It was announced that Davy Jones, the handsome English rocker/actor, passed away after suffering a heart attack on his ranch in Florida. He was 66 years old. Jones was perhaps best know as the lead singer of The Monkees, a band cast for a television series that went far beyond expectations, with many hits after the television series itself was cancelled. One of the great songs was Daydream Believer.
While they might have been "cast" for a TV show, Davy, Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith, and Micky Dolenz all were musicians, and jumped at the chance to play live concerts to prove their musicianship. And all the while, Davy Jones, with his good looks and charming British accent, was just charming the girls, becoming a heartthrob.
L to R: Peter, Michael, Micky and Davy.
When I think back on the show, which I definitely remember watching, it was just brilliant. It was as if the Beat Generation needed their own version of the Three Stooges. The comedy was broad and often become slapstick. An adult could watch it and be amused, and see a different meaning to the same thing. When you heard the theme song playing, you knew you were in for something fun. Here it is.
When he wasn't singing the lead, Davy would often be found playing a mean tambourine, and, on occasion, the drums. Here he is with the rest of his Monkee buddies, singing Valleri.
Davy is the first of the Monkees to pass. He and Micky Dolenz were the youngest, and Mike Nesmith is 69, and Peter Tork is 70. Davy leaves behind four daughters. Rest In Peace, Davy!
