Beatles 50th Sullivan Anniversary Count Down…8 Days
Beatles 50th Sullivan Anniversary Count Down…8 Days
On February 9, 1964, The Beatles were not the only British singing stars to make their American television debut. As you’ll see in the screen shot from the same night, Davie Jones was there too, but not as The Monkey’s lead singer. He was playing the roll of the Artful Dodger in ‘Oliver’ which was a huge hit on Broadway. He had also played the part in London before the show came to the US. Posing backstage with The Beatles is his co star, Georgia Brown who played the roll of Nancy. When The Beatles hit the stage, Davie watched from the left side of the stage and later said to reporters, “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.” He got it too! I met him a few times and have to tell you, he is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Rest In Peace Davie.
Thank you Maureen , that was awesome!!! I have loved him since I’m 13. Devastated by his death.
And here’s Davy on Merv Griffin’s Talent Scouts in 1963, shortly after he started his run in Oliver.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P92l4X7yYO8
What’s interesting is that Davy does not appear on the original cast album. He was brought over to replace the original actor during previews…but after the recording of the album. This usually isn’t done until just before or just after the Broadway opening, but the producers wanted to head off people purchasing import copies of the London cast album.