1. The Monkees Were a Made-for-TV Band That Became Real Rock Stars
Believe it or not, The Monkees weren’t originally a “real” band. They were cast for a TV show about a fictional group of musicians, inspired by The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night. But the boys took their roles seriously—and soon, they were playing, touring, and recording like any other rock band.
2. They Outsold The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in 1967
Yes, you read that right. In 1967, The Monkees outsold both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. With massive hits like “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville,” they captured the hearts of millions and topped the charts all year long.
3. Jimi Hendrix Opened for The Monkees… Briefly
It sounds wild, but it happened! Jimi Hendrix was the opening act for The Monkees on their 1967 tour. However, it was short-lived—Monkees fans weren’t quite ready for Hendrix’s electric performances, so he only stuck around for a few shows.
4. They Were Revolutionary in Using the Moog Synthesizer
The Monkees were one of the first bands to use the Moog synthesizer, an instrument that would become iconic in the music world. Micky Dolenz purchased one of the first models, and the band incorporated it into their music before it was widely known.
5. Their TV Show Was Written by Major Comedy Talent
The Monkees’ show featured some of the most creative comedy writing of the 1960s. Writers included future big names like Paul Mazursky and Treva Silverman, who would later work on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and All in the Family.
6. Micky Dolenz Didn’t Know How to Play Drums at First
Micky Dolenz was cast as the drummer, but he didn’t actually know how to play the drums when the show started. He learned quickly, though, and became a competent drummer over time. Talk about on-the-job training!
7. Mike Nesmith’s Mom Invented Liquid Paper
Mike Nesmith’s mother, Bette Nesmith Graham, invented Liquid Paper (correction fluid), which became a massive success. Her invention made her a fortune, so Nesmith was one of the few rock stars who didn’t necessarily need a music career to be well-off.
8. The Monkees Recorded With Musical Legends
While the band members played instruments on some tracks, they also recorded with The Wrecking Crew, a group of legendary session musicians who worked with artists like The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and The Byrds.
9. They Had a Hard Time Gaining Creative Control Over Their Music
Despite being popular and musically talented, The Monkees had to fight for control over their music. Initially, they weren’t allowed to play their own instruments on recordings. After a battle with producers, they eventually won the right to make their own music and self-produce.
10. They Won Two Emmy Awards for Their TV Show
The Monkees’ TV show was a hit and even won two Emmy Awards in 1967, including Outstanding Comedy Series. They were widely recognized for their unique, playful style that resonated with the 1960s counterculture.
11. Davy Jones Almost Played the Artful Dodger on Broadway
Before The Monkees, Davy Jones was an up-and-coming stage actor. He’d performed in Oliver! as the Artful Dodger and was even nominated for a Tony Award. His background in show business helped him shine as the Monkees’ frontman and heartthrob.
12. They Inspired the Creation of MTV
The Monkees’ music videos—brief, zany performances in their TV episodes—helped pave the way for music television as we know it. Some even credit The Monkees with inspiring the idea for MTV.
13. Peter Tork Was the Most Musically Skilled Member
While all the Monkees were talented, Peter Tork was a multi-instrumentalist with serious musical chops. He could play guitar, bass, piano, banjo, and more, and was respected in the folk scene before joining the band.
14. Their Movie, Head, Was a Critical Darling—But a Box Office Flop
The Monkees starred in a trippy, unconventional movie called Head, co-written by Jack Nicholson. Though it bombed at the box office, it later gained a cult following for its weirdness and satire on fame and the music industry.
15. They Were Inducted Into the Pop Culture Hall of Fame
While they haven’t made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Monkees were inducted into the Pop Culture Hall of Fame in 2019. It’s a fitting recognition for a band that started as a TV project but went on to leave a real mark on music and pop culture.
