The Monkees Past and Present

The Monkees became an American-British rock group that started out in 1965, after being put together by Robert Rafelson and Bert Schneider. Four talented young men were sought out to star in a new television series on NBC, that would be titled: "The Monkees." Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork were chosen to star in the new series. Englishman Davy Jones was a potential chosen to star in the series in advance of the other three stars. All four stars had previous experience on the stage and screen, which included musical abilities. Micky Dolenz starred in "Circus Boy", Michael Nesmith wrote songs and played guitar, Davy Jones starred in the musical "Oliver", on stage, recorded under the Colpix label, and was already under contract at Columbia/Screen Gems, and Peter Tork was a skilled musician playing multiple instruments. The Monkees were four talented young men starring in a zany, hit comedy that aired from 1966 to 1968.

The Monkees were actors in their own television series on NBC, and a singing group that performed at concerts that made them world famous. Their first song, "Last Train to Clarksville", became a major hit for NBC and Columbia. The song was released in August of 1966, just a few weeks before the first broadcast of the new show. The Monkees first long-playing album titled: "The Monkees" was released in October of 1966, and shot to the top of the charts, making them a big sensation. The Monkees were quite a sensation. They made several more albums and hits. The television show was canceled in 1968, but The Monkees continued recording songs until 1971. The Monkees were greeted by fans, who adulated them like "The Bealtles." Micky Dolenz had to learn how to play the drums for the television series and the group when they played concerts around the world.

The personalities of the four Monkees were much like their on screen images, except for Peter Tork. Peter Tork was sharp, loved to have fun, zany, and talented. Mike Nesmith was the leader, serious minded, musically talented, had ambition and determination, He could be moody and quiet, and he had a great sense of humor. Davy Jones was bright, fun-loving, loyal to the people he worked with, and reserved and self-controlled as a result of his British upbringing. Peter was extremely generous, and Micky was a very nice guy, who was down to earth. All four Monkees were talented musicians and actors. The television series was funny, zany and fun to watch. The Monkees wrote many beautiful songs.

After the Monkees television series was canceled, the four Monkees went on recording songs together until 1971. Through the years, Micky, Davy, and Peter would get together to perform music, and do other things. Mike Nesmith started his own band and all four Monkees had different projects that they did through the years. All four Monkees were popular, and they still are today. Everyone had their favorite Monkee. The Monkees were all nice-looking young men, who were very cute and very adorable.