Dec 12, 2021
Michael Nesmith in a scene from “The Monkees.” The band had a string of hit records and became a cultural reference point, but their TV show, which made its debut in September 1966, lasted only two seasons.
Mr. Nesmith was a struggling 23-year-old singer and songwriter when he saw an advertisement in Variety seeking “4 insane boys” for “acting roles in new TV series.” Two aspiring television producers, Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider, inspired by the Beatles’ movies, were hoping to make a TV series about the zany antics of a rock band — not a real rock band (although the Lovin’ Spoonful was briefly considered for the job), but actors with musical backgrounds who could create the illusion of a band.
