Monkees Lead Singer Davy Jones Dies Of Heart Attack At Age 66
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) – Davy Jones, the lead singer of the 1960s group The Monkees, died of a massive heart attack Wednesday in Florida just 11 days after performing in New York City. He was 66.
His publicist, Helen Kensick, confirmed that he died in Indiantown, where he lived.
The former actor turned musician played at the famed B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan on February 18.
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Davy Jones fans in New York have been reacting to the news of his death. Here's what they've been saying on our Facebook page:
"OMG...I feel like a piece of my childhood just died! So sad!!!" posted Ceil Ganguzza.
"Some of my childhood was lost today..RIP Davey" posted Michael Dwyer.
Former Monkees bandmates expressed their condolences throughout the day. Mickey Dolenz issued a statement on Wednesday saying, "Can't believe it...Still in shock...had bad dreams all night long. My love and prayers go out to Davy's girls and family right now..."
Peter Tork posted on his Facebook page, "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..."
In a long and philosophical message on Facebook, the fourth Monkee, Michael Nesmith, wrote, "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...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."
Jones rose to fame in 1965 when he joined The Monkees, a popular British rock group formed for a U.S. television show. Jones sang lead vocals on songs like "I Wanna Be Free'' and "Daydream Believer.''
For more on Davy Jones' passing, check out CBS Miami's full coverage.
Jones was born on Dec. 30, 1945, in Manchester, England, and his long hair and British accent helped him achieve heartthrob status in the United States.
According to The Monkees' website, Monkees.com, he left the band in late 1970. In the summer of 1971, he recorded a solo hit, "Rainy Jane,'' and made a series of appearances on American variety and television shows, including "Love American Style'' and "The Brady Bunch.''
Jones played himself in a widely popular Brady Bunch episode, which aired in late 1971. In the episode, Marcia Brady, president of her school's Davy Jones fan club, promised she could get him to sing at a school dance.
By the mid-1980s, Jones teamed up with former Monkees Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz and promoter David Fishof for a reunion tour. Their popularity prompted MTV to re-air The Monkees series, introducing the group to a new audience.
In 1987, Jones, Tork and Dolenz recorded a new album, "Pool It.'' Two years later, the group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In the late 1990s, the group filmed a special called "Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees.''
Jones is survived by his wife, Jessica.
What's your favorite Davy Jones tune? Sound off below...
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