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The Monkees: See Photos Of The Iconic 1960s Boy Band

By:
December 10, 2021 3:44PM EST

Hey, Hey — they’re The Monkees! The band born out of a sitcom became one of the biggest acts of the 1960s, and they’ve left an impact on pop culture for decades to come. Take a look at Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davey Jones.

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The Monkees — See Photos Of The Band

The Monkees — See Photos Of The Band
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Here they come, walking down the street! Though The Monkees‘ show ran from 1966 to 1968, their impact on pop culture lasted decades later. Formed when television producer Bob Rafelson envisioned a sitcom based on a band’s zany antics and adventures, The Monkees – Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones – auditioned for the show and beat out over 400 other applicants.

Though the band was falsely accused of being incapable of playing their own instruments, the four of them were talented musicians. The band released numerous albums in the mid-to-late 1960s, and topped the charts with songs like “Last Train To Clarksville,” “I’m A Believer,” and “Daydream Believer.”

After the group’s breakup in the late 1960s, the band went its separate ways –though many Monkees reunions happened over the following decades. In 2021, the surviving members of the group – Micky and Michael – teamed up for a 55th Anniversary Farewell Tour. Sadly, Michael passed away in December 2021, one month after the final date on the tour.

Click through to see more photos of the 60s boy band!

December 10, 2021, 3:05PM
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The Monkees In The 1960s

The Monkees In The 1960s
Dezo Hoffman/Shutterstock

Meet The Monkees– Davy Jones, with camera, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork. The four would become chart-topping musicians and pop culture icons. 

Davy remembered the band’s formation on the ‘Today’ show in 2011. “They had an ad in the newspaper and then we all showed up. That’s it — magic!”

December 10, 2021, 3:05PM
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The Monkees In The 1980s

The Monkees In The 1980s
Mark Terrill/AP/Shutterstock

The Monkees, from left: Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It took a couple decades, but it happened.

Talking about what it was like to reunite for the 1989 ceremony, Mike told the crowd, “It’s a mixture of feelings and all of them are good, but the one that pops to mind is a feeling of profound gratitude. There is such an outpouring of affection that I feel from you and for you. Such a tremendous sense of support and love that’s been with us over the years.”

December 10, 2021, 3:05PM
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The Monkees Practice In The 1960s

The Monkees Practice In The 1960s
Nbc/Screen Gems/Kobal/Shuttersto

Davy Jones, Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith pose for a portrait on the set of their 1960s show. While Micky wasn’t a drummer when he joined the group, he learned — and was a talented singer. 

Micky said that the band had chemistry from the start, telling Rolliing Stone in May 2021, “Right from the get-go, we really hit it off musically.”

December 10, 2021, 3:05PM
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The Monkeys Are Four Fab Friends

The Monkeys Are Four Fab Friends
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Peter Tork goof around on the set of ‘The Monkees.’ They were often compared to The Beatles, though both bands would call it quits by 1970.

John Lennon would admit to being a fan of the group when the bands crossed paths in the UK in 1967, saying they were “the funniest comedy team since the Marx brothers” and adding he “never missed an episode”.

George Harrison said he enjoyed the show too, noting, “When they get it all sorted out, they might turn out to be the best.”

December 10, 2021, 3:05PM
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People Say They Monkee Around

People Say They Monkee Around
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz pose for a promotional photo. Check out how short Peter Tork’s hair was! 

December 10, 2021, 3:05PM