The Monkees - Last Train To Clarksville

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/...

• Category

  Education

[Loren Szczygiel]

In your description of this song, it should say "among" multiple channels, not between, unless it really is only two. Between is for two, among is for three or more. Just saying...

[John1948NineC]

Thank you for the grammar lesson. Do you feel smarter now?

[Mark Rose]

their songs were written by Don Kirshner but they played their in instruments just could not play their own material pure contract. Don Krishner was a hit make and had another show after this called Don Kirshner Rock Concert every Saturday at midnight and where I was from it was never missed.

[John1948NineC]

Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote some songs for them too. With a big studio behind them they could buy the best.

[Molly Weaver]

i wish i was born back then ! i love the monkees and im 17. my generation of music sucks !

[jeff lemonds]

the music of my youth,the tv show was so hokey but i love the tunes

[blowfishrule]

Love this song! :)

[Hugo Danner]

Same here!

[Hugo Danner]

I was 5 or 6 years old when this came out. I remember the Monkees, Beatles, etc well. God I feel old! LOL

[Hensen1954 .]

Actually, it's " Amongst".... Better go to a better school.

[John Smith]

remember this show on saturday mornings....must of been 6 yrs old!!!!

[umbrellacorpsoldier1]

I was born in the late seventies, and love the 70s music but the monkees in my opinion will never be beaten, their music is forever!!!!

[umbrellacorpsoldier1]

I was b

[Steven Mattinson]

THE MONKEES TRUELY ARE THE NUMBER 1 BAND IN MY LIFE

[ANNA-JANELLE WILLIAMS]

THE GUITARIST...JOE NESBIT....ALWAYS REMINEDED ME OF MY DAD.