Sir Tom Jones denies black ancestry DNA test reports

Sir Tom Jones has denied reports suggesting he is considering a DNA test to determine whether he has black ancestry.

During an interview with American broadcaster Larry King, the Welsh singer explained how the story originated.

"A reporter said to me: 'Would you be opposed to a DNA test?' And I said: 'No, I wouldn't be opposed to it.' And that was it," he said.

"So now in the paper, 'Tom Jones is getting a DNA test to find out whether he's black or not'. Well, I never said that."

The 75-year-old discussed his career and touched on new music including his take on Oscar-winning artist Adele.

"She has a lovely voice, and she appeals to a lot of people, which I think is great because she is a singer's singer," he told the veteran presenter.

"She gives other singers hope that are coming into the business. With electronics the way they are now, there's a lot of electrical sounding records, with Auto-Tune, but Adele sings very much in tune."

Sir Tom's appearance on Larry King Now also included a chat about his memoir, Over The Top And Back.

The book tells the story of his six decades in showbusiness.

The singer has long enjoyed a reputation as a ladies' man, but he chose to leave the subject of rumoured extramarital affairs out of his autobiography.

"I don't think it's important," he replied when asked about the omission.

"It's not what has made me. I've always looked at entertainers as why is that person where he or she is? What's the talent? That's the main thing. The rest of it is part of life. It's not what got you there. It's not what is the real person."

However, the book does refer to the female fans who famously threw their panties at Sir Tom.

"Actually, it was a sexy thing at the beginning. When you're singing in working men's clubs where I come from in South Wales, if somebody throws something at you, you try and turn it into an advantage."

"So that was it," he said, about catching his first pair of knickers and wiping his brow with them.

Reflecting on how the industry has changed since he became famous, Sir Tom pointed out that one aspect remains the same.

"Music, when I started in the 60s, it was always youth-driven. You know, they're always looking for young talent and I don't think that's changed."

:: This episode of Larry King Now is now live on Ora.tv and can be found here http://bit.ly/1ISxDIj