People always told tribute singer Steve McCoy that he looked like Tom Jones — but he never sang.
He even tried out for a play in high school, but the producer of the play, his teacher, said he just couldn’t give him the part as he couldn’t sing.
Fast forward to now, with 26 years in the entertainment business, the New Jersey born McCoy gets to live out his dreams and play one of his idols on stage: Tom Jones.
“I always wanted to be in the entertainment business but I never thought it would happen. I mean, I was a landscaper, I was, I’ll call it a ‘half-assed landscaper,’ ” he said.
After finally giving the entertainment industry a shot, McCoy entered a Tom Jones look-alike contest in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where Jones himself was the judge.
“I used to (lip-sync) his stuff and I went down there and they said, ‘you’ve got to sing,’ and I went ‘oh my god, I’ve never sang,’ and it was live on the radio …” said McCoy.
McCoy ended up winning the contest, with compliments from Jones to boot.
Now residing in Las Vegas, McCoy is fully involved within the entertainment world.
He’s got his own show that he tours around the States and overseas called This is Tom Jones — The Tribute. He’s also part of a show titled Legends in Concert in Las Vegas.
Looking back on his life, McCoy never thought he’d be where he is today, but it’s always been his dream.
“I’ve met an awful lot of people, I’ve been blessed …”
McCoy has even become friends with Jones himself, having gone out to eat together, smoking cigars and having a few drinks.
And it’s been one of the biggest highlights for McCoy, who has been a fan of Jones for a long time.
“I think he’s phenomenal. He’s a phenomenal performer,” he said.
McCoy will sing as part of the Iconic Superstars Tribute show hitting the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay on Dec. 9.
Presented by Legacy North Productions, the performers will be flown in directly from Las Vegas.
On stage will be tribute singers Denita Asberry performing as Aretha Franklin, John Anthony as Rod Stewart, Ronnie Scott as Elvis Presley and McCoy as Jones.
There will also a free raffle draw for a chance to win a Samsung Tablet and one personalized autographed merchandise item by Vancouver Canucks alumnus Kirk McLean.
Tickets for the upcoming show can be purchased by calling 250-338-2430.
