Former Monkee talks with Our Prattville

Davy Jones is best known for being a singer in the group the Monkees. Born in Manchester, England, he sang lead vocals on many of the group’s songs including “I Wanna Be Free” and “Daydream Believer.”

After the group disbanded he performed solo and later joined ex-Monkee Mickey Dolenz and songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart in a group called Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart. This award-winning artist is also a songwriter and an actor, even appearing on Broadway in the musical Oliver.

Jones television credits include an appearance in one episode of The Brady Bunch as the object of Marcia’s affections, and in one episode of Love American Style. Over the years he has appeared with his former Monkee bandmates in reunion tours and he enjoys racing horses.

Davy answers some questions from Our Prattville publisher:

I’ve read that your father wanted you to be a jockey. So, how did you get your foot in the door of show business?

I started my career at the age of 11 reading the morning story on BBC radio, Listen w/ Mother. Then onto television plays. At the age of 15 I did my first stage production Peter Pan with Jane Asher, Paul Mc Cartneys first publicized girlfriend. 1962 Oliver on the west end later on Broadway. Ed Sullivan show and American TV appearances followed. The Monkees TV show began in 1966 and is still running today.

Are your children in the entertainment industry?

Annabelle Jones, 20 years old. Check her out on Lady And The Lost Boys on my space – Great singer and song writer. Jessica, Talia and Sarah have not pursued a career in front of the camera or on stage.

How much influence did Don Kirshner have on the Monkees in the early years? Why couldn’t the group play their own instruments on their records?

He had no influence on the Monkees. All music connected with many of the groups in the 60′s was played by a group of musicians called the Wrecking Crew. The Monkees did over 200 concerts where they performed their hits. They were the only 4 musicians on stage.

Were there any comparisons made by the press between the Monkees and the Beatles in the 1960s?

In the 60′s every band was compared to the Beatles in regard to success and popularity. The Monkees where more like The Marx Brothers.

The last number one hit of the Monkees was “Daydream Believer.” Do you have a favorite song of all of the ones that you have recorded with the group or as a solo artist?

My own song, “I’ll Love You Forever”.

If you had not been successful in show business, would you have been just as happy having a career as a jockey?

Yes.

Broadway and television are certainly two different mediums. Do you enjoy one more than the other?

Both are just as enjoyable.

I’m sure that you’ve met many people in the entertainment industry. If you could meet the one person you have not met yet (in any walk of life) but would like to meet, who would it be?

Norman Wisdom, TV personality and comedian.

You just participated in a charity golf tournament in Boca Raton. Please tell us about Home Safe.

Home safe is an organization who dedicates time and recourses to helping children in need.

Are you planning on becoming a citizen of the United States?

Yes. I am working on obtaining my citizenship. One vote can make a difference.

Please tell us what your future plans are regarding music, acting, and your horses.

My new album entitled SHE will be available this year. I will be appearing on an episode of Sponge Bob in April. And my horses are a great form of relaxation and an added responsibility.

www.davyjones.net
www.monkees.net

Interview by Melissa Parker

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