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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Davy Jones Has Died at 66

Davy Jones, whose lovable grin and British accent won the hearts of music fans around the world as a member of the Monkees, has died at the age of 66.


Jones was in Indiantown, Florida when he began having trouble breathing.  He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  A law enforcement source in Martin County, Florida, said Jones apparently suffered a heart attack.


Jones was the lead singer on the Monkees' hits such as "Daydream Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You".  The Monkees were created to star in their own television show on NBC and capitalize on the teen market in rock and roll in the mid-60's.  The Monkees exceeded all expectations, seeing their first four albums and three of their singles all go to #1 and selling 65 million albums worldwide.  


The group's self-titled debut album was set a then-Rock Era record when it spent 13 weeks at #1.  Their follow-up, More of the Monkees, further raised the bar with 18 weeks at #1.  Both have now been certified 5X Platinum.  Two of the Monkees' singles, "I'm a Believer" and "Daydream Believer", are still among The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era*. 


The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce placed flowers on the Monkees' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this afternoon in honor of Jones.

"That David has stepped beyond my view causes me the sadness that it does many of you," Michael Nesmith, Jones's bandmate in the Monkees, posted on his Facebook page Wednesday. "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."

Jones was born December 30, 1945 in Manchester, England. He had already made a name for himself in Great Britain for his role as the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver! in London, and was nominated for a Tony for his performance in the play on Broadway in New York.

After the Monkees broke up, recording their final tracks in 1970 with their original lineup, Jones landed occasional acting roles, including a guest appearance of The Brady Bunch. He also took part in several Monkees reunions over the years and when he wasn't doing that, spent his time owning and racing horses.



Davy Jones, a part of life for people growing up in the 60's, has left this Earth, but he will be fondly remembered.

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