Davy Jones Of The Monkees Dies

Davy Jones, lead singer for 60s American icons The Monkees has died, aged 66.

Jones was the crush of millions of girls (and probably some guys) during the 60s, including Marcia Brady from The Brady Bunch, where he fronted what was probably the worlds first manufactured band – paving the way for countless future musical disasters.

Davy and his bandmates, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, were originally hired as actors for a new TV show based around a band. But the story became the real deal when the band had actual music hits in real life including singles “I’m a Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Daydream Believer” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday.”

The TV band ended up selling more than 50 million records worldwide, and incredibly enough out sold both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones in 1967.

“It was an acting gig,” Jones once said about the band. “It was a TV series about a band, and then it became a band that toured and recorded and everything. It was a little surreal — definitely more than I signed up for.”

According to Jones’ publicist he died in his sleep at his home in Florida after suffering a massive heart attack. Jones was married three times and had four daughters.

Jones’ bandmate Dolenz issued a statement overnight 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…”

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.

Subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine

Subscribe to Rolling Stone magazine