Davy Jones dead

He was the lead singer of the first made-for-TV band, a token Brit in a US quartet that bore more than a passing resemblance to "The Beatles" in the swinging 60's.

Davy Jones died, apparently of a heart attack though a coroner's report is pending, at Martin Hospital South in southern Florida on Wednesday. He was 66 years old.

"Mr. Jones began to complain of not feeling well and having trouble breathing," said the Martin County Sheriff's Office in a statement. "At this time there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Family has been notified."

Jones was the diminutive lead singer for the US pop band "The Monkees," who starred in their own TV show and released a total of nine albums between 1966 and 1970. Some of their biggest hits included "Daydream Believer," "I'm a Believer," and "Last Train to Clarksville." Critics of the group and their TV show alleged they had been clearly modeled after the already hugely successful British band "The Beatles."

A life on stage

Born in Manchester, England, Jones established himself as the front-man for the otherwise American group, alongside guitarist Michael Nesmith, bass player Peter Tork and drummer-singer Micky Dolenz. Tork on Wednesday said that "[Jones'] gifts will be with us always," while Nesmith, paraphrasing the Beatles, said "David's spirit and soul will live well in my heart, among all the lovely people."

After disbanding over creative differences in 1970, various elements of the troupe staged a string of revival tours and comebacks over the years.

Prior to his enlistment in what some call the world's first manufactured band, Jones was a child star, perhaps most famously playing the role of "The Artful Dodger" in the play "Oliver," both in the West End of London and on Broadway.

Jones is survived by his wife and four daughters from previous marriages.

msh/av (AFP, AP)