Jack Jones, Balladeer Famous for ‘Love Boat’ Theme and 1960s Hits Like ‘The Impossible Dream,’ Dies at 86

As I delve into the captivating life story of Jack Jones, a man who dared to dream big and follow in the footsteps of Frank Sinatra, I am profoundly moved by his resilience and tenacity. His journey, marked by numerous ups and downs, is a testament to the power of determination and the indomitable human spirit.

86-year-old Jack Jones, a singer who gained popularity and chart success on the softer side of music during the 1960s and is well remembered for his “Love Boat” theme song on TV, passed away on Wednesday.

Eleanora Jones confirmed that her husband, Jones, passed away due to leukemia at a hospital located in Rancho Mirage, California.

Jones found success on Billboard’s Hot 100 list, but his greatest achievements were on what was once called the easy listening chart, later known as adult contemporary. In the easy listening genre, he topped the charts with “The Race is On” in 1965, “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” in 1966, and “Lady” in 1967.

Specifically, “The Impossible Dream,” which is a cover of the widely recognized tune from the 1965 Broadway musical “Man of La Mancha,” gained widespread cultural recognition due to Jones’ frequent television performances. Despite peaking at number 35 on the Hot 100 chart and competing against more youthful music, it remained prevalent in his live shows over the years. Stephen Holden from The New York Times remarked that his rendition of this now-standard song turned this sentimental old warhorse into a symbol of personal determination, signifying not just perseverance, but also improvement.

During its run on ABC from 1977 to 1986, the “Love Boat” theme was heard weekly by millions of Americans. Later, in the 1982 comedy “Airplane II”, Jones playfully paid tribute to both the song’s vintage charm and his own persona by performing it as a lounge singer.

In the ’60s, Jones’ charm was considered traditional – a quality that made him endearing to an America still hesitant to fully embrace the British Invasion and abandon the classic style of artists like Frank Sinatra. This vintage appeal also resonated with TV variety show producers who recognized that Jones’ presence offered a comforting, familiar flavor as trends and styles evolved.

His tunes, though old, remain relevant today, capable of stirring nostalgia – similar to how “Lollipops and Roses” was utilized in the closing credits for the series “Mad Men”.

However, Jones’ appeal wasn’t solely based on nostalgia or kitsch; instead, he was highly esteemed by students of the ‘crooner era’. In 2012, classic vocalist expert Will Friedwald wrote in the Wall Street Journal that “it isn’t just the raw power of his voice that stands out. What truly impresses is the sensitivity with which he conveys a lyric, a sensitivity that grows even more profound as he ages.

Jones shared that as his career progressed, he grew deeply fond of songs with a powerful emotional resonance. He was inspired by legendary balladeers such as Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Harold Arlen, Michel LeGrand, and the Bergmans (Alan and Marilyn). Additionally, instrumentalists like Gerry Mulligan, Buddy Rich, and Count Basie also left a significant impact on his work.

Jones viewed himself equally as an actor and a singer, but he focused more on recording than pursuing roles on screen. His film appearances include a role before stardom in the 1959 musical “Juke Box Rhythm” and a leading part in the 1978 slasher film “The Comeback,” where he played a troubled singer being stalked by a killer. He was frequently seen on the traveling stage, performing shows such as “Guys and Dolls,” “The Pajama Game,” and of course, “Man of La Mancha.” In 2013, he made a brief appearance in David O. Russell’s film “American Hustle,” singing the Cy Coleman song “I’ve Got Your Number.

Born to actors Irene Harvey and Allen Jones, who famously starred in the Marx Brothers films “A Night at the Opera” and “A Day at the Races,” Jones shared an interesting anecdote about his father’s rise to fame. He explained that it was due to a studio decision to separate Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy, as they were spending too much time together in films. His father was brought into the picture titled “The Firefly” to fill the void, and the song “Donkey Serenade,” from that film, became a massive hit when it was recorded on the same night Jones was born in 1938. With a chuckle, he humorously referred to himself as an old-timer.

At one point, Jones performed as part of a family act alongside his parents. During this time, he studied at University High School in West Los Angeles. It’s been reported that his friend Nancy Sinatra invited her father to perform at the school auditorium, which left such an impression on Jones that he decided to pursue a career similar to Frank Sinatra’s.

In the late 1950s, his initial recording attempts were focused on rockabilly-style songs for Capitol Records, an artistic direction he felt was imposed upon him. Later, he linked up with Kapp Records, which resulted in the song “Lollipops and Roses” – a track he recorded while on leave from the U.S. Air Force Reserve – that marked the beginning of his professional career. Despite peaking at No. 6 on the easy listening chart and No. 66 on the Hot 100, the song proved to be enduring and earned him a Grammy for best male solo vocal performance in 1962.

In 1964, he received his second Grammy in the same category for the song “Wives and Lovers,” a timeless hit penned by the duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. This track was also nominated for, but did not win, the record of the year accolade. On the easy listening chart, it climbed to No. 9, while on the Hot 100, it reached its peak at No. 14 – marking his highest position on that chart. Despite some criticism over its supposedly sexist lyrics, the song remains a favorite among contemporary jazz vocalists such as Cécile McLorin Salvant.

In 1998, Jones received his fourth and final Grammy nomination in the traditional pop vocal performance category, for his album “A Tribute to Tony Bennett”. Over the course of his career, he produced a total of 60 albums.

Over the course of several decades, Jones maintained his melodious speaking style, attributing a specific choice as the key to his endurance. In a 2016 interview with Las Vegas magazine, he stated, “Had I not given up smoking approximately 40 years ago, I wouldn’t be performing, let alone being here today.” He added, “Smoking is the most harmful thing for your vocal cords, so I am extremely thankful that whatever drove me to quit, I followed through with it.

2008’s performance by Jack Jones at the Algonquin Hotel was reviewed by The Times’ Holden, who commented, “Jack Jones has a witty sense of humor. He jested about earning millions from the threat of singing ‘Love Boat Theme’, and then he did – it wasn’t terrible. However, his other material received higher praise. Holden described his voice as having cracks and grooves, akin to an experienced rancher on a horse in a western TV show. As we age, we become more authentic, and the seasoned Jack Jones has perfected a style that is uniquely his own… His rugged maturity aligns with a tendency to slow down ballads and sing them with pauses, long notes, and sudden jumps – traits often associated with the jazz singer Mark Murphy. Because the lower part of Mr. Jones’s voice has become deeper, his sudden leaps into a kind of falsetto are more impactful than ever. At times they seem like the spontaneous outbursts of a polished artist tossing caution aside.

During his later life, Jones was an advocate for residing in the Coachella Valley. “I’m drawn to the palm trees, the sand, the open atmosphere. There is such a sense of tranquility,” he expressed. As a young person, I admired the scenic beauty of Palm Springs against the mountains, and my fondness for this area hasn’t waned. Here, we experience the perfect blend of everything wonderful.

In 2003, Jones received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, adding to the one he got back in 1989 on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Prior to marrying Eleanora Jung in 2009, Jones had been married and divorced on five different occasions, one of which was a marriage to the actress Jill St. John.

In addition to his wife, Jones leaves behind his daughters Crystal Jones and Nicole Ramasco, as well as his stepdaughters Nicole Whitty and Colette Peters. He also has three grandchildren.

2024-10-25 07:17

Jack Jones, Balladeer Famous for ‘Love Boat’ Theme and 1960s Hits Like ‘The Impossible Dream,’ Dies at 86

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