Community Corner
Editor Remembers Davy Jones of The Monkees
The singer, perhaps best known for his vocals on "Daydream Believer," died Wednesday at his home in Indiantown, Fla. He was 66. Patch editor interviewed him in 2010.
When I heard the news this morning that Davy Jones of the Monkees had died at age 66, I was shocked.
I can still recall seeing him in his glory days on TV when I was a kid. I'd spend hours singing along with songs like Daydream Believer.
I had the opportunity to interview Jones in 2010 and we talked about everything from losing his mom in his teens to what was most important to him as an adult.
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Here are some things I learned about Jones, a true artist in every way.
When he lost his mother in his early teens, "It was heartbreaking. As my dad put it, 'I feel like I have had my arms cut off, son.' Time does not heal all wounds. Her picture is featured on my new album cover, 'She.' "
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What was the most enjoyable thing about being a part of the Monkees?
"The fact that it has stood the test of time speaks for itself. It obviously changed so many things in my life. Schedule, eating habits... I am a veggie... fish on occasion. Water, water, water is the elixir of life. Patience, obligation, opportunity and contentment."
Do you believe you were a pioneer in the music video world?
"Yes I do. Following in the footsteps of the jukebox video pioneers."
The highlight of your career?
"Playing Fagin in the late '80s to soldout audiences in Kansas City's Starlight Theater, The Moonie Theater in St. Louise Seattles' Chinese Theater and other venues around the country."
The most important things to you?
No. 1: my wife, Jessica Pacheco. Check her out JessicaPacheco.com
No. 2: my children and grandchildren
No. 3: my extended family and friends and neighbors, and -- of course -- the faithful fans that are always there and make everything possible.
What sort of response do you get from fans who grew up with you?
"It's a two-way street. I am surprised yet happy that they still find a place for me in there lives."
What do you think the legacy of the Monkees will be?
"I believe the Monkees will have the same status as the Marx Brothers, The Dead End Kids and The Bowery Boys. Not forgetting the Beatles."
What was is it like appearing in The Brady Bunch?
"It was the first time I ever appeared as Davy Jones, 'celebrity,' on a TV show. It also touched a lot of peoples heart, which proves that there is still a chance for fun family entertainment. p.s., I always liked Cindy."
Family?
"Happily married now and I have four daughters from previous marriages and three grandchildren."
How do you spend your days?
"I start off the day having Cuban coffee with my wife, and then go to work with my horses and spend quite a bit of time with my longtime friend and mentor Bazil Foster. I sing and write, catch up on mail and try to never let a day go by with out dipping my feet in the Atlantic Ocean. A glass of wine and the 6 o'clock news and some TLC for my wife. And a movie on the Sundance Channel with no commercials is the making of a perfect day!"
