February 29, 2012 19:09

The Monkees' Davy Jones dead at 66

The British singer died today in Florida after a heart attack

Photo: PA

The Monkees' singer Davy Jones has died at the age of 66.

The Manchester-born entertainer died at his home in Florida earlier today (February 29) after suffering a heart attack in his sleep, according to his publicist Deborah Robicheau, reports the BBC.

Jones began his career on Coronation Street but left the soap to train as a jockey. He soon began acting again, appearing in the stage version of Oliver! in both the West End and on Broadway. A solo album followed and in 1965 he joined The Monkees alongside Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork.

The television show of the same name ran from 1966-1968, but the band stayed together for two years after the show finished recording. Jones sang lead vocals on their classic song 'Daydream Believer' and appeared in the cult film Head with the rest of the band.

The Monkees reunited a number of times over the years, the last being in 2011, but without Nesmith. The trio played a host of UK venues in May of last year as well as in the United States and Canada for what was billed as the band's 45th anniversary tour.

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