Here's a story: Four Monkees
in a Pad
Four young men lived in a beach house in Malibu, CA. All were
members of a band called The Monkees. If they once were more than
it is not known. It is known that they lived together since late
1965. Each
one comes from a different part of the western world. However, this
band
was not a successful one by monetary standards. No, these four:
Micky,
Davy, Mike and Peter had to strike it out alone together, and sometimes
did
more than what was in their musical endeavours.
This essay will show each Monkee's history, and contribution to the group.
Although, it is written that the individual connects better with one at
the most,
it should be noted that there are other bonds with other members which
creates an unbroken chain of brotherhood amonst the band. Each profile
is
completed with the best of knowledge, however later versions could be
created.
Dolenz, Micky: The Funny
Man of the Bunch
Micky was born and raised in the geographical area of Burbank, CA.
Being close to Hollywood, he grew up being influenced by television and
the movies, but not overwhelmed by them. This is why his impersonations
and accents are mostly very good. That is only one part of him.
Another
part is his interest in the realm of science. However, being a drummer
for
The Monkees gives Micky not much time to master his knowledge of science.
It is all in his gray matter, but rarely tested and perfected.
Micky never intently dabbled in music, except for maybe singing in
the shower. However, when The Beatles became popular in America in
1964,
his peers were putting together bands. He saw how girls his age were
attracted to guys in a band and not guys with chemistry sets. Eventually,
he
fell into a set of drums, literally, and saw his calling. He practiced
playing the
drums on his spare time. Sometime later, he met a bass and keyboard
player
named Peter Tork.
Micky and Peter(see his description) are like brothers. They have
known each other longer than any other member of The Monkees, so they
are closer to each other. Micky is, in a way, Peter's keeper.
Mike does not
deal with Peter's mistakes with the kind of experience Micky has.
Since
Micky is second-in-brains-in-command, he does not have too much responsiblity
as Mike, and thus be able to handle Peter's day to day crises. He
understands
Peter needs to somtimes be guided because he does not understand, not
because he seems to not want to learn.
Jones, Davy: The Cute One
of the bunch
Davy grew up in England under the care of his upper middle class
grandfather. His friends were plenty, but very hard to come
by due to
his below average height. He bonded better with adults, like Sir
Malcolm
Kibby, because they knew height does not describe what is inside. After
witnessing The Beatles' success in America, Davy left England in search
of fame. For a short time, he hanged around New York in hope for
a career
in singing and dancing. He played guitar for a bit to broaden his
talents.
After finding not much success, Davy heard about California. He decided
to go and see if there's anything there for him. After being in The
Monkees
for a while, Davy gave up the guitar because it was too heavy and getting
a custom made on was too expensive. He took up the tambourines and
maracas.
Davy is the daughter that Mike (could)never had. For some reason,
American girls are very attracted to Davy. All this attention distracts
Davy
from the group. Thus, Mike is the main Monkee who has to fight off
the girls
in order to have Davy "around". It is a father-male daughter relationship.
Because of Mike's parental influence, Davy is bonded to Mike. Mike
is
Davy's guardian, he feels compelled to flee to Mike for protection whenever
something bad happens.
Nesmith, Mike: The Smart
One of the bunch
Mike grew up in the backwoods of Texas. He was the oldest of ten
children.
He helped take care of the other children, and also helped around the house.
Although he did not succeed in education, he learned a lot about life while
growing up. This learning placed him apart from his siblings.
The backwoods
was more of a step than a tradition. Mike first learned about music
at the local
hoe-downs. He was amazed at the power in the sound of the guitar.
At the
age of twelve, his father bought him a second-hand guitar. He practiced
by
copying the guitar players around his area. He also tried to repeat
a few of the
country records lying around the house. Occasionally, he would be
able to pick
up a blues station on a short wave radio. He became good at the guitar,
and
wanted more than the local scene. After trying Dallas, he heard about
California
and what it had to offer. He left Texas to his parents dismay.
Even though Micky's interest is more in science than in music, Mike feels
more bonded toward him. They can easily discuss situations with each
other
without much logic being distorted. Both see the destruction that
Davy's
amorous feelings can cause, and how Peter sometimes can not see the
forest for the trees. Mike does worry about Peter, but keeping an
eye on
Davy and trying to save The Monkees(in some cases) makes it hard to keep
an eye on Peter 24/7. As with Davy, Mike is more of a father to Peter,
but has a hard time hanging out with Peter.
Tork, Peter: The Dummy of the
bunch
The location of Peter's childhood is not made apparent. He could
have
been born in the east coast, considering the writers gave a clear indication
of the previous three. Here is a few other ideas. Peter incidentally
or accidentally traveled over to the west coast. Because he has a
gift in music,
Peter teamed up with other musicians. However, musicians came and
went
due to his lack of sense. He had a hard time of others willing to
have him
around. He heard about Mike Nesmith through his friend, Micky.
Micky
somehow convinced Mike that Peter could be an assest to the band.
Peter is affected by Mike's tough love. He knows Mike is on a level
he
will never reach. However, he follows Mike's advice as best as he
can.
He enjoys being in the company of Micky. He does not feel controlled,
just
advised by Micky in a situation. Micky understands just how sensitive
Peter
is, so he knows the best way to correct Peter.
© E.T. Lee, 1999, except graphic.
Disclaimer: The characters and individuals portrayed and the names used herein are fictitious and any similarity to the same characters or history is coincidental and unintentional.
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