P.J.Proby - Delilah ( original version ) Vs Tom Jones ( 1968 )
Delilah was originally recorded by P.J.Proby for his 1968 album `Believe It Or Not` which was arranged and produced by Les Reed and les also composed most of the songs. One of the songs recorded for intended use was Delilah , also written by Les. However PJ hated the song thinking it sounded like a German bierkeller song and refused its release. Les tried to persuade PJ of its hit potential but to no avail. Les knew it was a hit in waiting and then offered it Tom Jones. The rest as they say it history.. Les Reed was also musical director on Tom`s later version which is why the musical arrangements are near identical.
PJ Proby`s original version remained unreleased in the vaults of EMI for the next 40 years until its eventual release on his 2008 CD The Best of The EMI Years