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Jack Jones, who lit up living rooms across America for decades as an actor and hitmaker, but was undoubtedly best known for singing the theme song to ABC’s The Love Boat (1977-1986), died on Wednesday, October 23.
Jones lost a two-year battle with leukemia at a hospital near his Coachella Valley, California, home. His death was confirmed by his family to KESQ News Channel 3. He was 86 years old.
Born into a showbiz family in Hollywood, California in 1938 — his mother an actress, his father a singer — Jones struck fame of his own as a bossa-nova-style singer. His classic songs included 1962’s “Lollipops and Roses” and 1964’s “Wives and Lovers,” composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, which both won Grammy awards. He also sang “The Race Is On,” “The Impossible Dream,” and many more.
However, it was the theme song for the opening titles of The Love Boat that made Jones a household name. The song, which was aptly titled “Love Boat,” became so popular that he released it as a single in 1979. It brought him a cameo as a lounge singer in 1982’s Airplane II: The Sequel and he has a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
Jones performed The Love Boat theme for seven of the classic cruise-ship-set series’ eight seasons. Diannoe Warwick rearranged the song and performed it for the last season.
Jones was also no stranger to variety TV. He performed on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Dick Cavett Show, The Steve Allen Show, The Andy Williams Show, and The Carol Burnett Show. Jones also guest-starred on game shows like Password and series like Police Woman, McMillan & Wife, and, naturally, The Love Boat.
Fans took to social media after the news broke mourning the tremendous loss and recalling fond memories of his music.
R.I.P. to Jack Jones. An absolutely marvelous singer and not a half-bad actor in this wacky British horror flick from Pete Walker. pic.twitter.com/n89pWNRm0Q
— Christopher Wesley Moore (@somepplaintme) October 24, 2024
RIP Jack Jones. Son of actors Allan Jones & Irene Hervey, he had a wonderful, swingy singing voice that was ideal for the 60s. I have a vivid childhood memory of the song below ⤵️. It was a hit for him & constantly played on the radio in the early 60s. https://t.co/VMyxOVnu5I
— KIM BRITT KNITS (@kphbritt) October 24, 2024
RIP Jack Jones
‘And I know if I’ll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I’m laid to my rest’https://t.co/V3qdp0TGNS pic.twitter.com/CIqnzrJ7Y5— Tom Reagan’s Hat (@RufusTSuperfly) October 24, 2024
After The Love Boat, he continued performing across the country and he celebrated his 80th birthday in fanfare with a concert of his greatest hits at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California.
Jones was married six times and is survived by his wife, Eleonara, his daughters Crystal and Nicole, stepdaughters Nicole and Colette, and three grandchildren.