I remember the day in September of 1966 when the first episode of the Monkees television show aired. I was 8 years old, the Beatles were flying high, and I loved them, but in an instant, I fell for a different, cute, sweet British man with an accent that made my heart melt, Davy Jones.
I watched the Monkees every week and became one of the earliest members of their fan club. I remember the autographed photo I received and the button…wish I knew where they were now! That picture was proudly displayed in my bedroom and I blew Davy a kiss every morning!
My cousin, was infatuated with Micky Dolenz. We would sing Monkee songs and pretend that Micky loved her and Davy loved me. I know we were not alone in our fantasy world, but it was a fun, special time for us, that’s for sure.
As I grew older, the Monkees continued to be a part of my life. I introduced my children to their music and the television show. We purchased the series and would watch the episodes and laugh and sing. They were happy times. I remember one day, I was driving to the market with my daughter and son in the car and the song, “Valerie” came on the radio. We sang our hearts out. Va a a a a lerie…….(I can still hear it in my head.)
The first time we learned that Davy, Micky and Peter were performing together again, we purchased tickets to see them in Atlantic City. The concert was held in the Xanadu Theater at the Taj Mahal casino, the year was 2001. We had great seats and sang every song along with them, loud and strong. The theater was electric that night, I believe the entire audience was transformed and as we sang as one, our happy memories filled our hearts and souls with the magic that only music can bring.
After that concert, from which my daughter still has a stuffed monkey souvenir, a monkey wearing a Monkees t-shirt, we were lucky enough to attend another of their concerts, this next one in Holmdale, NJ. This outdoor concert was also thrilling. They sang out strong, their voices and talent rose through the night air, filling the sky with joyful music.
When I heard that Davy passed away yesterday, I was heartbroken. I never had the privilege of meeting him in person, but I loved him anyway. Hearing his voice can still, in an instant, make my heart smile. His passing is a wake-up call; my “Six o’clock Alarm” that life is fragile and we never know what the next moment will bring, so enjoy this moment as it’s all we have.
I thank Davy and all the Monkees for the happiness and fun they brought to my life. Davy will always remind me that “I’m a Believer” in the love that music brings and the impact that it holds all the time, even “Sometime in the Morning”. Davy singing, “I Wanna Be Free”, keeps running through my thoughts. You’re free now Davy, free to let your spirit soar and brighten the heavens with your brilliant light.
I send deep sympathy to Davy’s family, as well as to Micky, Peter and Mike. I am so thankful for the love and happiness the Monkees’ music provided and continues to provide; how great, what a true blessing it must be, to be part of something that holds such positive feelings for so many.
“Look Out – Here Comes Tomorrow”, so enjoy today ~ and thanks for all the love and music.
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