(Saturday, August 30, 1986) — “That Was Then, This Is Now” by The Monkees peaked at #20 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘That Was Then, This Is Now’ by The Monkees peaks at #20 in USA 30 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 30 1986) →

Video: 'She (2006 Remastered)'

(Saturday, August 27, 1966) — The Monkees recorded “She” and early versions of “Words” and of “Valleri” today at RCA (B) in Hollywood (the latter two would be re-recorded next year for release). Continue reading The Monkees complete three recordings 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 27 1966) →

Video: 'Last Train To Clarksville (2006 Remastered Original Stereo Version)'

(Tuesday, August 16, 1966) — The Monkees released their first record today, the single “Last Train to Clarksville”/“Take a Giant Step,” just under four weeks before the debut of their TV series. Continue reading The Monkees release debut single ‘Last Train to Clarksville’/’Take a Giant Step’ 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 16 1966) →

Video: 'I Don't Think You Know Me (2006 Remastered Version - Mike's Vocal)'

(Friday, June 25, 1966, 7:30 p.m.-12:15 a.m. PDT) — 15 days after the first official Monkees recording session, produced by Snuff Garret with no finished results (the tape of those sessions were lost), the made-for-TV band (with member Michael Nesmith producing) held its second recording session tonight at RCA Victor Studios in Hollywood, completing “I Don’t Think You Know Me” (with Michael Nesmith on lead vocals).

(Friday, June 10, 1966, 7:00 p.m. PDT) — Ten days after starting production on their television series, The Monkees held their first official recording session tonight at RCA Hollywood with Snuff Garret producing.

Garrett attempted to record two songs before the session came to a halt. The band had protested vigorously to Garret’s declaration that member David Jones would be the group’s lead singer going forward.

Garrett’s takes of “Take A Giant Step” and “Let’s Dance On” were lost.

Video: 'The Monkees "Unaired" Pilot Episode (Improved Color & audio)'

(Saturday, November 13, 1965) — Filming for The Monkees TV pilot, a situation comedy about four young men trying to make a name for themselves as rock ‘n roll singers, starring Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork, began today in San Diego and Los Angeles; filming continued through Nov. 23, 1965.

The musical performances were originally recorded by Candy Store Prophets (Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart) lip-synced by the Monkees for the pilot and later re-recorded by The Monkees when the episode actually aired Nov. 14, 1966.

(Saturday, August 21, 1965) — “What Are We Going To Do?” by future Monkee David Jones peaked at #93 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks.