Singer Jack Jones, famed for the smooth-as-silk voice and pop classics such as “Wives and Lovers,” has died at the age 86. His wife, Eleonora Jones, told The Associated Press that Jones died October 23 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. After a two-year battle with leukemia.
Nancy Sinatra remembered her long-time friend with an emotional post on Instagram to mourn his loss. She wrote, “My longtime bud since we went to Unihi. Jonesey was an 18-year-old senior and I was a lowly freshman. His beautiful voice will live as long as people need to listen to good music.”
The death of Jones represents the passing of one of the few remaining real crooners in the easy-listening genre. Fabulous before it was eclipsed by rock music in the late ’60s and the ’70s, this genre saw Jones rise to stardom. Just seven months earlier, fellow singer Steve Lawrence-also known for the similar style-passed away at 88.
Jack Jones did well on the Billboard charts, reaching number one three times on the Easy Listening chart: “The Race Is On” (1965), “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” (1966), and “Lady” (1967). His version of “The Impossible Dream” earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Performance, Male, and became a favorite on TV variety shows.
In the 1960s, Jack won two Grammys for “Lollipops and Roses” and “Wives and Lovers.” While critics flagged “Wives and Lovers” for its outdated attitudes toward gender roles. Jones often played with the lyrics on stage, twisting them on their heads. He remained aware of the song’s impact: “It made my career, and I’m grateful for that.”
Jones’s voice became synonymous with the easy-listening vibe of the 1960s, featuring in films and television shows. His songs have appeared in soundtracks of such iconic movies as “Good Morning, Vietnam” and “Goodfellas.” He also had sung the theme song for “The Love Boat”. During its first eight seasons tune that remains a nostalgic favorite.
Born John Allan Jones on January 14, 1938, in Los Angeles, he grew up in a family of entertainers. Jones was married six times and is survived by his wife Eleonora, two daughters, two stepdaughters, and three grandchildren. Despite health challenges, he continued to perform up until shortly before his death. Astounding people with his voice still sounding as it always had.
ANI
