A.J. the DJ Presenting a look at the world of music with tidbits, information, and sales history.

Hey, Hey...We’re the Monkees!

In an attempt to capitalize on the unbelievable success of the Beatles, a team of executives in a production company decided to develop their own Fab four. Although never a critical hit, the Monkees did become hugely successful for a time and are certainly one of the most well known acts ever.

Here’s some interesting facets of the Monkees!

The applicants who were rejected:
Charles Manson- the cult serial killer
Danny Hutton- who became one of the key members of Three Dog Night
Paul Williams- the diminutive songwriter
Harry Nilsson- the acclaimed singer/writer
Steven Stills- of Crosby, Stills, and Nash (also Buffalo Springfield)

Their first hit was " Last Train to Clarksville."

The TV show won two Emmys as best sit-com.

In 1967, "I’m a Believer" was the #1 hit for the year.

Michael Nesmith’s mother was the inventor of Liquid Paper, which gave Michael an
inheritance of millions.

The most popular Monkee was Davy Jones. He was so popular that another singer named Davy Jones had to change his name. He is now known as David Bowie.

The opening act for the Monkee’s 1967 tour? Jimi Hendrix.

There is a lot of criticism regarding the Monkees and their musical abilities. While it  was true that they didn’t really play the instruments at the beginning, it was a studio  decision rather than a lack of talent. All of them were involved in music in some way prior to the formation of the Monkees.

Davy Jones had won a Tony nomination for his work in the stage play, "Oliver!" years prior as the Artful Dodger. A curious note is that Jones and the cast of Oliver had an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show...the same night as the Beatles first appearance!

Mickey Dolenz was a keyboardist in different bands who had to switch to the drums as none of the others would.

Peter Tork was playing with Stephen Stills in a group called the Buffalo Fish
when he tried out for the Monkees. He left the fledgling band for his big chance
and Buffalo Fish evolved into Buffalo Springfield- an inductee into the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame.

Michael Nesmith has proven his musical talents with releases of his own work
and even won a Grammy. He was the writer of the Linda Ronstandt hit, "Different Drum", which was performed by Linda and her back up band, the Stone Poneys.  The "Poneys" later went on to form their own group...The Eagles.