In Memoriam
Davy Jones
December 30, 1945 – February 29, 2012 · aged 66
Pop · Rock
David Thomas Jones was the ultimate 1960s teen idol and the charismatic, tambourine-shaking British frontman of The Monkees. Born in Manchester, England, in 1945, Jones was originally a successful child actor (even appearing on the same Ed Sullivan Show broadcast that introduced The Beatles to America). In 1965, he was cast in an American television show about a fictional rock band. The Monkees quickly transcended their manufactured, made-for-TV origins to become one of the best-selling pop acts of the decade. With his boyish good looks, Manchester accent, and theatrical charm, Jones sang lead on massive, enduring hits like 'Daydream Believer' and 'A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You.' The Monkees eventually rebelled against their producers, fought for creative control, and left a surprisingly legitimate musical legacy. Jones continued to perform and act for decades until he suffered a massive, fatal heart attack while tending to his horses in Florida on February 29, 2012. He was 66.
Milestones
Daydream Believer, I'm a Believer, Last Train to Clarksville
Also remembered in 2012
- Adam Yauch (MCA) (1964–2012)
- Donna Summer (1948–2012)
- Etta James (1938–2012)
- Whitney Houston (1963–2012)