Davy Jones of the Monkees dies aged 66
Written by admin on February 29, 2012 – 6:35 pm -| Davy Jones has sadly died of a heart attack aged 66.
The Monkees singer fell ill while visiting a ranch near his home in Indiantown, Florida, and was pronounced dead at the nearby Martin Memorial Hospital. |
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Davy was born David Thomas Jones on December 30, 1945 in Manchester. After a period as a jockey’s apprentice, he became a child actor, with appearances in “Coronation Street” and “Z Cars” in 1961 and 1962, respectively.
It was Davy’s role as the Artful Dodger in Lionel Bart’s stage production of “Oliver!” that really took his career to the next level. Already a success in London’s West End, the show stormed Broadway in 1963 and earned Davy a Tony nomination for Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical). The cast’s appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964 was the same night that the Beatles made their debut on the show.
Cast of “Oliver!” on The Ed Sullivan Show
Davy’s success in “Oliver!” led to a recording contract with Colpix Records which produced the album “David Jones” and three singles, none of which were very successful. Davy also signed a contract with Screen Gems at this time and made appearances on several American television shows, including “Ben Casey” and “The Farmer’s Daughter,” before he was cast in the life changing role of Davy in “The Monkees” television show. “The Monkees” debuted in September 1966 and would soon turn Davy into a huge star and a major hearthrob for the teenage girls.
The Monkees began life as a manufactured band for a television series, but over time the musical ambitions of the individual members grew and they adopted more control over their music. Their popularity was huge from the outset though. In 1967 they outsold The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Except for one week in June 1967, the Monkees were number one for almost eight months straight (Nov ’66 – July ’67) on the Billboard album chart, with three albums – “The Monkees” (13 weeks), “More of the Monkees” (18 weeks) and “Headquarters” (1 week).
“Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)” – The Monkees
All told, there were 58 episodes of “The Monkees,” as well as nine albums and the movie “Head” before the band split up in 1971, but that wasn’t the last time that the members would work together. In the mid-’70s, Davy reunited with Micky Dolenz to record an album and tour with songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. The Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart group was shortlived, but a decade later Davy and Dolenz would be joined by Peter Tork for a Monkees 20-year reunion tour. There were also reunion tours in 1996, 2001 and 2011. The first two reunions coincided with the release of two new albums – “Pool It!” (1987) and “Justus” (1996). A deluxe, 25th anniversary reissue of “Pool It!” is due in April.
His Monkees bandmates have all paid tribute to Davy today:
Peter Tork
| “It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy. Peace and love, Peter T.” |
Micky Dolenz
| “I am in a state of shock; Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomena. The time we worked together and had together is something I’ll never forget. He was the brother I never had and this leaves a gigantic hole in my heart. The memories have and will last a lifetime. My condolences go out to his family.” |
Mike Nesmith
| “That David has stepped beyond my view causes me the sadness that it does many of you. I will miss him, but I won’t abandon him to mortality. I will think of him as existing within the animating life that insures existence. I will think of him and his family with that gentle regard in spite of all the contrary appearances on the mortal plane. David’s spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us. I have fond memories. I wish him safe travels.” |
When not working with his Monkees bandmates, Davy kept himself busy, including occasional acting appearances in the 1980s and 1990s on shows such as “Sledge Hammer!,” “My Two Dads,” “The Single Guy” and “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch.” An amusing cameo in “The Brady Bunch Movie” in 1995 was a nod to Davy’s appearance in the original “Brady Bunch” television series.
There was also time to fulfill a longheld ambition of riding as a professional jockey, and Davy won his first race in England in 1996.
In recent years, Davy busied himself with a return to his stage musical roots, including several productions of “Oliver!”, but this time playing Fagin. He also continued to perform in concert and release the occasional album, including “Just Me” in 2001 and an album of standards titled “She” in 2009.
The Monkees’ 45th Anniversary Tour last year was Davy’s final success, receiving great reviews from fans and critics alike.
Davy once said “My wife says when I go out to the refrigerator, I do three minutes (entertaining) when the light goes on!” That sums up the man. From an early age, he lived to entertain, and he gave millions of people pleasure along the way.
Davy is survived by his widow, Jessica, and four daughters, Talia Elizabeth, Sarah Lee, Jessica Lillian and Annabel Charlotte.
Let’s remember Davy by enjoying what became his signature tune.
“Daydream Believer” – The Monkees
Tags: Davy Jones, Davy Jones death, Davy Jones obituary, The Monkees
Posted in 60s pop, Obituaries |
One Comment to “Davy Jones of the Monkees dies aged 66”
March 1st, 2012 at 11:42 am
R.I.P Davy.