Jones says he was inspired by Winehouse

Tom Jones has said that he has Amy Winehouse to thank for his first US release in 15 years.

The 68-year-old revealed that Winehouse's album Back To Black drove him to produce 24 Hours, which goes on sale in November.

The Welsh singer, who now lives in the US, told Associated Press: "We've been thinking about this for a while, doing a retro sound but new. And Amy Winehouse, she cracked it."

Jones said he hopes the new album will help raise his popularity in America.

"I've had a lot of success worldwide, which is a pain because I live here and I do most of my shows in America. Hopefully this will straighten that out," he said.

"The fire is still in me. Not to be an oldie, but a goodie. I want to be a contender.".

Jones recently revealed that fellow Welsh popstar Duffy is his ideal duet partner, adding that is eager to work with her.