Bruce Kessler, a racing driver who moved into film and television following retirement, with credits including The Monkees and The A-Team, has died. He was 88. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Kessler passed away on Thursday, April 4, at his home in Marina del Rey following a brief illness, according to his brother, author and columnist Stephen Kessler. Born on March 23, 1936, in Seattle, Washington, Kessler moved with his family to Beverly Hills, California, at an early age. He developed a love for cars and began participating in the Sports Car Club of America races at 16 years old. He was also a team driver with Chuck Daigh for the Scarab race cars built by his close friend Lance Reventlow in the late 1950s. Through racing, Kessler became friends with actors James Dean and Steve McQueen. Kessler was one of the last people to speak to Dean before his tragic death on September...
- 4/8/2024
- TV Insider
Bruce Kessler, a race car driver who became a TV director as well as a noted yacht designer, died April 4 in Marina Del Rey, Calif. after a brief illness. He was 88.
His brother Stephen confirmed his death.
Kessler started racing at the age of 17 and at 21, he crashed at night during thte 24 Hours of Le Mans, bailing out of the car before it burst into flames. He survived two more crashes before retiring from racing at 26 in 1962.
His first film, the Formula One short “The Sound of Speed,” represented the U.S. at the Cannes Film Festival. The technical expertise he brought to the film led to him being hired as technical advisor on racing and chase sequences for movies, and he served as second unit director for Howard Hawks on “Red Line 7000.”
With the help of Hawks as mentor, Kessler became a director for dozens of TV movies...
His brother Stephen confirmed his death.
Kessler started racing at the age of 17 and at 21, he crashed at night during thte 24 Hours of Le Mans, bailing out of the car before it burst into flames. He survived two more crashes before retiring from racing at 26 in 1962.
His first film, the Formula One short “The Sound of Speed,” represented the U.S. at the Cannes Film Festival. The technical expertise he brought to the film led to him being hired as technical advisor on racing and chase sequences for movies, and he served as second unit director for Howard Hawks on “Red Line 7000.”
With the help of Hawks as mentor, Kessler became a director for dozens of TV movies...
- 4/8/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Bruce Kessler, who directed episodes of shows including The Monkees, It Takes a Thief, The Rockford Files, McCloud and The Commish when he wasn’t driving race cars, designing boats or circling the globe in a yacht, has died. He was 88.
Kessler died Thursday at his home in Marina del Rey after a brief illness, his brother, author and columnist Stephen Kessler, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Survivors also include his wife, actress Joan Freeman, perhaps best known as the love interest of Elvis Presley’s character in Roustabout (1964). She and Kessler were together for 54 years and married for 33.
Kessler served as second-unit director on Howard Hawks’ Red Line 7000 (1965), an action film about stock cars that starred James Caan, before embarking on a three-decade career as a director for television.
His credits included The Flying Nun, Adam-12, Marcus Welby, M.D., Get Christie Love!, Baretta, Switch, CHiPs, The A-Team, The Greatest American Hero,...
Kessler died Thursday at his home in Marina del Rey after a brief illness, his brother, author and columnist Stephen Kessler, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Survivors also include his wife, actress Joan Freeman, perhaps best known as the love interest of Elvis Presley’s character in Roustabout (1964). She and Kessler were together for 54 years and married for 33.
Kessler served as second-unit director on Howard Hawks’ Red Line 7000 (1965), an action film about stock cars that starred James Caan, before embarking on a three-decade career as a director for television.
His credits included The Flying Nun, Adam-12, Marcus Welby, M.D., Get Christie Love!, Baretta, Switch, CHiPs, The A-Team, The Greatest American Hero,...
- 4/7/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired North American rights to the romantic comedy The Zombie Wedding. The film is based on the eponymous interactive play and is the first title to launch the Weekly World News IP-driven studio slate of movie projects. Freestyle Digital Media is planning a fall 2024 release date.
The Zombie Wedding tells the story of what happens when a young New Jersey couple decides to go through with their dream wedding during the zombie apocalypse. Unfortunately, the bride is a human and the groom is a zombie. Both families are fearful, but the humans’ behavior is downright beastly. When the Zombies become brain-deprived, the ceremony takes a turn for the weird. Weekly World News reporters cover this wild, wacky wedding – while trying to get out alive.
Written by Greg D’Alessandro, The Zombie Wedding was directed...
The Zombie Wedding tells the story of what happens when a young New Jersey couple decides to go through with their dream wedding during the zombie apocalypse. Unfortunately, the bride is a human and the groom is a zombie. Both families are fearful, but the humans’ behavior is downright beastly. When the Zombies become brain-deprived, the ceremony takes a turn for the weird. Weekly World News reporters cover this wild, wacky wedding – while trying to get out alive.
Written by Greg D’Alessandro, The Zombie Wedding was directed...
- 3/9/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The Beatles made their first of three appearances on CBS’ “The Ed Sullivan Show” on Feb 9, 1964. Sullivan knew he had a really big “shew” that night, telling the audience mainly of teeny-boppers and teenage girls that “our theater’s been jammed with newspapermen and hundreds of photographers from all over the world. And these veterans agree with me that the city never has witnessed the excitement stirred by these youngsters from Liverpool…Now tonight you’re going to be twice entertained by them…Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles.”
Their fans screamed, cried and grabbed their hair when John, Paul, George and Ringo performed “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You” and “She Loves You.” They came back 35 minutes later in the show to sing “I Saw Her Standing There” and their No. 1 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The ratings for the episode scored to 23.24 million households. Beatlemania was sweeping America before Feb.
Their fans screamed, cried and grabbed their hair when John, Paul, George and Ringo performed “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You” and “She Loves You.” They came back 35 minutes later in the show to sing “I Saw Her Standing There” and their No. 1 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The ratings for the episode scored to 23.24 million households. Beatlemania was sweeping America before Feb.
- 2/9/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Once edited, specific episodes of The Monkees ran shorter than their allotted time. Therefore, producers would film interviews with their cast to fill the void. In one installment, Mike Nesmith called himself a “loser” before succeeding as a television star. He predicted that if success didn’t come, he would have ended up “in jail or dead.”
Mike Nesmith called himself ‘a loser’ before finding success on ‘The Monkees’
Alongside Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork, Mike Nesmith found success beyond his wildest dreams as a cast member of The Monkees series. However, before success hit, he had a bleak outlook on his chance for success.
Nesmith sat down for an interview to fill time for one of the series’ episodes that ran short. He made a shocking admission about what others thought of him before finding fame.
The producer asked, “Since the show’s been on for a few weeks,...
Mike Nesmith called himself ‘a loser’ before finding success on ‘The Monkees’
Alongside Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork, Mike Nesmith found success beyond his wildest dreams as a cast member of The Monkees series. However, before success hit, he had a bleak outlook on his chance for success.
Nesmith sat down for an interview to fill time for one of the series’ episodes that ran short. He made a shocking admission about what others thought of him before finding fame.
The producer asked, “Since the show’s been on for a few weeks,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lynne Marta, an actor who maintained a steady and prolific TV and film career for nearly 40 years best known for roles on Love, American Style and the 1984 film Footloose, died of cancer in Los Angeles January 11. She was 78.
Calling Marta “a beautiful light,” the actor’s friend Joan Sobel wrote on Facebook, “My friend, Lynne Marta lost her good fight. A wonderfully talented actress and a beautiful singer whose voice was of the angels. A dear heart who adored her friends both human and furry. I will miss her terribly.”
Born on October 30, 1945, in Somerville, NJ, Marta began her TV career in 1966 with appearances on Gidget and The Monkees, and relatively few years went by without a film or TV credit through her 2004 role in an episode of the NBC drama series American Dreams. She appeared in 24 episodes of the soap Days of Our Lives between 1983 and 2003.
A steady presence...
Calling Marta “a beautiful light,” the actor’s friend Joan Sobel wrote on Facebook, “My friend, Lynne Marta lost her good fight. A wonderfully talented actress and a beautiful singer whose voice was of the angels. A dear heart who adored her friends both human and furry. I will miss her terribly.”
Born on October 30, 1945, in Somerville, NJ, Marta began her TV career in 1966 with appearances on Gidget and The Monkees, and relatively few years went by without a film or TV credit through her 2004 role in an episode of the NBC drama series American Dreams. She appeared in 24 episodes of the soap Days of Our Lives between 1983 and 2003.
A steady presence...
- 1/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lynne Marta, the actress known for her roles in films like Joe Kidd and Footloose, her regular appearance on Love, American Style, and numerous guest roles on TV shows, has passed away at the age of 78. She died on Thursday at her Los Angeles residence after battling cancer, as confirmed by her friend Chris Saint-Hilaire to The Hollywood Reporter. A native of New Jersey, Marta was featured in episodes of several Aaron Spelling-produced series such as The Mod Squad, The Rookies, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie’s Angels, Vega$, and Matt Houston. She also appeared in Quinn Martin productions, including The F.B.I., Dan August, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, and The Manhunter. She initiated her career on the syndicated teen dance program, The Lloyd Thaxton Show, and secured roles in episodes of Gidget and The Monkees in 1966. In 1969-70, she contributed to 18 episodes of the first season of...
- 1/16/2024
- TV Insider
Lynne Marta, the actress who appeared in films including Joe Kidd and Footloose, as a regular on Love, American Style and as a guest star on dozens of other TV shows, has died. She was 78.
Marta died Thursday in her Los Angeles home after a battle with cancer, her friend Chris Saint-Hilaire told The Hollywood Reporter.
The New Jersey native also showed up on episodes of such Aaron Spelling-produced series as The Mod Squad, The Rookies, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie’s Angels, Vega$ and Matt Houston and on Quinn Martin productions like The F.B.I., Dan August, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, The Manhunter and Caribe.
As the companion of a wealthy landowner (Robert Duvall), Marta caught the eye of a bounty hunter (Clint Eastwood) in John Sturges’ Joe Kidd (1972), and she portrayed Lulu Warnicker, the aunt of Kevin Bacon’s Ren, in the Herbert Ross-directed Footloose (1984).
The younger of two daughters,...
Marta died Thursday in her Los Angeles home after a battle with cancer, her friend Chris Saint-Hilaire told The Hollywood Reporter.
The New Jersey native also showed up on episodes of such Aaron Spelling-produced series as The Mod Squad, The Rookies, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie’s Angels, Vega$ and Matt Houston and on Quinn Martin productions like The F.B.I., Dan August, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, The Manhunter and Caribe.
As the companion of a wealthy landowner (Robert Duvall), Marta caught the eye of a bounty hunter (Clint Eastwood) in John Sturges’ Joe Kidd (1972), and she portrayed Lulu Warnicker, the aunt of Kevin Bacon’s Ren, in the Herbert Ross-directed Footloose (1984).
The younger of two daughters,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For my money, the Monkees are way, way more interesting than the Beatles.
According to Andrew Sandoval's thorough and invaluable book "The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story of the '60s TV Pop Sensation," an ad was put in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter on September 8, 1965, looking for "four insane boys" to be the members of a new pre-fabricated pop band. The band would also star in a TV series -- deliberately meant to evoke Richard Lester's 1964 Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" -- that would use their real names, but present their lives as a fictional merry-go-round of kooky shenanigans.
The producers zeroed in on former child actor Micky Dolenz, a friend of musician Stephen Stills named Peter Tork, a British, boyish heartthrob named Davy Jones, and heir to the Liquid Paper fortune, Mike Nesmith. Their TV series debuted on September 12, 1966, the week after "Star Trek" debuted, and...
According to Andrew Sandoval's thorough and invaluable book "The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story of the '60s TV Pop Sensation," an ad was put in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter on September 8, 1965, looking for "four insane boys" to be the members of a new pre-fabricated pop band. The band would also star in a TV series -- deliberately meant to evoke Richard Lester's 1964 Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" -- that would use their real names, but present their lives as a fictional merry-go-round of kooky shenanigans.
The producers zeroed in on former child actor Micky Dolenz, a friend of musician Stephen Stills named Peter Tork, a British, boyish heartthrob named Davy Jones, and heir to the Liquid Paper fortune, Mike Nesmith. Their TV series debuted on September 12, 1966, the week after "Star Trek" debuted, and...
- 12/26/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Beatles gave us cult classic movies like Yellow Submarine and Help! It’s only fitting that John Lennon’s favorite movie was a cult classic Western. The movie in question is one of the most bizarre Westerns ever made. Fascinatingly, the director of the film said multiple rock stars connected with his work.
John Lennon loved a cult classic Western movie with a heavy dose of mysticism
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist filmmaker whose movies are like Salvador Dalí paintings come to life. According to Wired, John’s favorite movie was Jodorowsky’s mystical Western El Topo. The film is about an outlaw called El Topo (Spanish for “The Mole”) who becomes a holy man in a landscape filled with Judeo-Christian and occult imagery.
During a 2011 interview with Interviews with Icons, Jodorowsky discussed John’s relationship with the film. “I was lucky because of rock ‘n’ roll,” explained Jodorowsky.
John Lennon loved a cult classic Western movie with a heavy dose of mysticism
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist filmmaker whose movies are like Salvador Dalí paintings come to life. According to Wired, John’s favorite movie was Jodorowsky’s mystical Western El Topo. The film is about an outlaw called El Topo (Spanish for “The Mole”) who becomes a holy man in a landscape filled with Judeo-Christian and occult imagery.
During a 2011 interview with Interviews with Icons, Jodorowsky discussed John’s relationship with the film. “I was lucky because of rock ‘n’ roll,” explained Jodorowsky.
- 12/9/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees‘ “I Wanna Be Free” is strikingly similar to The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” That was no accident. One song has a more universal meeting than the other but they’re both great.
The Monkees’ ‘I Wanna Be Free’ has strings like The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart were regular songwriters for The Monkees under the name Boyce & Hart. In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed the origin of “I Wanna Be Free.” “Tommy looked up at me and sang me his first lines with an original melody, ‘I wanna be free, don’t say ‘You love me’ say ‘You like me.’
“He said ‘I don’t know where to go next,'” Hart wrote. “‘It’s cool,’ I said, but it sounds more like a second verse to me. Maybe we should try to paint some pictures first...
The Monkees’ ‘I Wanna Be Free’ has strings like The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart were regular songwriters for The Monkees under the name Boyce & Hart. In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed the origin of “I Wanna Be Free.” “Tommy looked up at me and sang me his first lines with an original melody, ‘I wanna be free, don’t say ‘You love me’ say ‘You like me.’
“He said ‘I don’t know where to go next,'” Hart wrote. “‘It’s cool,’ I said, but it sounds more like a second verse to me. Maybe we should try to paint some pictures first...
- 11/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ringo Starr‘s contributions to The Beatles get understated, but there’s one way they might be overstated. Ringo is credited with coming up with the title of The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night.” John Lennon gave Ringo a lot of credit, while still acknowledging he used the name first. Specifically, John used it in a nonsense story that hasn’t aged particularly well.
John Lennon said he wrote The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ around its title
In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed the origins of the name A Hard Day’s Night. “[Director] Dick Lester suggested the title Hard Day’s Night from something Ringo’d said,” he said. “I had used it in In His Own Write, but it was an off-the-cuff remark by Ringo. You know, one of those malapropisms. A Ringoism,...
John Lennon said he wrote The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ around its title
In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed the origins of the name A Hard Day’s Night. “[Director] Dick Lester suggested the title Hard Day’s Night from something Ringo’d said,” he said. “I had used it in In His Own Write, but it was an off-the-cuff remark by Ringo. You know, one of those malapropisms. A Ringoism,...
- 9/24/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Collector’s Call host Lisa Whelchel loves to delve deep with enthusiasts on the lookout for something special as host of the popular MeTV original series. The beloved The Facts of Life actress takes a trip down memory lane in each episode with collectors who have amassed unique pieces worth, in some cases, a small fortune. Welchel enlists the expertise of a professional appraiser to not only come up with the total value of these collections but also try to tempt the collectors with a trade. One coveted item for another. So far, season 4 featured iconic movie props and costumes, decades-old penny arcades, pinball machines, classic toys, Hollywood cars, motorcycles, and Barbie dolls. Not to mention the massive memorabilia treasure trove of Kiss, Garfield, Betty Boop, The Monkees, and everything in between. It has been quite the nostalgic ride for Whelchel as she travels the country hearing personal stories and building connections beyond the materialisc.
- 9/1/2023
- TV Insider
Come on, get happy … because you’ll be able to rewatch a classic comedy. Axs TV is adding the quintessential ’70s sitcom The Partridge Family to its classic programming lineup, TV Insider has learned exclusively. Back-to-back episodes will air in the primetime every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 9/8c starting October 2. The series will also air daily on Axs TV as part of its new “Retro Binge” daytime block, starting that same day at 1/12c, along with fellow music sitcom The Monkees, star-studded pop culture series The Very Very Best Of The 80s, and informative retrospective A Year In Music. Watch a promo above. “The Partridge Family is one of television’s most beloved sitcom classics, fueled by its iconic soundtrack featuring enduring hits such as ‘C’mon Get Happy’ and ‘I Think I Love You’,” said Katie Daryl, Vice President of Programming for Axs TV, in a statement. “Axs...
- 8/29/2023
- TV Insider
August isn't especially famous for its great movies. As months go, the eighth one on the calendar has often been a bit of a wasteland for Hollywood, as blockbusters peter off, kids have a lot less free time and money, and studio executives need to find somewhere to dump their proverbial dead bodies.
If you want a good example, you can pretty much throw a dart at any year after "Jaws" popularized the concept of summer blockbuster season. For example, let's take a look at 1993. 30 years ago, August was a month for dreck comedies like "Son of the Pink Panther," family film misfires like "Father Hood" and "Surf Ninjas," and the weird-ass "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday."
But then again, there are exceptions to every rule. There were also a few excellent motion pictures in August 1993. The increasingly timeless classic "The Fugitive" came out that month, along with...
If you want a good example, you can pretty much throw a dart at any year after "Jaws" popularized the concept of summer blockbuster season. For example, let's take a look at 1993. 30 years ago, August was a month for dreck comedies like "Son of the Pink Panther," family film misfires like "Father Hood" and "Surf Ninjas," and the weird-ass "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday."
But then again, there are exceptions to every rule. There were also a few excellent motion pictures in August 1993. The increasingly timeless classic "The Fugitive" came out that month, along with...
- 8/20/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
To understand just how long the TV Academy has struggled to define “comedy series,” look no further than the first decade or so of the category’s life: Between 1952, when Red Skelton’s titular variety show claimed Emmy’s first-ever comedy prize, and 1964, when The Dick Van Dyke Show scored its second win, the category had no fewer than six name changes, ranging from the terse “best comedy show” to the rather unwieldy “outstanding program achievement in the field of comedy.”
And it only grew more complicated from there. Unlike in the drama series category, whose contenders have been consistently hourlong and usually serialized, comedy competitors also started to assume widely different formats: multicam sitcom (All in the Family, Friends); single-camera, half-hour dramedy (The Wonder Years, Sex and the City); single-camera mockumentary (The Office, Modern Family); and hourlong ensemble dramedy (Orange Is the New Black, Shameless), to name a few.
And it only grew more complicated from there. Unlike in the drama series category, whose contenders have been consistently hourlong and usually serialized, comedy competitors also started to assume widely different formats: multicam sitcom (All in the Family, Friends); single-camera, half-hour dramedy (The Wonder Years, Sex and the City); single-camera mockumentary (The Office, Modern Family); and hourlong ensemble dramedy (Orange Is the New Black, Shameless), to name a few.
- 8/9/2023
- by Stacey Wilson Hunt
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tl;Dr:
The Monkees’ theme inspired the most successful song by a 2000s band. A music executive thought the 2000s song was much older because of its style. The track in question was a bigger hit than The Monkees’ theme.
The Monkees‘ theme became one of the most famous theme songs in the history of television. Subsequently, it was quoted in a hit song from a 2000s band. The music of the 1960s heavily influenced the band in question.
The Thrills’ ‘Big Sur’ tips its hat to The Monkees’ theme
The Thrills were an Irish rock band that had a few hits in the United Kingdom during the 2000s. Their single “Big Sur” couldn’t possibly be more influenced by the music of the 1960s. The instrumentation is reminiscent of The Beach Boys, the vocals sound like Neil Young, and the lyrics reference The Monkees’ theme.
“Big Sur” is a...
The Monkees’ theme inspired the most successful song by a 2000s band. A music executive thought the 2000s song was much older because of its style. The track in question was a bigger hit than The Monkees’ theme.
The Monkees‘ theme became one of the most famous theme songs in the history of television. Subsequently, it was quoted in a hit song from a 2000s band. The music of the 1960s heavily influenced the band in question.
The Thrills’ ‘Big Sur’ tips its hat to The Monkees’ theme
The Thrills were an Irish rock band that had a few hits in the United Kingdom during the 2000s. Their single “Big Sur” couldn’t possibly be more influenced by the music of the 1960s. The instrumentation is reminiscent of The Beach Boys, the vocals sound like Neil Young, and the lyrics reference The Monkees’ theme.
“Big Sur” is a...
- 8/2/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz discussed how the band’s supervisor, Don Kirshner, helped them. Dolenz dumped ice on Kirshner and that became an “urban legend.” Kirhsner was later dismissed.
The Monkees‘ Micky Dolenz said the band often improvised on TV. Subsequently, he dumped ice on The Monkees’ supervisor, Don Kirshner, in the studio. Kirshner then told Dolenz how he expected to be treated.
Micky Dolenz dumped ice on The Monkees’ supervisor because he said something silly
Don Kirshner was The Monkees’ music supervisor. During a 2020 interview with Forbes, Dolenz discussed a famous anecdote about Kirshner. “Donnie Kirshner was responsible to some degree in picking The Monkees songs because he was head of Screen Gems Columbia Music in the famous Brill Building in New York,” he said. “He was the Brill Building during that period, along with those incredible writers like Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, Carole King and Gerry Goffin,...
The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz discussed how the band’s supervisor, Don Kirshner, helped them. Dolenz dumped ice on Kirshner and that became an “urban legend.” Kirhsner was later dismissed.
The Monkees‘ Micky Dolenz said the band often improvised on TV. Subsequently, he dumped ice on The Monkees’ supervisor, Don Kirshner, in the studio. Kirshner then told Dolenz how he expected to be treated.
Micky Dolenz dumped ice on The Monkees’ supervisor because he said something silly
Don Kirshner was The Monkees’ music supervisor. During a 2020 interview with Forbes, Dolenz discussed a famous anecdote about Kirshner. “Donnie Kirshner was responsible to some degree in picking The Monkees songs because he was head of Screen Gems Columbia Music in the famous Brill Building in New York,” he said. “He was the Brill Building during that period, along with those incredible writers like Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, Carole King and Gerry Goffin,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
One of The Monkees’ songs caused the band’s music supervisor to fall silent. He decided the track should be a single on the spot. The tune was a big hit in the United States and a modest hit in the United Kingdom.
One of The Monkees‘ songs was partially improvised in front of the band’s music supervisor, Don Kirshner. He immediately predicted the track would become a hit. Subsequently, The Monkees never had another top 10 single in the United States.
Several of The Monkees’ songs were written by a famous duo
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote several famous Monkees songs such as “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I Wanna Be Free,” and “(Theme From) The Monkees” under the name Boyce & Hart. In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart said he and Boyce partly improvised The Monkees’ “Valleri” in front of Kirshner.
One of The Monkees’ songs caused the band’s music supervisor to fall silent. He decided the track should be a single on the spot. The tune was a big hit in the United States and a modest hit in the United Kingdom.
One of The Monkees‘ songs was partially improvised in front of the band’s music supervisor, Don Kirshner. He immediately predicted the track would become a hit. Subsequently, The Monkees never had another top 10 single in the United States.
Several of The Monkees’ songs were written by a famous duo
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote several famous Monkees songs such as “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I Wanna Be Free,” and “(Theme From) The Monkees” under the name Boyce & Hart. In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart said he and Boyce partly improvised The Monkees’ “Valleri” in front of Kirshner.
- 8/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Neil Diamond said The Beatles had a huge impact on how songwriters were treated. He said The Monkees changed his career as well. Diamond sang a medley of The Beatles’ tracks “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End.”
Neil Diamond said The Beatles helped give him a career. Notably, he wrote a massive hit for a band inspired by The Beatles. In addition, he put his own spin on several Beatles songs.
Neil Diamond was able to give The Monkees his song ‘I’m a Believer’ because of The Beatles
Diamond wrote The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” During a 2023 interview with NPR, Diamond said this came about because of his tune “Cherry, Cherry.” “And because of that hit, the people who were producing The Monkees called and said, we like ‘Cherry, Cherry,'” he said. “‘Do you have any other songs?'” He then gave them “I’m a Believer.
Neil Diamond said The Beatles had a huge impact on how songwriters were treated. He said The Monkees changed his career as well. Diamond sang a medley of The Beatles’ tracks “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End.”
Neil Diamond said The Beatles helped give him a career. Notably, he wrote a massive hit for a band inspired by The Beatles. In addition, he put his own spin on several Beatles songs.
Neil Diamond was able to give The Monkees his song ‘I’m a Believer’ because of The Beatles
Diamond wrote The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” During a 2023 interview with NPR, Diamond said this came about because of his tune “Cherry, Cherry.” “And because of that hit, the people who were producing The Monkees called and said, we like ‘Cherry, Cherry,'” he said. “‘Do you have any other songs?'” He then gave them “I’m a Believer.
- 7/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Elvis Presley’s “Solitaire” was also recorded by Andy Williams and other artists. A writer of the song listened to all 90 recordings of the song and picked a favorite. Elvis’ version appeared on the album From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.
Elvis Presley‘s “Solitaire” was originally by Neil Sedaka. The co-writer of the song wasn’t a fan of Elvis’ version. On the other hand, he loved a cover of the song by The Carpenters.
A songwriter disliked that Elvis Presley’s ‘Solitaire’ was from the singer’s ‘fat’ period
Phillip Cody is a songwriter who worked with Neil Sedaka on multiple occasions. He co-wrote Sedaka songs such as “Bad Blood,” “The Immigrant,” and “Solitaire.” The latter song became a standard. The artists who recorded “Solitaire” included The Carpenters, Andy Williams, Sheryl Crowe, and Elvis Presley.
During a 2011 interview with Songfacts, Cody discussed his feelings about Elvis’ “Solitaire.
Elvis Presley’s “Solitaire” was also recorded by Andy Williams and other artists. A writer of the song listened to all 90 recordings of the song and picked a favorite. Elvis’ version appeared on the album From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.
Elvis Presley‘s “Solitaire” was originally by Neil Sedaka. The co-writer of the song wasn’t a fan of Elvis’ version. On the other hand, he loved a cover of the song by The Carpenters.
A songwriter disliked that Elvis Presley’s ‘Solitaire’ was from the singer’s ‘fat’ period
Phillip Cody is a songwriter who worked with Neil Sedaka on multiple occasions. He co-wrote Sedaka songs such as “Bad Blood,” “The Immigrant,” and “Solitaire.” The latter song became a standard. The artists who recorded “Solitaire” included The Carpenters, Andy Williams, Sheryl Crowe, and Elvis Presley.
During a 2011 interview with Songfacts, Cody discussed his feelings about Elvis’ “Solitaire.
- 7/12/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees’ Davy Jones was a big fan of The Beatles and met each one of them. He revealed which of The Beatles he thought was underrated. He said this Beatle was different from the others as a songwriter.
The Monkees‘ Davy Jones said The Beatles’ George Harrison was underrated as a musician. In addition, Jones named some of his favorite songs by the quiet Beatle. While George may have been underrated, he still produced some huge hits and classic album tracks.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones discussed an anecdote about The Beatles’ George Harrison
During a 2006 interview with The Bob Show, Jones revealed he was a massive fan of The Beatles and that he met each one of them. He praised George in particular. “George was an amazing musician, totally underrated. Totally. I have a tape of them together.
“Ringo couldn’t be at this meeting, so um, George and John an Paul are talking,...
The Monkees‘ Davy Jones said The Beatles’ George Harrison was underrated as a musician. In addition, Jones named some of his favorite songs by the quiet Beatle. While George may have been underrated, he still produced some huge hits and classic album tracks.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones discussed an anecdote about The Beatles’ George Harrison
During a 2006 interview with The Bob Show, Jones revealed he was a massive fan of The Beatles and that he met each one of them. He praised George in particular. “George was an amazing musician, totally underrated. Totally. I have a tape of them together.
“Ringo couldn’t be at this meeting, so um, George and John an Paul are talking,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Even TV stars get starstruck from time to time. Just ask Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady on the iconic 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch. Even she got a little flustered when Davy Jones of the Monkees guest starred in a memorable season 3 episode.
The Monkees’ lead singer guest-starred on ‘The Brady Bunch’
“Getting Davy Jones” revolved around an ill-considered promise that Marcia made to Fernwood Junior High School’s prom planning committee. The teen, who was the president of the school’s Davy Jones Fan Club, claimed she could get the singer to appear at the school dance.
The school announced that the pop star would be at the big event, which mean that Marcia had to scramble to get in touch with Jones and convince him to show up. She went so far as to sneak into the singer’s recording studio and plead her case to his manager.
The Monkees’ lead singer guest-starred on ‘The Brady Bunch’
“Getting Davy Jones” revolved around an ill-considered promise that Marcia made to Fernwood Junior High School’s prom planning committee. The teen, who was the president of the school’s Davy Jones Fan Club, claimed she could get the singer to appear at the school dance.
The school announced that the pop star would be at the big event, which mean that Marcia had to scramble to get in touch with Jones and convince him to show up. She went so far as to sneak into the singer’s recording studio and plead her case to his manager.
- 6/24/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
We’ve all made the “Cop Rock” jokes. The Steven Bochco musical drama, which premiered in fall 1990, was a big swing: marrying original music with procedural storytelling. It was a colossal flop that we still talk about three decades later, and a reminder that musicals are hard.
Music has been a part of the TV landscape going back to the 1950s and shows like “Your Hit Parade.” But few series have successfully integrated regular music performances into their storytelling: “The Monkees” and “The Partridge Family” worked in the 1960s and ’70s. “Fame” did it in the early ’80s. And then “Cop Rock” scared people off the concept.
The 1990s animation boom incorporated music in shows like “The Simpsons” and “Animaniacs.” But not until the 21st century did scripted series really figure out how to make musical numbers work as part of the narrative. “Flight of the Conchords” did it with satiric tracks,...
Music has been a part of the TV landscape going back to the 1950s and shows like “Your Hit Parade.” But few series have successfully integrated regular music performances into their storytelling: “The Monkees” and “The Partridge Family” worked in the 1960s and ’70s. “Fame” did it in the early ’80s. And then “Cop Rock” scared people off the concept.
The 1990s animation boom incorporated music in shows like “The Simpsons” and “Animaniacs.” But not until the 21st century did scripted series really figure out how to make musical numbers work as part of the narrative. “Flight of the Conchords” did it with satiric tracks,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The very first episode of The Monkees, “Royal Flush,” won the series‘ director an Emmy Award in 1967. The Monkees‘ creators, Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider won their own golden statuettes in the Best Comedy Series category that same legendary evening.
Davy Jones is seated on the sand in front of fellow ‘The Monkees’ co-stars Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz in ‘Royal Flush’ | Keystone Features/Getty Images The first episode of ‘The Monkees’ was ‘Royal Flush’
The Monkees episodes may not have been the first to feature slapstick on television. However, the series was one of the first to include music shorts within each 30-minute episode.
Viewers were treated to a new music montage each week, driving The Monkees‘ record sales to number one on the Billboard Charts. However, the series also found a home with viewers who enjoyed its light humor.
In the series very first episode, “Royal Flush,...
Davy Jones is seated on the sand in front of fellow ‘The Monkees’ co-stars Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz in ‘Royal Flush’ | Keystone Features/Getty Images The first episode of ‘The Monkees’ was ‘Royal Flush’
The Monkees episodes may not have been the first to feature slapstick on television. However, the series was one of the first to include music shorts within each 30-minute episode.
Viewers were treated to a new music montage each week, driving The Monkees‘ record sales to number one on the Billboard Charts. However, the series also found a home with viewers who enjoyed its light humor.
In the series very first episode, “Royal Flush,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees Peter Tork achieved many bucket list moments as a member of the iconic 1960s pop rock band. However, one of his most significant early achievements as a Monkees member involved getting “the crew to dance” during an on-set jam session with Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones.
The Monkees members included Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Peter Tork admitted The Monkees ‘never rehearsed’ before getting the TV ‘crew to dance’
In 1982, Peter Tork appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. He discussed his career and the impact being a member of The Monkees had on his life.
During one key interview moment, Tork discussed what he said was the quartet’s lack of rehearsal before filming the first episode. However, that didn’t stop Tork, Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones from watching one unforgettable moment unfold before their eyes.
The Monkees members included Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Peter Tork admitted The Monkees ‘never rehearsed’ before getting the TV ‘crew to dance’
In 1982, Peter Tork appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. He discussed his career and the impact being a member of The Monkees had on his life.
During one key interview moment, Tork discussed what he said was the quartet’s lack of rehearsal before filming the first episode. However, that didn’t stop Tork, Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones from watching one unforgettable moment unfold before their eyes.
- 6/9/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Despite starring in The Monkees‘ first and only feature film, Head, in 1968, Peter Tork still didn’t understand its premise. He admits he had to watch the edgy movie upwards of 80 times before he realized what bothered him about it.
Peter Tork in a photoshoot while on the set of The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Peter Tork admits it took almost 80 viewings of ‘Head’ before he got it
The 1968 film Head was a watershed moment in The Monkees’ career. The film depicted a series of vignettes amounting to a loosely interpretive message by the band signaling the end of their pop star personas.
The film included scenes of Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones chanting, “Hey hey, we are the Monkees, you know we like to please/A manufactured image, with no philosophies” over a series of TV screens playing first clips from the film.
Peter Tork in a photoshoot while on the set of The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Peter Tork admits it took almost 80 viewings of ‘Head’ before he got it
The 1968 film Head was a watershed moment in The Monkees’ career. The film depicted a series of vignettes amounting to a loosely interpretive message by the band signaling the end of their pop star personas.
The film included scenes of Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones chanting, “Hey hey, we are the Monkees, you know we like to please/A manufactured image, with no philosophies” over a series of TV screens playing first clips from the film.
- 6/6/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s still unbelievable to think that Riley Keough didn’t have any real singing experience before starring in Amazon Prime Video’s “Daisy Jones & the Six.” Actually, most of the cast didn’t — which makes the tremendous sound of the band all the more impressive. “Daisy Jones & the Six” did what few other shows have done (perhaps “The Monkees” being the other most notable): turned a group of actors playing characters in a band… into an actual band.
But back to Keough for a second. Yeah, every story about her and “Daisy Jones” says the same thing: What? She hadn’t sang before? But she’s Rock Royalty. Some might argue it’s in the genes, but that’s just a fraction of it. Don’t sell Keough short. It was hard work and talent. And a lot more hard work. Keough and the “Daisy Jones & the Six...
But back to Keough for a second. Yeah, every story about her and “Daisy Jones” says the same thing: What? She hadn’t sang before? But she’s Rock Royalty. Some might argue it’s in the genes, but that’s just a fraction of it. Don’t sell Keough short. It was hard work and talent. And a lot more hard work. Keough and the “Daisy Jones & the Six...
- 6/1/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Mike Nesmith always had a soft spot for The Monkees‘ only feature film, Head. The 1968 film was misunderstood by many critics and fans of the band who were used to the casual hijinks of the quartet’s NBC series. However, Nesmith discussed how the film had a hidden meaning missed by many. He claimed the film poked “a lot of fun at The Monkees’ expense.”
The Monkees in a scene from the feature film ‘Head’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Mike Nesmith shared in a rare interview the intentions of the movie ‘Head’
Mike Nesmith shared the purposes of the group’s first feature film in a rare interview with Monkees bandmates Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork for the Hy Lit Show. Head, he explained, poked “a lot of fun” at the expense of its stars.
“The most fun was the character assassination,” Nesmith said of the darker...
The Monkees in a scene from the feature film ‘Head’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Mike Nesmith shared in a rare interview the intentions of the movie ‘Head’
Mike Nesmith shared the purposes of the group’s first feature film in a rare interview with Monkees bandmates Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork for the Hy Lit Show. Head, he explained, poked “a lot of fun” at the expense of its stars.
“The most fun was the character assassination,” Nesmith said of the darker...
- 6/1/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Critics and fans have repeatedly compared Oasis to The Beatles. Oasis’ Liam Gallagher said one of his band’s songs features the voice of John Lennon. Subsequently, Gallagher said the song isn’t a tribute to John because tributes to John are terrible.
John Lennon | Harry Benson / Stringer 1 Oasis song includes a John Lennon quote and a riff similar to ‘A Day in the Life’
Oasis’ songs often reference The Beatles. Oasis songs name Fab Four tracks like “The Long and Winding Road,” “The Fool on the Hill,” and “I Feel Fine.” Perhaps the most overt Beatles reference in Oasis’ discography is in the song “I’m Outta Time.”
The tune features audio of John saying “As Churchill said, ‘It’s every Englishman’s inalienable right to live where the hell he likes.’ What’s it going to do, vanish? Is it not going to be there when I get back?...
John Lennon | Harry Benson / Stringer 1 Oasis song includes a John Lennon quote and a riff similar to ‘A Day in the Life’
Oasis’ songs often reference The Beatles. Oasis songs name Fab Four tracks like “The Long and Winding Road,” “The Fool on the Hill,” and “I Feel Fine.” Perhaps the most overt Beatles reference in Oasis’ discography is in the song “I’m Outta Time.”
The tune features audio of John saying “As Churchill said, ‘It’s every Englishman’s inalienable right to live where the hell he likes.’ What’s it going to do, vanish? Is it not going to be there when I get back?...
- 5/18/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
1966 was a good year to be a child watching TV. It was the premiere year of "Star Trek," of course, and little kids could easily fall in love with Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and the adventures of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Debuting at about the same time was "The Monkees," a playful riff on "A Hard Days Night" starring the eponymous pre-fab rock group that has always, to my eye, been way more interesting than the Beatles. 1966 was also the year of the fourth season of "The Avengers," the first season to feature Diana Rigg as Emma Peel.
1966 was also the debut of "Batman," one of the best TV shows of all time. Unlike most TV series, "Batman" aired two days a week, with the first half of a cliffhanger airing on Wednesdays, and the conclusion airing on Thursdays. It starred the impeccably funny Adam West and Burt Ward, two...
1966 was also the debut of "Batman," one of the best TV shows of all time. Unlike most TV series, "Batman" aired two days a week, with the first half of a cliffhanger airing on Wednesdays, and the conclusion airing on Thursdays. It starred the impeccably funny Adam West and Burt Ward, two...
- 5/6/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
I laugh when I hear people talk about how “Succession” is a sure thing winner for Best Drama Series and that it’s such a lock nothing whatsoever can derail it. Ha! Ha I say! Oh, it’s naturally going to be nominated and will likely remain the overwhelming frontrunner clear through Emmy season and up to Emmy night, all right. In the Gold Derby combined Emmy odds, it’s running away with this race, with “The White Lotus” Sicily” a very distant second. But if Emmy history has taught us anything, it’s that upsets happen, even giant ones. So you can absolutely never say never.
What upsets are we talking about? Well, let’s flash back and check out 15 of them, shall we?
See‘Succession’ way out front to win Best Drama Series Emmy 1952: “The Red Skelton Hour” beats “I Love Lucy” for “Best Comedy Show” – “Lucy...
What upsets are we talking about? Well, let’s flash back and check out 15 of them, shall we?
See‘Succession’ way out front to win Best Drama Series Emmy 1952: “The Red Skelton Hour” beats “I Love Lucy” for “Best Comedy Show” – “Lucy...
- 4/24/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Tl;Dr:
Bobby Hart wrote many songs for both The Monkees and The Partridge Family. Hart explained how he got a job writing for The Partridge Family. The Partridge Family only had one No. 1 single in the United States. The Partridge Family | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
One of The Monkees‘ songwriters wrote songs for The Partridge Family. Subsequently, he explained how another songwriter helped him get a job writing for The Partridge Family. Notably, The Partridge Family beat one of The Monkees’ records.
2 of The Monkees’ songwriters left the band’s production company
Bobby Hart co-wrote many Monkees songs with Tommy Boyce, such as “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I Wanna Be Free,” and “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.” In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed fellow songwriter Wes Farrell.
“Wes Farrell had recently moved to L.A. to produce...
Bobby Hart wrote many songs for both The Monkees and The Partridge Family. Hart explained how he got a job writing for The Partridge Family. The Partridge Family only had one No. 1 single in the United States. The Partridge Family | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
One of The Monkees‘ songwriters wrote songs for The Partridge Family. Subsequently, he explained how another songwriter helped him get a job writing for The Partridge Family. Notably, The Partridge Family beat one of The Monkees’ records.
2 of The Monkees’ songwriters left the band’s production company
Bobby Hart co-wrote many Monkees songs with Tommy Boyce, such as “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I Wanna Be Free,” and “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.” In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed fellow songwriter Wes Farrell.
“Wes Farrell had recently moved to L.A. to produce...
- 4/13/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
One of The Monkees’ songwriters pitched songs to Helen Reddy repeatedly. She liked one of them but would only record it under one condition. Reddy’s song became a hit single in the United States. Helen Reddy | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
One songwriter wrote many of The Monkees‘ songs. In addition, he wrote a song Helen Reddy liked so much she decided to cover it. Reddy revealed she really connected to the lyrics of the song after her father died.
The Monkees’ songwriter wrote an average of over 50 songs a year for 5 years
Bobby Hart co-wrote many of The Monkees’ songs, including “Last Train to Clarksville,” “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” and “(Theme From) The Monkees.” In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart recalled working with songwriter Danny Janssen.
Hart and Janssen wrote over 50 songs per year for a five-year period.
One of The Monkees’ songwriters pitched songs to Helen Reddy repeatedly. She liked one of them but would only record it under one condition. Reddy’s song became a hit single in the United States. Helen Reddy | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
One songwriter wrote many of The Monkees‘ songs. In addition, he wrote a song Helen Reddy liked so much she decided to cover it. Reddy revealed she really connected to the lyrics of the song after her father died.
The Monkees’ songwriter wrote an average of over 50 songs a year for 5 years
Bobby Hart co-wrote many of The Monkees’ songs, including “Last Train to Clarksville,” “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” and “(Theme From) The Monkees.” In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart recalled working with songwriter Danny Janssen.
Hart and Janssen wrote over 50 songs per year for a five-year period.
- 4/6/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Presidents of the United States (both sitting and former) have won. So have former Beatles. And a First Lady. And a lot of other unlikely movie types. The truth is, with so many Primetime Emmy Awards handed out – well over 100 annually – it’s easy for some intriguing victors in both the deeper past and more recently to slip through the cracks.
So as a public service, here are a few dozen-plus Emmy winners you may have missed.
Barack Obama – Yes, our 44th President took home an Emmy trophy in 2022 as best narrator for an episode of the doc series “Our Great National Parks.” He thus became the second President to be so honored. To find out the first, see below. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr – It may have escaped your gaze, but the former Beatles won an Emmy last year for top documentary/nonfiction series (shared with Peter Jackson and...
So as a public service, here are a few dozen-plus Emmy winners you may have missed.
Barack Obama – Yes, our 44th President took home an Emmy trophy in 2022 as best narrator for an episode of the doc series “Our Great National Parks.” He thus became the second President to be so honored. To find out the first, see below. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr – It may have escaped your gaze, but the former Beatles won an Emmy last year for top documentary/nonfiction series (shared with Peter Jackson and...
- 4/5/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
By the time The Monkees began production of their first and only feature film, Head, they had undergone a metamorphosis as both performers and a music group. Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, Davy Jones, and Micky Dolenz evolved from hired actors to pop music phenomena over the course of three years. Therefore, to depict this, the music for Head was just as pivotal as the script itself. Subsequently, Monkees producer Bob Rafelson said one song was “critical” to the soundtrack. Here are all the details.
Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith of The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images How did The Monkees get involved with ‘Head’?
The last episode of The Monkees Emmy-winning television show aired in March 1968, during its second and final filming season. Moreover, the world’s cultural climate appeared to be in upheaval. The series seemed out of step with the times.
The Monkees...
Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith of The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images How did The Monkees get involved with ‘Head’?
The last episode of The Monkees Emmy-winning television show aired in March 1968, during its second and final filming season. Moreover, the world’s cultural climate appeared to be in upheaval. The series seemed out of step with the times.
The Monkees...
- 4/5/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Neil Sedaka wrote three Monkees songs, one of which Davy Jones released as a solo song. One of the songs in question uses a lot of ape metaphors. Another one of the songs was co-written by an important professional songwriter. Neil Sedaka | Gab Archive / Contributor
Neil Sedaka’s songs continue to fascinate classic rock fans to this very day. In addition to writing his own material, Sedaka also wrote a few Monkees songs. One of the tunes he wrote became Davy Jones’ only charting solo single.
3. ‘I Go Ape’
The early 1960s was a golden age for novelty songs, producing such hits as Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini,” Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” and Elvis Presley’s “Rock-a-Hula Baby.” The arrival of The Beatles mostly put an end to this trend, though they occasionally wrote similar songs like “Yellow Submarine.
Neil Sedaka wrote three Monkees songs, one of which Davy Jones released as a solo song. One of the songs in question uses a lot of ape metaphors. Another one of the songs was co-written by an important professional songwriter. Neil Sedaka | Gab Archive / Contributor
Neil Sedaka’s songs continue to fascinate classic rock fans to this very day. In addition to writing his own material, Sedaka also wrote a few Monkees songs. One of the tunes he wrote became Davy Jones’ only charting solo single.
3. ‘I Go Ape’
The early 1960s was a golden age for novelty songs, producing such hits as Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini,” Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” and Elvis Presley’s “Rock-a-Hula Baby.” The arrival of The Beatles mostly put an end to this trend, though they occasionally wrote similar songs like “Yellow Submarine.
- 4/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Coslough Johnson, the Emmy-winning writer who worked with his late older brother, Arte Johnson, on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and wrote for two variety shows toplined by Sonny and Cher, has died. He was 91.
Johnson died March 23 of prostate cancer at a nursing facility in the Thousand Oaks area, his wife, Mary Jane, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Johnson also worked on sitcoms including The Monkees, Bewitched, That Girl, The Partridge Family, Good Times, Flo, Operation Petticoat and Cpo Sharkey and on cartoons featuring Mighty Mouse, Heckle and Jeckle, The Flintstones, Voltron and He-Man.
He wrote on the first three seasons (1968-70) of NBC’s Laugh-In, the final three seasons (1971-74) of The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour and the lone season (1976-77) of The Sonny and Cher Show, those last two for CBS.
Other variety shows on his résumé included The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show...
Johnson died March 23 of prostate cancer at a nursing facility in the Thousand Oaks area, his wife, Mary Jane, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Johnson also worked on sitcoms including The Monkees, Bewitched, That Girl, The Partridge Family, Good Times, Flo, Operation Petticoat and Cpo Sharkey and on cartoons featuring Mighty Mouse, Heckle and Jeckle, The Flintstones, Voltron and He-Man.
He wrote on the first three seasons (1968-70) of NBC’s Laugh-In, the final three seasons (1971-74) of The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour and the lone season (1976-77) of The Sonny and Cher Show, those last two for CBS.
Other variety shows on his résumé included The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show...
- 4/1/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tl;Dr:
One of The Monkees’ songs was inspired by The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” Another one of The Monkees’ songs was inspired by The Beatles’ “Day Tripper.” The latter song has a classic opening guitar riff. The Beatles | Fiona Adams / Contributor
The Beatles‘ songs and The Monkees’ songs often get compared to one another. Some Monkees songs have an awesome Beatles vibe. For example, one Prefab Four tune was consciously inspired by “Yesterday.”
4. ‘Let’s Dance On’
“Let’s Dance On” is a great dance song. It has a bit of a resemblance to The Beatles’ version of “Twist and Shout.” Regardless, “Let’s Dance On” is one of the best tunes from The Monkees’ self-titled album. “Let’s Dance On” probably could have been a hit single but, alas, it languishes in obscurity. Hopefully, a new movie or show will make “Let’s Dance On” famous.
3. ‘I Wanna Be Free’
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart,...
One of The Monkees’ songs was inspired by The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” Another one of The Monkees’ songs was inspired by The Beatles’ “Day Tripper.” The latter song has a classic opening guitar riff. The Beatles | Fiona Adams / Contributor
The Beatles‘ songs and The Monkees’ songs often get compared to one another. Some Monkees songs have an awesome Beatles vibe. For example, one Prefab Four tune was consciously inspired by “Yesterday.”
4. ‘Let’s Dance On’
“Let’s Dance On” is a great dance song. It has a bit of a resemblance to The Beatles’ version of “Twist and Shout.” Regardless, “Let’s Dance On” is one of the best tunes from The Monkees’ self-titled album. “Let’s Dance On” probably could have been a hit single but, alas, it languishes in obscurity. Hopefully, a new movie or show will make “Let’s Dance On” famous.
3. ‘I Wanna Be Free’
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of The Monkees‘ most prolific singalong hits, “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” appeared on their classic album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, and Jones Ltd. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song was inspired by a street near the couple’s suburban New Jersey home. However, the song’s lyrics had a darker edge than fans realized.
Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith are the cast of ‘The Monkees’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ was a Monkees smash
The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1967. At the number one position was Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe,” followed by The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
The Monkees held steady at number three. In addition, rounding out the top five in the first week of August 1967 was The Doors’ “Light My Fire” and Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I Love You.
Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith are the cast of ‘The Monkees’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ was a Monkees smash
The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1967. At the number one position was Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe,” followed by The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
The Monkees held steady at number three. In addition, rounding out the top five in the first week of August 1967 was The Doors’ “Light My Fire” and Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I Love You.
- 3/30/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville” became their first hit in the United States. It became a No. 1 single in the U.S. and its parent album was even more successful. The song was not nearly as popular when it was released in the United Kingdom. The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
The first version of The Monkees‘ “Last Train to Clarksville” came together in 45 minutes. That version of the song had no lead vocals. Subsequently, Micky Dolenz added his magic to the track.
A songwriter behind The Monkees’ ‘Last Train to Clarksville’ tells all
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart co-wrote many Monkees songs under the name Boyce & Hart. In Hart’s 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed how the first version of “Last Train to Clarksville” came together in the studio.
“The Musicians’ Union allowed music producers to...
The Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville” became their first hit in the United States. It became a No. 1 single in the U.S. and its parent album was even more successful. The song was not nearly as popular when it was released in the United Kingdom. The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
The first version of The Monkees‘ “Last Train to Clarksville” came together in 45 minutes. That version of the song had no lead vocals. Subsequently, Micky Dolenz added his magic to the track.
A songwriter behind The Monkees’ ‘Last Train to Clarksville’ tells all
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart co-wrote many Monkees songs under the name Boyce & Hart. In Hart’s 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed how the first version of “Last Train to Clarksville” came together in the studio.
“The Musicians’ Union allowed music producers to...
- 3/30/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees may have started their music careers as a television show band. However, the prefab four quickly morphed into one of the most beloved groups of musicians of the 1960s. Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones broke records and became radio mainstays during that decade. However, some of their best songs never made the Billboard top 10. Here are 5 Monkees songs that should have been hits.
Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Mike Nesmith cranked out dozens of hits, but some fan favorites never topped the charts | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 1. ‘Porpoise Song’ (1968)
In the late 1960s, The Monkees were on a downturn. Their eponymous television show ended. Peter Tork was exiting the band.
However, one bright song crafted for the band appeared in their feature film Head. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, “Porpoise Song” is a beloved tune that occurs at the...
Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Mike Nesmith cranked out dozens of hits, but some fan favorites never topped the charts | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 1. ‘Porpoise Song’ (1968)
In the late 1960s, The Monkees were on a downturn. Their eponymous television show ended. Peter Tork was exiting the band.
However, one bright song crafted for the band appeared in their feature film Head. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, “Porpoise Song” is a beloved tune that occurs at the...
- 3/29/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Mike Nesmith starred alongside Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones in The Monkees television show. The zany primetime series, which ran for two seasons between 1966 and 1968, was hugely popular. However, behind the scenes, not every cast member appeared in every episode. Here are three reasons Mike Nesmith didn’t film specific episodes of The Monkees.
Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones film a scene from ‘The Monkees’ television series | Betmann/Getty Images ‘The Monkees’ series featured zany storylines
Many of the storylines filmed for The Monkees were unrealistic and zany in context. The series documented the life of a struggling rock and roll band who lived in a California beach house.
Furthermore, The Monkees always seemed to get themselves into unlikely situations. Likewise, these often included crossing paths with royalty, bad guys, and other assorted characters, which caused chaos.
In his autobiography I’m A Believer,...
Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones film a scene from ‘The Monkees’ television series | Betmann/Getty Images ‘The Monkees’ series featured zany storylines
Many of the storylines filmed for The Monkees were unrealistic and zany in context. The series documented the life of a struggling rock and roll band who lived in a California beach house.
Furthermore, The Monkees always seemed to get themselves into unlikely situations. Likewise, these often included crossing paths with royalty, bad guys, and other assorted characters, which caused chaos.
In his autobiography I’m A Believer,...
- 3/25/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Neil Diamond said “Sweet Caroline” is the Boston Red Sox’s “lucky song.” Elvis Presley covered the track on a successful live album. The track appeared in Seth MacFarlane’s movie Ted. Neil Diamond | Kevin Mazur / Contributor
Some classic rock songs are forever associated with sports teams. For example, Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is an anthem for the Boston Red Sox. Despite this, Diamond revealed the Red Sox are not his favorite baseball team.
Neil Diamond was upset when his favorite team moved from one city to another
During a 2020 interview with Forbes, Diamond was asked about his love of the Dodgers. He said he was upset by their move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Then, he got over his anger in 1988 when the team beat the Oakland Athletics.
Diamond started following the team again during the lead-up to their victory in the 2020 World Series. He was...
Neil Diamond said “Sweet Caroline” is the Boston Red Sox’s “lucky song.” Elvis Presley covered the track on a successful live album. The track appeared in Seth MacFarlane’s movie Ted. Neil Diamond | Kevin Mazur / Contributor
Some classic rock songs are forever associated with sports teams. For example, Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is an anthem for the Boston Red Sox. Despite this, Diamond revealed the Red Sox are not his favorite baseball team.
Neil Diamond was upset when his favorite team moved from one city to another
During a 2020 interview with Forbes, Diamond was asked about his love of the Dodgers. He said he was upset by their move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Then, he got over his anger in 1988 when the team beat the Oakland Athletics.
Diamond started following the team again during the lead-up to their victory in the 2020 World Series. He was...
- 3/24/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Carole King and Gerry Goffin co-wrote some of The Monkees’ songs that are essential classics. One of the tracks was the theme song for The Monkees’ only feature film, Head. The song in question features the sound of a dolphin or a porpoise in its mix. The Monkees | James Jackson / Stringer
Carole King wrote some of The Monkees‘ songs with her songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin. Notably, one of the songs they wrote for The Monkees became a huge hit. In addition, a Goffin-King song was recorded by The Byrds and later The Monkees.
4. ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’
Goffin and King wrote several songs for The Monkees, but the most famous is “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for 10 weeks. It’s a memorable look at suburbia and debatably the Prefab Four’s most socially conscious track. It’s also one...
Carole King and Gerry Goffin co-wrote some of The Monkees’ songs that are essential classics. One of the tracks was the theme song for The Monkees’ only feature film, Head. The song in question features the sound of a dolphin or a porpoise in its mix. The Monkees | James Jackson / Stringer
Carole King wrote some of The Monkees‘ songs with her songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin. Notably, one of the songs they wrote for The Monkees became a huge hit. In addition, a Goffin-King song was recorded by The Byrds and later The Monkees.
4. ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’
Goffin and King wrote several songs for The Monkees, but the most famous is “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for 10 weeks. It’s a memorable look at suburbia and debatably the Prefab Four’s most socially conscious track. It’s also one...
- 3/21/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Micky Dolenz was thrust into the role of The Monkees drummer after being cast as a member of the NBC series alongside Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones. Although a proficient guitarist, Dolenz never sat behind a drum kit before the series began. Once it became successful, The Monkees were expected to play live on tour, despite never recording together. Micky Dolenz developed an arsenal of tricks to stay on beat. Here are three of them.
Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork made up The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Micky Dolenz used a different setup than most drummers
Per an interview with Modern Drummer, Micky Dolenz admitted to modifying his drumset for him to keep on the beat. This switch was done to assist Dolenz after a lingering childhood health issue caused him physical discomfort.
Dolenz set up his kit in a unique way.
Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork made up The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Micky Dolenz used a different setup than most drummers
Per an interview with Modern Drummer, Micky Dolenz admitted to modifying his drumset for him to keep on the beat. This switch was done to assist Dolenz after a lingering childhood health issue caused him physical discomfort.
Dolenz set up his kit in a unique way.
- 3/18/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Neil Diamond is a songwriting juggernaut. For example, he wrote a few of The Monkees‘ songs. A pair of those tunes became massive hits.
The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer 4. ‘I’m a Believer’
While The Monkees gave the world many great songs, “I’m a Believer” is possibly their most famous track. It’s appeared in films like Shrek and Lady Gaga’s House of Gucci. It’s been covered by Smash Mouth, Weezer, MonaLisa Twins, and Robert Wyatt. The tune is fantastic, and decades of shifting musical trends haven’t changed that.
According to The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, The Monkees’ manager, Don Kirshner, wanted a follow-up to “Last Train to Clarksville” that would sell even more copies. He called his friend Jeff Barry looking for a new song for the Prefab Four. Barry gave him “I’m a Believer,” which he was working on with the then-upcoming Diamond.
The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer 4. ‘I’m a Believer’
While The Monkees gave the world many great songs, “I’m a Believer” is possibly their most famous track. It’s appeared in films like Shrek and Lady Gaga’s House of Gucci. It’s been covered by Smash Mouth, Weezer, MonaLisa Twins, and Robert Wyatt. The tune is fantastic, and decades of shifting musical trends haven’t changed that.
According to The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, The Monkees’ manager, Don Kirshner, wanted a follow-up to “Last Train to Clarksville” that would sell even more copies. He called his friend Jeff Barry looking for a new song for the Prefab Four. Barry gave him “I’m a Believer,” which he was working on with the then-upcoming Diamond.
- 3/17/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Frequent collaborators and co-directors Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi’s upcoming documentary, “Personality Crisis: One Night Only,” will premiere April 14 at 8 p.m. on Showtime.
“Personality Crisis: One Night Only” has also released a trailer providing audiences a peek into the lives of Johansen, the one-time New York Dolls lead singer who later performed as Buster Poindexter. Focusing on Johansen, his legacy and his special January 2020 performance, the film documents the punk legend as he “regales the audience with stories and music illuminating the art and cultural evolution of New York City,” according to the film’s logline.
Scorsese explained what drew him to this project: “I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making ‘Mean Streets’… Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform,...
“Personality Crisis: One Night Only” has also released a trailer providing audiences a peek into the lives of Johansen, the one-time New York Dolls lead singer who later performed as Buster Poindexter. Focusing on Johansen, his legacy and his special January 2020 performance, the film documents the punk legend as he “regales the audience with stories and music illuminating the art and cultural evolution of New York City,” according to the film’s logline.
Scorsese explained what drew him to this project: “I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making ‘Mean Streets’… Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Katie Reul and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Mike Nesmith was a songwriter ahead of his success with The Monkees. Therefore, he felt a kinship with other like-minded people who also found creative release in this job. He was lucky enough to work alongside some of the greatest writers in the industry for The Monkees. Carole King was one of these songwriters. However, for as much as he “loved” King, Nesmith claimed, “I just can’t stand her records.”
Mike Nesmith and Carole King collaborated on Monkees hits | Fox Photos/Jim McCrary/Redferns/Getty Images How many songs did Carole King write for The Monkees?
Carole King was one of the dozen or more songwriters enlisted to write music for The Monkees’ television series. King was among the many songwriters associated with Don Kirshner of New York’s The Brill Building.
King and her husband Gerry Goffin wrote for The Monkees. So did Tommy Boyce, Neil Diamond, Bobby Hart,...
Mike Nesmith and Carole King collaborated on Monkees hits | Fox Photos/Jim McCrary/Redferns/Getty Images How many songs did Carole King write for The Monkees?
Carole King was one of the dozen or more songwriters enlisted to write music for The Monkees’ television series. King was among the many songwriters associated with Don Kirshner of New York’s The Brill Building.
King and her husband Gerry Goffin wrote for The Monkees. So did Tommy Boyce, Neil Diamond, Bobby Hart,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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