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An American pop-rock band initially created for a television sitcom in 1966, who evolved into a genuine musical act responsible for several major hits.Formed in Los Angeles in 1966 for the NBC TV series 'The Monkees'. Original members: Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork. Premiered September 1966. Had massive hits like 'Last Train to Clarksville', 'I'm a Believer', and 'Daydream Believer'. Initially used session musicians; fought for and gained creative control by 1967. TV show canceled in 1968. Disbanded in 1971. Experienced multiple reunions (1986, 1996, 2011).

• The band was conceived as a fictional TV group inspired by The Beatles' film 'A Hard Day's Night', with members cast primarily for their acting/comedy skills and screen personas, not musical proficiency.
• A major controversy erupted when it was revealed the group did not play on their earliest hit records, relying on session musicians (The Wrecking Crew) and songwriters (Boyce & Hart, Neil Diamond). This led to intense criticism and the label 'The Pre-Fab Four'.
• Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork successfully fought for the right to play their own instruments and write/produce their own music, starting significantly with the album 'Headquarters' (1967), marking their artistic independence.
• The band won two Emmy Awards in 1967 for Outstanding Comedy Series, a rare feat for a music group's TV show.
• Davy Jones' death in 2012 and Peter Tork's death in 2019 marked the end of the original lineup performing together. Michael Nesmith died in 2021. Micky Dolenz continues to perform under The Monkees name.
• The band's 1986 reunion, spurred by MTV reruns of their old show, led to a new hit single ('That Was Then, This Is Now') and successful tour, proving their enduring appeal.
• Their 1968 film and soundtrack 'Head', co-written with Jack Nicholson, was a psychedelic, avant-garde flop at the time but later gained a significant cult following.