The Monkees

Hey, Hey, We're The Monkees

​

The Monkees were an American pop rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. The Monkees consisted of four members: Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith.

​

The Monkees started out as a "made-for-TV" band. The group was created by television producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider as a fictional TV band for the popular TV Show "The Monkees" which ran from 1966 to 1968. Their career and their sound was shaped by the show which served as the vehicle for their success and popularity. Music from the show's first season was released as albums for The Monkees, and included hits such as "Daydream Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville", and "Pleasant Valley Sunday."

​

When the show aired on NBC in the fall of 1966, it was an instant hit. The group's first single "Last Train to Clarksville" went to number one on the charts. Then, marketing The Monkees kicked into high gear with loads of merchandise hitting the stores. Fans could purchase lunch boxes, action figures, toy guitars, board games, replicas of The Monkeemobile, and more.

​

Don Kirshner was the show's music producer, with the team Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart as the lead songwriters. Studio musicians played on their early recordings, with the guys in the band providing only the vocals. But the group fought for and took control of their creative process, eventually writing songs for and playing the instruments on their recordings. From their manufactured beginning, The Monkees became a legitimate band and a top-selling act.

​

Davy Jones

​

Davy Jones was born in Manchester, England on December 30th, 1945. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in various theater productions. In the mid-1960s, he auditioned for and was cast in the role of Davy Jones in the new TV show "The Monkees."  As a member of The Monkees, Davy Jones toured extensively and released several albums with the band.

 

Micky Dolenz

​

Micky Dolenz is an American actor, musician and singer. He is best known for his role as the drummer and lead vocalist for the pop rock band The Monkees.  

​

Micky Dolenz was born in Los Angeles, California on March 8th, 1945. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in various theater productions. In the mid-1960s, he auditioned for and was cast in the role of Micky Dolenz in the TV show "The Monkees."

​

Michael Nesmith

​

Michael Nesmith was born in Houston, Texas on December 30th, 1942. He is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actor. He is best known for his role as the guitarist and vocalist for the pop rock band The Monkees. He began his career as a songwriter in the late 1950s, writing songs recorded by various artists including Linda Ronstadt. In the mid-1960s, he auditioned for and was cast in the TV show "The Monkees."

​

Peter Tork

​

Peter Tork was born in Washington, D.C., on February 13, 1942. He was the youngest member of The Monkees and played the bass guitar. Though he is best known for his work with The Monkees, Peter Tork also released four solo albums.