Tom Jones and Luciano Pavarotti’s electrifying performance of “Delilah” at the 2001 “Pavarotti & Friends” charity concert in Modena, Italy, was a show-stopping clash of titans. Jones, the Welsh soul powerhouse, brought his signature gritty vocals to the classic murder ballad, while Pavarotti, the legendary Italian tenor, matched him with soaring operatic flair. Their duet crescendoed into a “huge ending, powerful enough to shatter every glass in sight” (thankfully, drinks were served in plastic cups) .
The collaboration, blending rock swagger with operatic grandeur, became a standout moment of the evening, showcasing the unexpected magic of cross-genre artistry. The performance remains a fan favorite, preserved in live recordings that capture the raw energy of two icons sharing the stage .
One of the most electrifying musical crossovers happened when opera legend Luciano Pavarotti joined forces with the “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, for a live performance of “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” at the “Pavarotti & Friends” charity concert in Modena (2002). Brown, dressed in his signature sharp suit, brought raw, gritty soul to the stage, his voice dripping with emotion as he delivered the iconic lyrics—”This is a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl.” Pavarotti, towering beside him in his classic white handkerchief, responded with soaring operatic flourishes, blending Brown’s deep R&B growl with his own crystalline high notes.
The crowd erupted as the two legends traded verses, backed by a lush orchestra that fused soul grooves with sweeping classical strings. Brown’s dynamic stage presence—complete with his signature spins and mic stand drops—contrasted beautifully with Pavarotti’s stately grandeur. The climax saw them harmonizing in a powerful call-and-response, proving that music knows no boundaries. This unforgettable duet, preserved in live recordings, remains a testament to the unifying power of artistry across genres .