It's not unusual to be dubbed Sir Tom Jones

updated 12:27 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2006

LONDON - What's new, Pussycat? It's Sir Tom Jones now. The big-voiced singer from Wales was among the new knights of the realm in the New Year list of honors announced Saturday. Jones, 65, joins a group of previous pop-rock knights including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Elton John and Sir George Martin, The Beatles producer.

Tom Jones, born Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, began his singing career at age 3. His string of hits started with "It's Not Unusual" in 1963, and other hits included "What's New Pussycat," "Green Green Grass of Home," "Help Yourself," "She's a Lady," "Never Fall in Love Again," "Sex Bomb" and "Leave Your Hat On."

Harry Potter's imposing pal Hagrid — Scottish comedian and actor Robbie Coltrane — was made a member of the Order of the British Empire.

Also honored were Jonathan Ive, designer of the iPod and iMac, jazz musician John Dankworth and playwright Arnold Wesker.

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