Who performed the song 'What's New Pussycat'
‘What’s New Pussycat’ is best known as the theme song for the 1965 James Bond parody film ‘Casino Royale.’ The track was written by Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (lyrics) and recorded by Welsh singer Tom Jones for the film. Released as a single in 1965, it became a major international hit and remains strongly associated with Jones’s distinctive voice and the mid-1960s pop era.
Songwriting credits and original intent
The song was composed by Burt Bacharach with lyrics by Hal David, created specifically to accompany the opening credits of ‘Casino Royale.’ Bacharach and David were established hitmakers by the mid‑1960s, and the producers of the James Bond spoof selected their work to signal style and sophistication with a playful twist. The arrangement features a memorable brass motif and a brisk tempo that matched the film’s comic espionage tone.
Credits table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary vocalist | Tom Jones | Label and film credits |
| Songwriters | Burt Bacharach (music), Hal David (lyrics) | BMI/ASCAP registration and film credits |
| Release year | 1965 | Single and film release records |
| Label (UK) | Decca | UK label matrix and discography |
| Label (US) | Parrot | US label release information |
| Film association | Theme for ‘Casino Royale’ (1967) | Film soundtrack listings |
Chart performance and commercial impact
In the United Kingdom, the single reached number one and remained on the chart for an extended period. In the United States, it peaked inside the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating broad transatlantic appeal. The song’s success helped cement Tom Jones as an international star and introduced a piece of sophisticated pop production to mainstream audiences beyond typical Bond themes.
Context in Tom Jones’s career
By 1965, Tom Jones had already achieved several hits in the UK, but ‘What’s New Pussycat’ expanded his recognition to North America and beyond. The song became a signature piece in his catalog, often featured in retrospectives and compilation albums. Its association with a high-profile film project provided a durable boost to his visibility and opened doors to further television and recording opportunities.
Musical style and arrangement highlights
The track’s arrangement is built around a swinging, midtempo rhythm section, playful brass hits, and a catchy, ascending vocal line. Bacharach’s production emphasizes lush instrumentation and subtle tempo shifts that give the song a sophisticated pop sheen. The hook is simple but effective, centered on the title line delivered with Jones’s warm, resonant baritone. This blend of pop accessibility and cinematic flair contributed to its broad appeal.
Legacy and continued recognition
‘What’s New Pussycat’ remains a staple on classic hits radio and a familiar reference in popular culture. It is frequently used in retrospectives of 1960s pop, Bond parodies, and vocal performances from the era. Streaming performance and sync placements in film and advertising continue to demonstrate its lasting recognition. The song endures as a benchmark of Bacharach and David’s songwriting craft and of Tom Jones’s early peak.
Common points of confusion
The title is sometimes misquoted as ‘What’s Up Pussycat’ or associated with later Bond songs, but the correct title and artist are well established. No other major recording of the exact title and film tie‑in matches the profile of Tom Jones’s version. When referencing the original soundtrack, the credited recording is Tom Jones on Decca/Parrot with the Bacharach/David composition.
Verifying the original artist
To confirm Tom Jones as the singer, consult official discographies, film credits, and music‑rights databases. Key identifiers include the 1965 release year, Decca/Parrot label variants, and Bacharach/David songwriting credits. These consistently point to Tom Jones as the lead vocalist on the original recording used in ‘Casino Royale’.