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Jack Jones, the legendary crooner who sang the memorable theme song for the TV show The Love Boat, has died at the age of 86.
THR Jones died at Eisenhower Medical in Rancho Mirage, California. The cause was leukemia.
Famous for her silky voice, Jones, who is often compared to Frank Sinatra, had equally famous parents, singing “Show Boat” (1936) singer Alan Jones and actress Eileen Harvey.
Born in Los Angeles on January 14, 1938, Jones signed with Capitol in 1959 and found success with Cup Records and Lollipops and Roses in 1962. He won the first of his two Grammy Awards for this song.
Successful throughout the ’60s, his biggest hit was 1963’s “Wives and Lovers” (another of his Grammy-winning songs).
Other notable singles include “Dear Heart” (1964), “The Race Is On” (1965), “Seein’ the Right Love Go Wrong” (1965), and “The Impossible Dream (The Quest )” (1966), “Lady” (1967).
He went on to release around 60 albums.
But his most memorable contribution to popular culture was his rendition of the charming Lounge Lizard. “Love Boat Theme” A song that promised love – life’s sweetest reward – would never hurt again. The popular series (1977-1986) featured a rotating hatch of celebrities playing lovelorn vacationers. Jones’ reputation as a ladies’ man (he has been married six times, including to actress Jill St. John) blends perfectly with this light-hearted romantic show, making the theme one of the most popular on TV. It became one of the iconic things.
Jones appeared and sang alongside his famous father in a 1980 episode of the series.
The song was released as a commercial single in 1979. In the same year, he offered: disco version.
Jones has headlined and performed in Las Vegas for 60 years, until recently. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Eleonara, two daughters, a stepdaughter and two grandchildren.
