They flew across the country, they walked a few blocks. They drove hundreds of miles, they took the subway. They were famous, infamous, and anonymous. But when they walked into B.B. King's in Times Square on Tuesday night, they were all the same. They were people who loved Davy Jones. And for over five hours they shared stories, songs, laughter and tears as they remembered the beloved entertainer who passed away on February 29th at the age of 66. Some call him David, but most of us came to know him as Davy from "The Monkees" television show, records, and teen magazines like 16 and Tiger Beat. (My first-ever concert was The Monkees at Boston Garden on July 22, 1967.)
Legendary radio deejay "Cousin Brucie" aka Bruce Morrow served as the evening's host, introducing musical guests and others who came to reminisce about the man fondly referred to as the "Manchester Cowboy." In fact, some of the most heartwarming stories were of the former jockey's passion for horses. He rescued many of his own 16 horses from horrible fates, and the proceeds from this event will go towards their continued care. It's a daunting task for his family. You can find out how to help at the end of this article.
Father, friend, musician, horse lover, businessman, actor, teen idol, songwriter, jockey, band leader, author ... so many facets of Davy's amazing life were celebrated at the event. The stage was bookended by two large screens featuring photos and videos of Davy's career and private life. Produced with Davy's friend, manager and Monkees archivist Andrew Sandoval, the presentation was a joyful reminder of Davy's love of life. And even after nearly fifty years of stardom, there were still new aspects of Davy's extraordinary journey that were revealed.
Two of his four daughters, Talia and Annabel, spoke movingly about Davy as a father (daughter Sarah sent her love in a video message.) They both emphasized his love for his fans, and how their loyalty over the years enabled Davy to provide a better life for his children. Annabel remarked that some of her fondest memories were of sitting in the audience amongst Davy's fans. Sharing their father with fans was a blessing, not a curse, and his daughters thanked those present for honoring him.
The stage was a reunion of present and former Davy Jones and Monkees band members. They shared "you had to be there" backstage stories, repeated Davy's "well-worn" stage jokes, and laughed about how they had all been fired at one time or another. They played and sang all of Davy's songs that they knew so well. The anticipation grew as hints were dropped that there were a couple of "special" guests backstage, and the moment that everyone had been buzzing about finally came when Peter Tork took the stage. After some brief words he launched into a bluegrass version of Mike Nesmith's "What Am I Doing Hanging Round," sounding great on banjo and vocals.
The excitement reached a peak when Micky Dolenz was introduced and joined Peter for "You and I" (co-written by Davy and Micky) and "I'm A Believer." The two traded jokes (some funny/some not) and seemed to want to maintain the light-hearted spirit of Davy. But Micky was overcome with emotion from the moment he began singing Davy's signature song, and as Peter stepped up with vocal assistance, Micky was comforted by friends and family gathered on stage. The audience needed no prodding, and hundreds of voices became one for a final dedication to "Daydream Believer" David Thomas Jones.
As my own final goodbye to Davy, I created a little tribute video. Thanks to all the talented people who created these photos.
For more information on The Davy Jones Equine Memorial Fund, look for the launch of www.ManchesterCowboy.com or email info@manchestercowboy.com
when i heard him singing it made me start all over a gain i was crying when i heard this song he was a great man and a great friend and a great husband and great dad and great grandfather he is everything we all wanted he was my idol and all ways will lets all say thank you to his family they let him perform for everyone even his fans all over the world EVEN FROM CANADA ONT and where he live i can go on and on i don.t bored anyone here
Posted by: Rhonda Orr | Apr 10, 2012 at 02:47 PM
This video ...The Pictures....The words....Hearing his Voice sing this song made me tear. A Great Performer -Idol - Brother - Father - Grandfather - and Husband, Definately to be missed - Loved - and Cherished Forever....
Thank You Davy for the Beautiful Loving memories... as you will Forever Live on, in many Hearts!
Posted by: Eileen Rodriguez | Apr 08, 2012 at 12:01 AM