As We Mourn the Passing of ’60s Heartthrob Davy Jones, Snakkle Looks Back at Some of Our Favorite Teen Idols

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Davy Jones, Circa 1960

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Davy Jones, 2011

Prior to joining The Monkees, Davy Jones was an established child actor who made several TV appearances before gracing the stage. Jones was nominated for a Tony for his portrayal of Artful Dodger in a Broadway production of Oliver! If you’re too young to remember how sweet Davy was to Marcia on The Brady Bunch, you probably remember him jamming with a high school band in The Brady Bunch Movie. Sadly, Davy Jones passed away on February 29, 2012.

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David Cassidy, 1970

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David Cassidy, Today

What’s more '70s than a school bus full of nonthreatening pop singers? The Partridge Family was the last word in family entertainment and quality wide-collar shirts. As Keith Partridge, David Cassidy had the teen-girl poster market cornered. Today, he continues to perform and was last spotted on TV as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice in 2011.

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Donny Osmond, 1978

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Donny Osmond, Today

Discovered by variety-show folk hero Andy Williams, Donny Osmond started out singing with his family (sans school bus). He quickly segued into a solo career as a teen dreamboat, cutting a stunning silhouette in leather and chains, pictured above. These days, after winning 2009’s Dancing with the Stars, Donny headlines a Vegas show with sister Marie.

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Hanson, 1998

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Hanson, Today

The '90s were a difficult time for teens looking for heartthrob musicians. Sure, we settled for the stringy-haired boys in flannel, but we yearned for clean-cut teen steam beyond Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Devon Sawa. That’s where Hanson came in. These brothers from Oklahoma blasted onto the music scene in 1996 with the gleefully nonsensical single "MMMBop." Today, they’re all grown up (as evidenced by the requisite facial hair) and married off, but still cute as ever. Here's a more contemporary "teen idol": Snakkle looks back on Justin Bieber's catapult to celebrity!

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Leif Garrett, 1980

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Leif Garrett, Today

Like Davy Jones, Leif Garrett started his career as a child actor, appearing in classics like The Odd Couple and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. By 1977, he had transitioned into thrilling teen girls full-time with a recording contract. After a break from the spotlight, Leif experienced a brief resurgence in the 2000s with appearances on Family Guy, Fear Factor, and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.

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New Edition, 1985

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New Edition, Today

Aside from the Revolutionary War, Boston’s proudest achievement is creating boy bands. Beantown-based New Edition formed in 1978, starting the movement that would spawn New Kids on the Block and many more. These days, the band is embarking on a reunion tour, dutifully reciting hits like “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now” for their former teen screamers.

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New Kids on the Block, 1989

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New Kids on the Block, Today

Another spawn of Boston, New Kids on the Block started in 1986 but didn’t hit their stride until 1990, when we suspect they realized that tube socks don’t work well with a street image. Fooling no one with their tough exterior, NKOTB embraced their sensitive side and watched the teen girls swoon. Recently, they launched a wildly popular annual cruise (I am not joking) and a reunion tour with fellow 30-something bait the Backstreet Boys.

rick springfield young general hospital 1981 photo

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Rick Springfield, 1981

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Rick Springfield, Today

They used to say that nobody could wear a pink suit like Rick Springfield. Alright, they never said that, but who would dare argue if they did? Resplendent in pleats, Rick Springfield (born Richard Lewis Springthorpe) released his biggest hit in 1981: “Jessie’s Girl.” These days, you can spot Mr. Springthorpe on Californication, Hawaii Five-0, or General Hospital.

ricky martin young general hospital 1994 photo

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Ricky Martin, 1994

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Ricky Martin, Today

From Fabio to Mustachioed: The Ricky Martin Story. Ricky started his career as a member of Menudo but broke out as a solo artist in 1991. In 1999, he fueled terrible headline puns everywhere by releasing the single, “Livin’ la Vida Loca” from his first English-language album, Ricky Martin. In 2010, Ricky came out of the closet and currently lives as a perpetual hot-dad postcard with his twin sons. Check out our Mullet-tastic Before They Were Stars photo gallery of awesomely bad hair styles!

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Ricky Nelson, 1959

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Ricky Nelson, 1982

The granddaddy of all teen idols, Ricky Nelson was at once suave yet approachable. Cool yet oh-so-warm. What was I talking about? Ah, yes. With smooth hits like “Poor Little Fool” and “Travellin’ Man,” slick Rick had those '50s teens in his pocket from the first smoldering glance. Sadly, Ricky perished in a plane crash back in 1985, but he left behind five children to carry on his gorgeous hair legacy.

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Shaun Cassidy, 1977

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Shaun Cassidy, Today

Son of Partridge Family mom Shirley Jones and half brother to David Cassidy, Shaun got his big break recording a cover of “Da Doo Ron Ron” in 1977 (really, '70s teens?) on his Grammy-winning debut album. He might have spent time as a pinup, but these days Shaun stays behind the scenes, producing shows like American Gothic, Cold Case, and several projects in the works for next season.