Jack Jones – dubbed Numero Uno by Rat Pack leaders Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett – has embarked on a short series of concerts to celebrate his 80th birthday. What's On discovers he's lost none of his sparkle over the decades

JACK JONES lights up a stage - any stage, any time, anywhere.

One of the world’s most loved international singing stars, JACK JONES still stands head and shoulders above his musical peers. And now, at 80, he’s proving yet again just what took him to the top.

Returning to the UK for a handful of dates at the end of January 2018 as part of his 80th birthday celebrations, the shows should be a rare treat. Complete with big band Jack promises some of the greatest songs of all time.

Rated by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett as Numero Uno, it was the former who actually inspired Jack to sing. Jack’s school friend, Nancy, brought her father in one day to sing at assembly… from then on it was sports’ loss and entertainment’s gain.

Jack Jones has sung all his life. He has 60 albums to his credit, two Grammies and another five nominations, an Emmy, and awards too numerous to mention. He has performed at two Royal Variety Shows and has his own Hollywood Walk of Fame star right next to his father’s, the film star Allan Jones.

Jack’s respect for a well crafted song has led to him recording some of the greatest ballads of all time but his career has spanned it all – pop, jazz, musical theatre, film. He is, as Mel Torme put it, “the greatest ‘pure’ singer in the world.”

Born into a showbiz family (on the actual night his father, Allan Jones, recorded his hit Donkey Serenade), Jack started singing professionally at the age of 19 supplemented by his income as a petrol attendant. Signing his first deal with Capital Records in 1959, Jack went on to record with several labels over the years, 20 albums with RCA alone, and have 17 chart in Billboard’s Top 20.

Perhaps best known for his hit renditions of The Impossible Dream, Lollipops and Roses, What I Did For Love, The Race Is On, Lady, Call Me Irresponsible and The Loveboat theme

amongst others, he has also addressed the work of contemporary artists such as Randy Newman and Carole King.

Consistently playing to packed houses world-wide, not to mention stellar venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Centre and the White House, Jack Jones is an artist who truly knows how to entertain.

On fine form at 80, Jack Jones is one of the few greats left standing. What better time then to be returning to the UK than on the eve of this milestone birthday…

This is one show that promises class on every level.

Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are on sale now from all usual venues.

  • Jack Jones 80th Birthday Tour, The Sage, Gateshead. Tuesday, February 6, 7.30pm. Tickets at 0191 443 4661.