Not Fade Away
LES REED
“It’s Not Unusual” hitmaker (1935-2019)
ES Reed wasn’t sure what to make of the young Tom Jones at first. In 1964, invited by manager Gordon Mills to watch the unknown singer perform at a cinema in Slough, Reed was less than impressed by the Welshman’s image – tight trousers, medallions and a rabbit’s foot around the waist – but adored his voice. Together with Mills, Reed co-wrote “It’s Not Unusual” for Jones to sing as a demo intended for Sandie Shaw. But such was its formidable power that it became Jones’s second single for Decca, making the UK No 1 spot in early 1965 and launching him to superstardom. Reed’s association with Jones continued with “I’m Coming Home” and, most famously, 1968’s “Delilah”, both co-written with Barry Mason. A skilled pianist and orchestra leader, Reed also created the arrangement for another monster hit of Jones’s, “Green, Green Grass Of
