Pattie Darcy Jones, the raspy-voiced belter best known for her role in the long-running Broadway hit Smokey Joe's Cafe, was found dead in her Hopatcong, New Jersey home on the night of June 16. Police are investigating the cause of death. She was 54.
In addition to her work in Smokey Joe's Cafe, in which she appeared throughout its five-year run at the Virginia Theatre, Jones also starred in the 1985 Broadway revue Leader of the Pack. Off-Broadway, she starred alongside such stars as Alison Fraser, Jasmine Guy and Adriane Lenox in Beehive at the Top of the Gate in 1986.
In addition to her stage credits, Jones was a sought-after back-up vocalist for many top acts in the music industry. For four years she toured with Cher, and also hit the road with Joe Cocker and Robert Plant. She also sang back-up for Bette Midler which led to a small role in Midler's film For the Boys, Olivia Newton-John, Tom Jones, Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love and Petula Clark. In addition to the Grammy-winning Smokey Joe's Cafe album, Jones' voice can be heard on recordings by Billy Joel, Cher and Michael Bolton.
