Us without him: 14 essential Davy Jones songs that weren’t Monkees hits

Late Monkees frontman Davy Jones is remembered with 14 of his most essential deep cuts for the Pre-fab Four waxed to vinyl between 1966 and 1969. Seen here are lead guitarist Michael Nesmith, a suspenders-clad, 23-year-old “Daydream Believer”, and drummer-vocalist Micky Dolenz in January 1969 shortly before the distribution of seventh album “Instant Replay” in the wake of keyboardist-bassist Peter Tork’s sudden departure from the quartet following production of their ill-suited NBC one hour special, “33 1/3 Revolutions per Monkee.” Photography by Henry Diltz / Monkees Live Almanac

When the awful news of Davy Jones’ inexplicable passing broke on February 29, 2012, all possibilities of a future tour featuring all four Monkees ceased to exist. The erstwhile member of the manufactured for TV band, who sold more records than the Beatles or Rolling Stones combined during their peak in 1967, had long been the cute one. The one from Britain. The one who was always being picked on for being short.

Sharing lead vocals with drummer Micky Dolenz, Jones’s place in rock ‘n’ roll history is assured on performances like “I Wanna Be Free,” “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” “Forget That Girl,” “Shades of Gray,” “Daydream Believer,” “Star Collector,” “Valleri,” and “Daddy’s Song.”

Sadly, Jones didn’t live to see the band inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and maybe one day the powers that be will reconsider their decades-long ban on the innovative hit makers.

An Evening with the Monkees: The 45th Anniversary Tour was met with critical acclaim during the summer of 2011 with the band unleashing the Head soundtrack for the first time in concert. And 10 days before his death from a massive heart attack at his prized Florida horse ranch, Jones was still singing his heart out on solo shows.