Tag Archives: music

Music Monday: The Monkees

When I was 3.5-years-old, I used to watch summer reruns of the TV comedy series The Monkees. The show, as well as the two actors and two musicians–Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael ‘Mike’ Nesmith and Peter Tork–who starred in it inspired me in one way or another with the four constants that are still in my life today: writing (i.e. words), music, comedy and television.

Although viewers and fans of The Monkees may recall hearing the faster version of the song”I Wanna Be Free” in the pilot episode, “Here Come The Monkees,” the show’s producers ultimately chose to play the slower version of the song in numerous episodes thereafter. Personally, I prefer the faster version than the slower one.

The Monkees TV comedy series aired on NBC from Sept. 12, 1966 to Mar. 25, 1968.

So in honor of The Monkees 50th Anniversary…

Born On This Day: Rick Nelson

Born on this day in 1940: Actor, singer, songwriter and musician Rick ‘Ricky’ Nelson, best known for appearing as himself in his parents’ long-running television sitcom, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

Nelson is also known for such classic songs, like “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man” and “Garden Party,” and also starred in the 1959 film Rio Bravo with John Wayne and Dean Martin.

On Dec. 31, 1985, Nelson, his fiancee Helen Blair and five of Nelson’s band members were killed when their plane crashed in DeKalb, Texas. Nelson was 45.

Listen To “She Makes Me Laugh,” New Song By The Monkees

Any one of my closest friends or family members will tell you that I’ve been a fan of the band The Monkees since I was three-and-a-half-years-old. Every summer, I used to watch reruns of their television show since I wasn’t born when the show initially aired, in 1966. I own all their albums and a few other miscellaneous collectibles. In fact, I was fortunate enough to meet Davy, Micky and Peter (minus Michael Nesmith) in July 2011, just seven months before Davy Jones died.

I’ll always treasure the memories and the happiness their songs have brought me over the years. The Monkees TV show was one of my first television memories and the band has inspired me in more ways than one.

Well, it’s finally here. The new song by my first favorite band! Take a listen to “She Makes Me Laugh,” which was written by Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. The song certainly has that true classic harmony sound that The Monkees are known for. 😀 😀 😀 😀