Davy Jones

1945 - 2012

While he was an apprentice, Davy Jones was encouraged to go into acting and got a role in a production of "Peter Pan". From there, he played on Coronation Street (1960) and The Pickwick Papers (1952) before landing the role of "The Artful Dodger" in "Oliver!". This job took him to America's Broadway, where he was discovered by Ward Sylvester and brought to Los Angeles. From there, he was given a role in The Monkees (1966). Davy had gone on to perform in more plays, including "The Real Live Brady Bunch" and "Oliver!" (again), and had also fulfilled his dream of becoming a jockey. He rejoined The Monkees for touring from 1986-89 and 1996-97. Davy Jones died at age 66 of a heart attack on February 29, 2012.

"I keep hearing that "any excuse you can give for a Monkees reunion is a good excuse," which doesn't bother me at all - since I couldn't agree more!"

Micky Dolenz

1945 -

Micky first established himself as a performer at age ten when, under the stage name of 'Micky Braddock,' he starred in his first TV series, Circus Boy, which aired from 1956 to 1958. Micky auditioned for The Monkees TV show playing Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode," and was chosen along with three other actors - Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork. The Monkees' debut single, "Last Train to Clarksville," featuring Micky on lead vocals, hit the charts September 10, 1966 and rocketed to number one. In early February 2016, news was officially released via Rhino Records that The Monkees (Micky with Peter Tork) would begin a tour in May in conjunction with their 50th anniversary. Also, a new album to be titled Good Times would be released, which would include participation from fellow original-Monkees member Michael Nesmith.

"The best advice I've ever given or received, in or out of the entertainment business, is as follows: "Get a good lawyer." "

Michael Nesmith

1942 -

Most easily identified by his trademark bluish wool hat with pompom, Nesmith fashioned a diversified career within music and also in film. When Nesmith won the role for The Monkees (1966) he was the first of all involved to see where the show and the music would go. Nesmith produced tracks for The Monkees even before TV series filming began; he has said "about a hundred" tracks were made by himself, Micky, Peter, and Davy in the first half of 1966, and among the songs recorded was his composition "The Girl I Knew Somewhere." In recent years, Nesmith has largely stayed out of the public eye.He continues to work on his own music and with other musicians.

"I never feel like I have to hang on to the music. I don't expect that the music will go away. Ideas are the only thing I can point to that are permanent and fixed."

Peter Tork

1942 -

Peter Tork performed as a folk musician in Greenwich Village - his luck and money wore out by the mid-'60s, so he decided to head to Los Angeles, where he would eventually audition for the part of the guitarist for the Monkees; he also became known as the clown of the group. In addition to his work with the Monkees, Tork has released several solo albums. Cambria Hotel (2007) is one of his most recent recordings. Tork has also explored his love of blues music. He performs with his group called Shoe Suede Blues, which he formed in the 1990s.

"You should be a hero to yourself. And if you're not... check it out."