The Monkees - Last Train To Clarksville

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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

[bringbackreagan1]

wow! i haven't seen this clip since it was on saturday mornings back in the late 60's. puff n stuff, banana splits and all the great cartoons back then! thanks for reigniting wonderful memories of my childhood

[VeggieBlu]

Going to see them perform tonight at the Fox theater in Detroit - 45th reunion tour!

[007cherrry]

Love the monkees my fav is Micky :-)

[LogicShadow]

I bet none of you know that the opening riff was done by Louis Shelton from The Wrecking Crew

[870Rem12gauge]

Mickey Dolenz had the best voice in the band, though Davy Jones's voice could also be called best. A close tie.

[EmanHohn]

@VeggieBlu I live in Saginaw and Im just now figuring this out!? UGH!

[commonman80]

@bringbackreagan1, Yep...

[ranran19701]

Mike was a good guitar player, but Jerry McGee (The Ventures) played those riffs.

[1965mlayers1965]

3 people missed the train.

[Beatles1965Fan]

i finally found this song. i heard it on the radio one year ago. :D

[persevere67]

I loved this show when i was a kid, would watch every day after school, that was in 1976, the 70's were the best.

[cinematic35]

@bringbackreagan1 yeah I remember the Banana splits and Jack Wild (Puff & Stuff)cause my sister always watch them. I remember having my Star Trek model on top of the refrigerator so I could look at it whenever I walked by. Those were the last of the good-o'l-days and they are not coming back! It was a simpler and a better American than we have today!