Monkees frontman dies at 66

Davy Jones, lead singer of 1960s made-for-TV band The Monkees, whose hits included I’m a Believer and Last Train to Clarksville, died last Wednesday. He was 66.

The British-born star, whose TV antics with Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork drew fans but also unflattering comparisons with the Beatles, died of a heart attack in Florida, the TMZ celebrity website said.

The singer died after being transported to Martin Hospital South in southern Florida, near where Jones lived, said a spokesman for the hospital, Scott Samples, without providing further details.

The four-piece band initially gained fame through their TV show about a band called The Monkees.

Jones’s good looks and British charm – he was born in Manchester, England – went down well with US audiences, along with the three American group members: guitarist Nesmith, bassist Tork and drummer-singer Dolenz.

The band released nine albums between 1966 and 1970, after which they disbanded – but they have come back together in various combinations over the years.