Tag Archives: Peter Tork

Peter Tork of The Monkees Dies

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Singer, musician and actor Peter Tork from The Monkees has died. He was 77.

Tork appeared in the 1966-1968 NBC-TV comedy series The Monkees, playing a clueless, yet likable version of himself. In real life, Tork was a smart, accomplished musician, singer and songwriter, who wrote and co-wrote songs, some of which were contributed to the series, including “For Pete’s Sake,” “No Time” and “Goin’ Down.” Tork played bass guitar and keyboard and since 1986, had performed in various concert reunions with fellow-Monkees band members David ‘Davy’ Jones, Micky Dolenz and Michael ‘Mike’ Nesmith. Tork was also known for his folk and blues music, having played in the band Shoe Suede Blues.

Besides starring in The Monkees, Tork also made appearances in other TV series’, including Wings, The King of Queens and played Topanga Lawrence’s father in Boy Meets World.

Tork was the oldest member of The Monkees, having just celebrated his birthday on February 13th. Davy Jones, the youngest band member (at age 66), died February 29, 2012 of a severe heart attack.

Peter Tork is survived by his wife Pamela, two siblings and his three children from previous marriages: daughters Hallie Tork, Erica Tork and son Ivan Iannoli.

Tork acting in The Monkees:

One of the songs Tork co-wrote, which appeared on The Monkees TV show:

Performing with his band Shoe Suede Blues:

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On This Day In 2011…

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Davy & Micky with young Davy background

It was five years ago today when I met my favorite band (well, 3 out of its 4 members), The Monkees. It was an exciting concert in such a beautiful setting, Mountain Winery in Saratoga, Calif. However, that night was also very nerve-racking for me because I have loved this band since I was 3.5-years-old. I met Peter and took a photo with him. I was then able to say hello to Micky and ask for a photo with him, as well. But when it came time to meet Davy, well, I couldn’t talk to him other than to say “hello.” I guess you can say I was having a Marcia Brady moment that night.  😉

This day was one of the most happiest moments in my life. I’ve never been starstruck before; however, this was a different situation because these were the same guys who made me laugh and sing along to their songs as I watched reruns of The Monkees TV series. Their show was one of my earliest TV memories and the band has always been an inspiration to me…from then and until now. And for that, I say, “Thank you!”  ❤

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. 😀 😀 😀 😀

The Monkees Celebrate 50th Anniversary With New Album And Tour

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The Monkees’s 12th album is scheduled for release June 10.

It was announced today that The Monkees will be releasing a new album and will tour this summer to commemorate the band’s 50th anniversary.

The album, titled Good Times, is scheduled for release June 10. Band members Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork will tour multiple cities across North America, beginning May 18. Michael ‘Mike’ Nesmith won’t be involved with the new album nor the tour since he currently has multiple projects he’s working on.

Sadly, one missing link will be the absence of front man Davy Jones, who died on Feb. 29, 2012, after having suffered a severe heart attack near his Florida home.

For more information about The Monkees new album and tour, click here.

Do you have a favorite Monkees song or album?

This Day in History: ‘The Monkees’ Television Series Debuted

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The Monkees_directors chairs The Monkees-proper seating

Forty-nine years ago today, on Sept. 12, 1966, The Monkees comedy series debuted on NBC-TV. The series starred actors Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz, and musicians Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork. The show was the creation of film director and producer Bob Rafelson, and film and TV producer Bert Schneider, whose production company Raybert Productions also produced the films Easy Rider and The Last Picture Show. The Monkees television show incorporated an element that (I believe) is lacking in today’s situation comedies, which is music (sorry, but Glee doesn’t count).

The Monkees lasted only two seasons and the band has toured subsequently since 1966. The Monkees became a band despite critics (I’m looking at you Jann Wenner, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, who Monkees fans believe is ‘holding the key’ so they aren’t inducted into the RRHOF) stating they weren’t a band. I’m pretty that if they’ve sold more than 75 million records worldwide and out-sold The Beatles and The Rolling Stones combined during their peak (not to mention that the show won two Emmy Awards), then they ARE a real band!

🎤 🎸 🎶 🎵 📺