A couple of weeks ago, it took him to Wichita and Detroit. Next week, it brings him to Harrogate. That's the way it's been these past 50 years, and the way it's going to continue as long as there's an audience for his sort of sophisticated song styling.

"I did a show a couple of weeks ago, and it was a wonderful experience," says Jones, who has long grown used to standing ovations and the adulation of audiences who have followed him for decades.

"There were a lot of friends in the audience, and I got up and said: 'Welcome to the celebrations of an antique'.

That's putting it a little strongly. Jones is 70, and far from being an antique. But his age is why he's currrently on tour, to celebrate 50 years in showbusiness.

It's been a long road, and a hugely successful one.

Jones can look back on a distinctive body of work, hits like Wives and Lovers, or Lollipops and Roses, a well-received album of covers of songs by Bread, and a career that takes him to the swankiest supper clubs in the world where he charms audiences with a combination of old-style showbiz and a voice that remains in remarkable shape.

"It's still a lot of fun for me to be able to sing, and people say to me that I'm singing as well, or better, as I've ever done, so that's what keeps me going," says Jones.

He's grown into the role of superior senior balladeer with good humour. The ranks of great popular singers have been thinned by time, and Jones acknowledges he's one of a vanishing breed.

"I guess now that what I'm looking for is to become the world's greatest romantic balladeer by default.

"I'm loving it. The only thing I don't like is getting on an aeroplane. I used to enjoy flying but now it's such a brow-beating experience, in which you feel you are guilty until proven innocent."


Jack Jones plays Harrogate International Centre on Friday, May 16. Box office: 0845 130 8840 or www.harrogateinternationalcentre.co.uk