December 30th brought us two members of The Monkees, Michael Nesmith in 1942 and Davy Jones1945. The Monkees were a pop group formed by Robert “Bob” Rafelson and Bert Schneider in 1966 for the TV show by the same name. The show had a run from 1966-1968.
Initially the members of the The Monkees were not allowed much musical and creative input. They weren’t even permitted to sing live in the beginning. They fought for rights in musical output of the band and eventually were able to tour.
The Monkees singles and albums have sold over 65 million copies. Their first four albums, all went to #1 in the U.S. including three #1 Billboard singles; “Last Train To Clarksville”, “I’m A Believer” and “Daydream Believer”.
The Monkees have a peculiar legacy in that they were clearly a pop band created for acting purposes and are still enjoying popular success today. It is possible that they continue to draw interest as the guys who were not supposed to make-it as musicians but simply a bunch of funny, cute Beatle-like performers.
I find it very bizarre they had two members with the same birthday. Happy birthday Mike and Davy.
This video was created on December 31, 1966, must have been a birthday present to Mike and Davy.