Hey, Hey We’re the Monkees!
In 1966, the Beatles-esque band was formed to start a TV series—and no later was the hit Monkees theme song born. The catchy ditty came out on the band’s self-titled album and has been getting play on oldies stations since.
The Monkees’ First Hit
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It’s always a good sign when your song hits No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Such was the case for the Monkees' debut single, “Last Train to Clarksville,” which catapulted the band into the national spotlight merely a month after their debut in 1966.
The Monkees Find Believers
Here’s something to believe in: another No. 1 hit on the Billboard chart. “I’m a Believer,” written by Neil Diamond, rocked the top of the chart for the final week of 1966. The single would go on to sell 10 million copies worldwide—not too shabby for a made-for-TV band.
Daydreaming with Davy Jones
Feeling down? You can cheer up along with sleepy Jean by listening to “Daydream Believer.” Jones initially wasn’t crazy about the tune, but he went ahead and recorded the lead vocals. And good thing: it remains one of the band’s greatest hits. Watch this vintage clip of the group singing the adored song together.
The Monkees Reunite
In 2011, the band reunited for a summer tour to play their hits for fans new and old. In this interview about the tour—45 years after their formation—Jones compared his band mates to having siblings.
