Photo by Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

Davy Jones, of the famed 60s television group The Monkees, died earlier today at his home in Florida of an apparent heart attack. He had last performed less than two weeks ago and seemed in excellent health. His former bandmates issued statements remembering Davy and his special talents. The band, minus Michael Nesmith, had made several appearances in recent years to considerable affection and acclaim. While the group was often derided for their supposed lack of musical chops when they first burst onto the scene as an American imitation of The Beatles, their song catalogue continues to sell to this day, particularly their first album which featured “Last Train To Clarksville”.

“So many lovely and heartfelt messages of condolences and sympathy, I don’t know what to say, except my sincere thank you to all,” Michael Nesmith said in a lengthy Facebook post.

“That David has stepped beyond my view causes me the sadness that it does many of you. I will miss him but I won’t abandon him to mortality. David’s spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us.”

“I am in a state of shock; Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomena,” Micky Dolenz said on his Facebook page. “The time we worked together and had together is something I’ll never forget. He was the brother I never had and this leaves a gigantic hole in my heart. The memories have and will last a lifetime. My condolences go out to his family.”

White Peter Tork said via Facebook: “It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy.”

Watch: The Monkees from 1966 “Last Train To Clarksville”