The Monkees’ Davy Jones has passed away today at the age of 66, but it’s never too early to remember what made Jones and the band so big in the first place — their infinitely catchy, free-spirited songs. Many artists throughout the years – from the Four Tops to acts like Run DMC and even Susan Boyle – have flipped through The Monkees’ songbook and put their spin on their pop classics. Celebrate Davy’s contribution to music by listening to some major stars perform covers of The Monkees’ biggest hits below.
Susan Boyle – “Daydream Believer”
Coldplay – “I’m A Believer”
Neil Diamond – “I’m A Believer”
Run DMC – “Mary Mary” (which samples The Monkees’ song of the same name)
Four Tops – “Last Train To Clarksville”
Glee feat. Neil Patrick Harris – “Daydream Believer”
Smash Mouth – “I’m A Believer”
Head over to PureVolume to check out their favorite covers of songs by The Monkees.
Wait: you put Neil Diamond in here? *Covering* “I’m a Believer”? UFB!
The Monkees recorded the song in 1966; Neil Diamond recorded his version a year later. Yes, he composed the song, but The Monkees recorded it first. So technically, it could be considered a cover. We felt like we should include it on this list regardless.
I’m also old enough to have waehtcd the Monkees as a child, not sure what that has to do with anything. My point is that as soon as anyone famous dies, CR, you’re not REPORTING, you’re delving into your embarrassing ads archive quicker than you can say “ooh aren’t I edgy”. Like, within a matter of hours. Is that really the first thing that crosses your mind when you hear someone has passed away? “How quickly can I take the piss?”