(CNN) — Davy Jones, whose charming grin and British accent won the hearts of millions of fans on the 1960s television series “The Monkees,” died Wednesday, according to the Martin County, Florida, sheriff’s office. He was 66.
A witness told authorities he was with Jones in Indiantown, Florida, when Jones “began to complain of not feeling well and having trouble breathing,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Jones was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
A Martin County law enforcement source with knowledge of the case said Jones apparently suffered a heart attack.
The diminutive vocalist and actor sang lead on the musical group’s hits such as “Daydream Believer” and “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You.”
Besides Jones, The Monkees included band members Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith. The pop group was created to star in an NBC sitcom and capitalize on the Beatles’ teenybopper popularity. “The Monkees” TV series premiered in the fall of 1966
When Jones first visited home after becoming a Monkee, his father refused to let him inside until he got his hair cut – twice. Jones’ reaction to this was to buy the family a new house, “so now he has to let me in!”
Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox crew.
www.0800jukebox.co.nz