Mickey Dolenz and Davy Jones performing in Twin Cities last July/photo by Jeff Wheeler
Davy Jones, who died from a massive heart attack Wednesday, will obviously best be remembered for being a member of the Monkees and the object of Marcia Brady's affections.
But did you know that Jones got a Tony nomination at the age of 16 for playing the Artful Dodger in "Oliver"?
I had a chance to meet Jones last July when he was promoting one of those PBS pledge-drive specials in which 60s pop stars sing their hits. It was obvious that while he appreciated his Monkees fame that he wanted to be remembered for a lot more.
"So, you've always got it that (the Monkees) ruined my acting career, right?" he said.
Jones, at that time 65, seemed determined to change that. He said that "Dancing With the Stars" had expressed interest in having him on. He also said that he had co-written a musical, one he hoped to direct.
"This musical's going to be, I think, one of the best ever," he said.
I don't know if that ever got off the ground. I do hope that Jones, in the end, took heart that he'll be remembered for singing "I'm a Believer" -- and that there's nothing wrong with that.
