Davy Jones of the Monkees, Rest in Peace

Monkees fans all over the world were deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of Davy Jones at age 66 from a heart attack. The actor and singer was a major teen idol and the lead singer on many of the Monkee’s hit songs, like “Daydream Believer,” “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” and “Valleri”

Here is Davy, sounding great, in 2009 performing “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” at Epcot.

 
Jones’ publicist, Helen Kensick, confirmed that the singer died, after suffering chest pains at a Florida horse ranch where he kept his horses.

JUST IN: Piers Morgan “Just recorded an incredibly moving interview with Mickey Dolenz about his ‘friend and brother’ #DavyJones – airs at 9pm/ET on CNN.”

Jones is the first member to pass away of the made-for-TV quartet known as The Monkees, which was formed in 1965 by Hollywood producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider. The other members were Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith, who also shared a birthday with Davy. The Monkees became well-known immediately with their hit song, “Last Train to Clarksville,” and their quirky TV showed entertained two generations of music lovers, when it originally aired and when it ran again in the 80s on MTV.

Twitter and Facebook tributes came from many, including singers who personally knew Davy:

Fellow Monkee, Micky Dolenz wrote: “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…”

Andy Kim (“Rock Me Gently”) said: “Everybody loved Davy’s smile, the way he came across, his incredible presence. He was a phenomenal ambassador for a band that didn’t really start off a band but quickly became a force. … I wrote ‘Oh My My’ for Davy and Micky’s joint album after The Monkees broke up, and it was an honor to know him.”

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr said: “God bless Davy. Peace and love to his family.”

Ron Dante, the voice of The Archies (“Sugar, Sugar”) said: Cannot believe that Davy Jones is gone. God bless his soul. My condolences to his wife and daughters. He was a great friend.

Jones was born Dec. 30, 1945, in Manchester, England, the son of an engineer and homemaker. He also had three sisters. He became an actor despite early aspirations to be a horse jockey. Although a great success at acting and later singing with the Monkees, he never really gave up his horse jockey dream and got his license on his 50th birthday.

After the Monkees disbanded, he recorded a solo hit called “Rainy Jane.” He made many appearances on U.S. variety and television shows, and teamed up with other Monkees for a reunion tour. He continued to make appearances singing the songs that he was best known for.

Davy Jones is survived by his third wife, Jessica Pacheco, four daughters from his first two marriages, Talia, Sarah, Jessica and Anabel, and two grandchildren.