The Monkees TV Show Premiered 47 Years Ago

Hey Der,

Well, it was 47 years ago today that TV executives tried to capture the magic of Beatlemania in a TV show. What got shat out the other side of the tube was a hit for NBC called "The Monkees"

Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson teamed up to produce the project and sold it to Screen Gems. Initally they wanted to cast a real band, The Lovin' Spoonful, but they were already signed to a record label which would not have let Screen Gems market the music.

Bert Schneider then turned to his dad, Abraham Schneider, head of Screen Gems. Screen Gems had one Davy Jones under a long-term contract, and since he was a Tony-nominated actor, who starred as the Artful Dodger in "Oliver", they figured he could handle some lead vocals.

They then placed an add in Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter..."Madness!! Auditions. Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running Parts for 4 insane boys, age 17-21. Want spirited Ben Frank's types. Have courage to work. Must come down for interview."

This brought in 437 young actors and musicians. Out of those 437, they cast musicians Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, along with former child actor, "Circus Boy", Micky Dolenz, and "The Monkees" were born.

The show was a huge success. So much so, that they tried to make it reality. Micky Dolenz would later describe it, "The Monkees really becoming a band was like the equivalent of Leonard Nimoy really becoming a Vulcan."

Happy Birthday Monkees. The best thing I can say about you was that, I was entertained.