On This Day in 1965: 19-Year-Old Davy Jones Debuted His Single on the Billboard Hot 100 Before Later Becoming a Member of The Monkees
via Maggie Arnold / YouTube
Early Solo Effort and Chart Debut
On August 14, 1965, a 19-year-old named Davy Jones, then known as David Jones, made his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. His single, “What Are We Going To Do?”, debuted on the chart and climbed to number 93. He was signed with Colpix Records at the time, and his debut album titled David Jones followed soon after.
This early recording did not break into the top ranks, but it marked the start of his music career in America. The single featured “What Are We Going To Do?” backed with “This Bouquet” as the B-side.
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Stage Beginnings and Musical Moves
Before his music debut, Jones had already made his mark as a child actor. He appeared on British TV in shows like Coronation Street and Z-Cars, and later starred as the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver! in London and Broadway. On American television, he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, where he watched the Beatles perform. He later said, “I watched the Beatles from the side of the stage, I saw the girls going crazy, and I said to myself, this is it, I want a piece of that.”
Following that moment, he signed with Screen Gems for both TV work and music. His first single landed on the charts while he was still building his acting career in the U.S.
Rise to Fame with The Monkees
In 1966, Jones joined The Monkees, a group created for a television series. He became part of a band that would go on to have huge hits like “I Wanna Be Free” and “Daydream Believer.” His early solo effort may not have soared, but it helped set the stage for the success that would come with the group.
A Career That Shifted Gears
That same year, The Monkees took off with their TV show and hit singles. Jones moved from solo performer to pop star, playing lead vocals on many of their songs. His debut with “What Are We Going To Do?” may not have reached the top, but it marked the start of a path that led to international fame and a lasting place in pop culture.
