Video: 'Monkees' Davy Jones dies'

(Wednesday, February 29, 2012, morning EST) — English singer, actor and businessman Davy Jones, the heartthrob singer who helped propel the made-for-TV rock band The Monkees to the top of the pop charts as an American version of the Beatles, died today. He was 66.

Video: 'Davy Jones Dead: 'Monkees' Star Unexpectedly Dies of Heart Attack in Florida'

Jones went to tend his 14 horses this morning at a farm in Indiantown, Florida. After riding one of his favorite horses around the track, he complained of chest pains and difficulty breathing and was given antacid pills.

He got in his car to go home. Just after 8 a.m. EST, a ranch hand found him unconscious and an ambulance was called but could not revive him. He was taken to Martin Memorial South Hospital in Stuart, Florida, where he was pronounced dead of a heart attack resulting from arteriosclerosis.

Video: 'Davy Jones Dead: Fellow Monkees' Bandmember Micky Dolenz Remembers Jones in 'GMA' Interview'

Jones, who owned a Hollywood condo and was a familiar figure on stages across South Florida, where he was a longtime resident, was born David Thomas Jones on Dec. 30, 1945, in Manchester, England.

Video: 'Peter Tork Discusses Davy Jones Death Obit March 2, 2012 Monkees'

In his younger days, he had stylishly long hair, boyish good looks, and a British accent that endeared him to legions of young fans after The Monkees premiered on CBS in 1966. During the show’s two-year run, The Monkees made rock ’n’ roll history as they galvanized a wide American following with hits such as “Daydream Believer” and “I’m a Believer.”