The Monkees were Hollywood’s answer to the Beatles and the British invasion. Yes, they were fake, originally created for a TV show in the mid-1960s that quickly became a genuine pop sensation. Known for catchy tunes like "I'm a Believer” "Last Train to Clarksville” and "Daydream Believer” they blended pop rock with a touch of psychedelic. Despite being initially dismissed as a manufactured band, they gained credibility and success. They had some great tunes, written by the top songwriters of the day like Carole King.
The Monkees Career Highlights
1965
Formation - The Monkees were formed in Los Angeles, California by Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider for a TV show about a rock band.
1966
TV Show Premiere - "The Monkees" TV show premiered on NBC, and their debut single "Last Train to Clarksville" hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Debut Album - Released their self-titled debut album, which included the hit single "I'm a Believer."
1967
Released their second album, "More of The Monkees” which included the hit "I'm a Believer."
Released "Headquarters” which marked their first album where they played their own instruments.
Fourth Album - Released "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd” featuring hits like "Pleasant Valley Sunday."
1968
Feature Film - Released their only feature film, "Head” co-written by Jack Nicholson.
TV Show End - The Monkees TV show was canceled.
1969
Peter Tork left the band.
1970
Decline - Released their final album of the original run, "Changes” as a duo (Dolenz and Jones).
1986
Reunion - MTV aired reruns of the TV show, sparking a revival. The band (minus Nesmith) reunited for a tour and new album, "Pool It!"
1996
30th Anniversary - Released "Justus” an album featuring all four original members.
2011
Tour - The band (Dolenz, Tork, and Jones) embarked on a successful 45th-anniversary tour.
2012
Davy Jones' Death - Davy Jones passed away, prompting tributes and memorial concerts.
2016
50th Anniversary - Released the album "Good Times!" featuring contributions from contemporary artists.
2019
Farewell Tour - Announced a farewell tour featuring Dolenz and Nesmith.
The Monkees Members
- Micky Dolenz – Vocals, Drums
- Davy Jones – Vocals, Percussion
- Michael Nesmith – Vocals, Guitar
- Peter Tork – Vocals, Bass, Keyboards
The Monkees Grammy Awards
The Monkees have not won a Grammy Award but have received several nominations
3 Most Famous Monkees Songs
1. "I'm a Believer" (1966) - Written by Neil Diamond, this song became their biggest hit and is synonymous with the band.
2. "Last Train to Clarksville" (1966) - Their debut single, it introduced the world to The Monkees' sound and topped the charts.
3. "Daydream Believer" (1967)
Carole King and Gerry Goffin co-wrote some of the essential classics including ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’
The Monkees Quotes
Micky Dolenz
We were the first manufactured pop band. We were the original boy band
Davy Jones
I’ve always said The Monkees should’ve gone on for years and years like Star Trek. But it was an expensive show to make.
The Monkees Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Manufactured Band: The Monkees were often criticized for being a "manufactured" band, created for TV rather than forming organically.
- Head Film: Their 1968 film "Head" was a commercial failure but has since gained a cult following for its surreal and experimental nature.
- Nesmith's Hat: Michael Nesmith's wool hat became a signature look, stemming from his audition for the TV show.
- MTV Revival: The 1986 revival of their TV show on MTV sparked a Monkees revival, leading to a new generation of fans.
- Dolenz's Voice: Micky Dolenz's distinctive voice is one of the defining elements of The Monkees' sound, often leading their biggest hits.
- Nesmith's Influence: Michael Nesmith was a pioneer in the music video industry, creating the TV show "PopClips” which was a precursor to MTV.
The Monkees ratings
