In Memoriam: Jack Jones, Legendary Crooner

Jack Jones, a celebrated crooner who captivated audiences across concert halls, television screens, and stages for decades with his romantic ballads and smooth jazz melodies, passed away on Wednesday in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 86 years old. His wife, Eleonora Jones, confirmed that the cause of death was leukemia, which led him to the hospital.

Although his popularity soared during the 1960s, Jones managed to capture a new generation’s heart with his rendition of the iconic theme song for the beloved television series The Love Boat. Even in later years, he embodied the essence of an earlier musical era, donning tuxedos and paying homage to the timeless classics of Tin Pan Alley. His performances served as a reminder of America’s enduring love for the works of legendary composers such as the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Sammy Cahn, and Jimmy Van Heusen.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jones garnered two Grammy Awards and recorded a multitude of albums featuring American Songbook favorites, many of which reached impressive positions on the Billboard charts, thanks to his velvety vocal style. He graced prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the White House, and the London Palladium. For over 60 years, he consistently drew enthusiastic crowds to cabarets and nightclubs worldwide.

In a memorable performance at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan in 2010, celebrating his remarkable 52nd year in the entertainment industry, Jones opened and closed a two-hour retrospective of his music with the heartfelt song “That’s What Friends Are For,” written by Paul Williams. As he sang to a full house of devoted fans, the poignant lyrics resonated deeply:

  • Friends are like warm clothes
  • In the night air.
  • Best when they’re old
  • And we miss them the most when they’re gone.

Stephen Holden of The New York Times remarked, “Those lyrics evoked the vanishing breed of pop-jazz crooner, of which Mr. Jones and Tony Bennett remain the great survivors.” Jones, at the age of 72 during that performance, continued to attract the same sophisticated, well-dressed audiences that once flocked to the annual appearances of his dear friend Mel Tormé, who passed away 11 years earlier at the age of 73.

Jones’s influence and legacy in the world of music will undoubtedly be remembered, as he leaves behind a rich tapestry of unforgettable performances and timeless songs.

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