When the Beatles came out with A Hard Day's Night, aspiring filmmakers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider were inspired to make an American television show that could focus around the antics of an unknown band.
The only problem was that they didn't have a band to base their television show around! The idea was to show off the silly antics of the up and coming young generation who "had something to say" all while basing it off of the exciting new music of the time.
The duo eventually sold the idea, and after some screen tests, writing rooms, and contract disputes, the television show The Monkees was finally formed. With a completely invented band, the program went on to have two successful seasons and even managed to win two Emmy awards.
When most television of the era took place with formulaic plot-lines featuring domestic dramas, The Monkees was something entirely new and unique and a perfect fit for such a turbulent time. Inspired by The Beatles but with their own twist, these men were about to make music history, too!
Completely absurd and using ideas from the film's "new wave," these young musicians became talented artists in their own right. Just like the four barbershop entertainers, they were more than just a band, and they were more than just a television show, these guys were true artists and put their hearts and souls into everything they did.
Take a look at their famous opening song and hilarious antics below if you remember!
And please SHARE their video if you remember The Monkees, too!
