Kapp Records, which produced his next albums. Two songs from that era, “Lollipops and Roses” and “Wives and Lovers,” earned him Grammy awards for Best Pop Male Performance.

Jones has recorded over 50 albums. Some of his other hits are “The Impossible Dream,” “Lady,” “She,” “Let Me Be the One” and “Love Boat Theme.”

He has appeared in TV shows, musicals and movies, and most recently had a cameo in “American Hustle.”

Jones granted the Inquirer  this brief e-mail interview: 

How did your involvement in “American Hustle” come about?

I flew to Boston, where we recorded the soundtrack and shot the scene over the last Easter weekend. Director David O. Russell had me sing “I’ve Got Your Number.” He wanted me physically in the scene, saying he had written the story with the song in mind.

What elements combine to make the perfect love song? Which song embodies that?

Passion, sensuality, and commitment. “If,” by David Gates (of the band Bread).

What gestures may be described as romantic?

Taking my wife all the way to the Manila Hotel for Valentine’s Day and singing to her!

 

What is the most important lesson that performing has taught you?

Don’t get lost in your own world! When you’re on stage, the world belongs to your audience.

What can fans look forward to in your Manila shows?

Beautiful ballads, true stories, hits. I was nominated for five Grammys, won two, and all of them were romantic songs—many of them are in my latest CD “Live in Liverpool,” which has a bonus track, a new recording of “The Lorelei.” This version will be available only in the Philippines.

(“Jack Jones in a Valentine Concert” tickets are available at Ticketnet Online and Viva Concerts. The Manila Hotel show will benefit “Yolanda” survivors. Tickets are available at Manila Hotel. Call 5270011 for information.)