Watch CBS News

Tom Jones to get DNA-tested for black ancestry

At 75 years old, Tom Jones wants to do something quite unusual. The singer wants to get a DNA test to find out if he has any black ancestry.

The "What's New Pussycat" singer, who is from South Wales, said that he's always wondered if he is of mixed race, part because of his curly hair and tan skin.

"A lot of people still think I'm black," he told The Times of New Zealand magazine. "When I first came to America, people who had heard me sing on the radio would be surprised that I was white when they saw me. Because of my hair, a lot of black people still tell me that I'm just passing as white."

In addition, he said that some information about his birth has puzzled him: After his mother gave birth to Jones, she developed "big dark patches" on her skin.

Jones said, "When I was born, my mother came out in big dark patches all over her body. They [the doctors and midwives] asked if she had any black blood and she said she didn't know. I'm going to get my DNA tested. I want to find out."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.