Davy Jones, the heartthrob singer of The Monkees, passed away Wednesday after suffering a heart attack, just 10 days since he last performed as part of the 45th anniversary of the TV stars turned pop icons.  Jones is survived by his fourth wife Jessica and four daughters.  Bandmate Mickey Dolenz issued a statement on Wednesday saying:  "Can't believe it...Still in shock...had bad dreams all night long. My love and prayers go out to Davy's girls and family right now..."

Born in Manchester, England, Jones began his acting career at the age of 11 on a British soap opera.  He went on to enjoy moderate success as an actor, earning a Tony Award nomination for his role in the Broadway run of "Oliver!"  After the cast from the musical appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show," the same episode where the Beatles made their debut on American TV, Screen Gems signed Jones to a contract, casting him in roles on "The Ben Casey Show" and "The Farmer's Daughter."

In 1965, Davy was cast alongside Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork in a television show about a pop-rock band and The Monkees were born.  The band went on to record a number of hit singles such as "Daydream Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," and "(The Theme from) The Monkees."  Throughout their career, The Monkees have sold more than 65 million records worldwide.

David Thomas "Davy" Jones (30 December 1945 - 29 February 2012)