Jack Jones, the legendary balladeer whose silky voice made every episode of The Love Boat “exciting and new,” died October 23, 2024, at age 86.
Jones’ iconic career spanned over six decades, captivating audiences worldwide with his velvety voice and remarkable stage presence…
Born in Hollywood, California, Jack Jones emerged as a vocal powerhouse during the 1960s, quickly making a name for himself in both jazz and pop music. His baritone voice seamlessly navigated between rich, soulful lows and crisp resonant highs, bringing a unique charm to every song he performed.
His rise to stardom started in 1961 when he was on leave from his duty with the U.S. Air Force Reserve and recorded his first hit song, “Lollipops and Roses.” “It really is nuts,” Jones said in a 2016 interview with Las Vegas Magazine. “While I was on two weeks leave after active duty I went into the studio and made ‘Lollipops and Roses.’ By the time I got out after six months of active duty, ‘Lollipops and Roses’ was a hit. Then it won a Grammy in ’61”
The song was even used on the closing credits of a Mad Men episode.
In 1964, Jones earned his second Grammy for “Wives and Lovers,” a song with lyrics that brought him quite a bit of grief with feminists over the years.
“Since it’s a politically incorrect song, I start it out with a disclaimer,” Jones told the LA Times. Adapting his music to a more demanding generation, Jones switched up the lyrics, replacing the opening line “Hey little girl, do your hair, fix your makeup,” with “Hey, little boy, cap your teeth, fix your hairpiece.”
Jones added, “It’s now part of history, it won a Grammy, and I meant no harm when I did it. It made my career and I’m grateful for that.”
Later, the actor/singer reached millions of listeners when he sang the theme on the TV show, The Love Boat.
In 1977, Jones was invited to record the catchy theme song for The Love Boat, the hit TV series (1977 to 1986) that featured several superstar guests, including Tom Hanks, Anette Funicello, Frankie Avalon, Michael J. Fox, Kathy Bates and so many more.
Known for his rich baritone and flawless delivery, Jones brought the perfect blend of warmth and charm to the song, inviting viewers to set sail on a journey filled with romance and possibility.
The song became the heart of the series, perfectly encapsulating the sense of adventure that viewers could expect in each episode.
“Because of The Love Boat theme, everything was great on ships after that,” Jones told Las Vegas magazine. “I did six weeks a year. They gave me the best suite on the ship, and it was the S.S. Norway. We just had a great time.”
Throughout his career, Jones collaborated with several renowned composers and arrangers, producing unforgettable renditions of classic songs. His wide-ranging repertoire, spanning jazz standards, Broadway tunes, and pop ballads, demonstrated his versatility and artistry. He effortlessly brought songs to life, leaving audiences moved with each performance.
Jones commitment to musical excellence appeared to outweigh his dedication to relationships. Before marrying Eleanora Jung in 2009, the star wed and divorced five women, including a two-year coupling with the former Bond Girl Jill St. John (1967 to 1969).
‘Passed peacefully’
On October 23, 2024, Jones died in hospital “after battling leukemia for well over two years,” Jones’ manager, Milton B. Suchin, told USA TODAY. The suave singer “passed peacefully holding hands with his Eleonora, his wife of 15 years, and his beloved toy poodle Ivy.”
With news of his passing, fans, fellow musicians, and critics have flooded social media with tributes to the superstar artist. Many recall his humility and kindness, noting how he always had time for his fans and colleagues. Musicians worldwide have expressed sorrow over his loss, acknowledging him as not only a great artist but also a kind-hearted mentor and friend.
Following the sad news, Princess Cruises – The Love Boat used the MS Pacific Princess as its stage – shared a heartwarming post on X, expressing its grief: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jack Jones, the iconic voice behind ‘The Love Boat’ theme song. Jack’s voice will always be part of our journey and the memories of our guests. We celebrate his life and the joy he brought to our Princess family. Forever in our hearts.”
Jill Whelan, who played the captain’s daughter Vicki Stubing on the show, shares a Facebook tribute to her “friend.”
“My friend Jack. How lucky I was to call you that. I will miss your friendship, your great sense of humor, and that impeccable voice. Sing with the angels my friend,” writes the 58-year-old actor.
Fans also shared their condolences, many praising his timeless talents. One user wrties, “So grateful for Jack’s music that filled so many hearts with love!” And a second tweets, “Well, dammit. Jack Jones died…Absolutely one of the smoothest voices in pop from the 1960s onward. And even if you think you’ve never heard him sing, I bet you have.”
Another netizen adds, “Rest peacefully Jack Jones…and shout out to one of the greatest theme songs ever!”
Jones leaves an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring younger generations of singers and musicians to pursue authentic expression through music.
Rest in peace, Jack Jones.
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