The Monkees - Words

PLEASE NOTE: I divided my uploads between multiple channels, Bookmark this link in your browser for instant access to an index with links to all of John1948's oldies classics. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/Channel-Index

Unlike most bands of the time, the Monkees were not formed by its members, but rather by TV producers: they were a fictional band in the TV show of the same name. TV producers, Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson, formulated an idea for a show about a Beatles-like band, then put ads in newspapers, seeking musicians to star in the series. The band was composed of Mike Nesmith, Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork. All the members had some musical experience.

The show debuted on NBC in 1966 and became a huge hit. Each week the group would sing a song or two written by top industry names like Carole King, Neil Diamond and Gerry Goffin, while instrumentation was provided by talented musicians, including Stephen Stills and Harry Nilsson. The Monkees' principle audience consisted of young teenagers and children. Nonetheless singles like 'I'm a Believer' became Top 10 hits, and the 'Prefab Four' became media icons. By 1967 the Monkees were perhaps the most popular band in the US.

But the Monkees themselves grew upset at not being able to play their own instruments or write their own songs, and began to rebel against their producers and record company. The Monkees began playing some of their instruments and writing some songs on 1967's 'Headquarters'. That year they embarked on a major tour, proving they could perform live. By 1968 the Monkees were already deviating from their manufactured image and straining for credibility, starring in the bizarre psychedelic movie 'Head'. That same year the TV series came to a close, and the Monkees broke up within a year or two.

After a temporary revival in the 1980's, the reunited group continues to tour the oldies circuit, usually without Mike Nesmith, who concentrates on the band's behind-the-scenes operations.

SOURCE: http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/the-monkees.html

Category:

Education

Tags:

• pop
• rock
• TV

[MarioFanAidan]

Nesmith was the only musician in the formal sense. All the songs were written by others. Loved the series but some people compare this "group" to the Beatles....oh bother. Kudos to Micheal. The others grew to talent but the show as much as a lark as the first Star Trek.

[John1948NineC]

@MarioFanAidan Many groups started out with no more talent than the Monkees. The Beach Boys were just a bunch of kids who put together a band with a lot less vetting than the Monkees. So what? They became an excellent band. Were they as good as the Beatles? No, but very few bands were. I happen to think the Beach Boys were better than the Beatles but that's just an opinion.

[julyman08]

@MarioFanAidan wrong! tork not only had a masters degree in music but also was a teacher! learn your facts!

[SIGNALSTAT]

peter really puys alot of energy in this cool song.

[IRoosterManI]

so they didnt write ALL there songs.......How many did Elvis write?

As long as it sounds good it doesnt mean a thing to me...

I have heard many Covers of Monkee songs....but they never compare....that proves they were good, Cos they DID sound amazing.

[orangehornet57]

Note how they traded instruments. Peter's on guitar, Mike on bass, Davy on drums and Micky on tambourine. This was the B-side of Pleasant Valley Sunday. The credits list Davy as playing a tree. It's apparently those chimes. This song still holds up well. The Bee Gees' Words song was very different. If you could copyright titles, there'd be less confusion but even fewer songs, books, and movies.

[TheMrsgrumpy]

Thank you so much for this video - it was so great to see them perform again. I loved the Monkees then and I still do - they may not have been in the Beatle's league but I had so many laughs watching their show every week - not to mention listening to their albums that it didn't matter. To me they were my teenage heart throbs. Good music never dies.

[pasy2006]

I LOVED THERE SHOW:)

[rf396]

The Monkees are AS responsible for me having ended up a musician as The Beatles. Love em and always will. But NO ONE can, or will touch The Beatles. From Davy's own lips..."If we could just be one quarter as good as The Beatles or even a tenth"

[Holisticlia]

Anyone who knows me long enough, knows how much I LOVE The

Monkees!...And seeing Peter at 1:32 cracks me up, no matter how down I am, lol

[AREALJERSEYGIRL]

AAAHHH---MEMORIES!!

Fresh air, green grass, playing with friends, smiling----but JUST TRY and get between me and getting home by 4::00 p.m.to watch the Monkees!!!

I was madly in love with Davy b4 I knew what a crush meant. LOL.

Just explained to Mom I was going to marry him someday. :)

I get so upset with "anti-Monkee" talk, not a real band, blah, blah.

They could SING & the show concept wasnt their idea!

Show me an "anti-Monkeer" who doesnt know ALL THE WORDS to Last Train to CVille!!!

[gsxrbuckeye]

@julyman08 You tell em brother! So glad someone else knows a little back ground!

[wilstromgarcia]

I dont really care who wrote the songs. These guys have some kickass singles. Kudos to the songwriters.