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On this day, February 21, 2019, Peter Tork of The Monkees died.
This Day in MusicWhat Happened Today In Music
February 21st
2019 - Peter Tork
American musician Peter Tork died age 77. He was diagnosed with a rare form of tongue cancer in 2009. The Monkees were brought together for an American sitcom TV series in 1966. Best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist, they had the 1967 UK & US No.1 single 'I'm A Believer' plus other hits including 'Last Train to Clarksville', 'Pleasant Valley Sunday', and 'Daydream Believer'.
February 21st
2019 - Peter Tork
American musician Peter Tork died age 77. He was diagnosed with a rare form of tongue cancer in 2009. The Monkees were brought together for an American sitcom TV series in 1966. Best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist, they had the 1967 UK & US No.1 single 'I'm A Believer' plus other hits including 'Last Train to Clarksville', 'Pleasant Valley Sunday', and 'Daydream Believer'.
The autocorrect function is certain that I am misspelling the word "Monkees." You'd think that it would be aware of the existence of that group by now. You'd be wrong.
A lot of threads were started at DU when he died in 2019. Do a site search for "Peter Tork." You'll find them.
He was my favorite Monkee.
Peter Tork
Tork in 1966
Born: Peter Halsten Thorkelson; February 13, 1942; Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died: February 21, 2019 (aged 77)
Mansfield, Connecticut, U.S.
Peter Halsten Thorkelson (February 13, 1942 – February 21, 2019), known professionally as Peter Tork, was an American musician, composer, and actor who was best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist of the Monkees.
Tork grew up in Connecticut and in the mid-1960s as part of the Greenwich Village folk scene in New York City where he befriended musician Stephen Stills. After moving to Los Angeles with Stills, he was recruited for the musical television sitcom The Monkees. The success of the show made him a teen idol from 1966 to 1968. He released one solo album, Stranger Things Have Happened (1994), and later toured with James Lee Stanley as well as his band, Shoe Suede Blues.
{snip}
Tork in 1966
Born: Peter Halsten Thorkelson; February 13, 1942; Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died: February 21, 2019 (aged 77)
Mansfield, Connecticut, U.S.
Peter Halsten Thorkelson (February 13, 1942 – February 21, 2019), known professionally as Peter Tork, was an American musician, composer, and actor who was best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist of the Monkees.
Tork grew up in Connecticut and in the mid-1960s as part of the Greenwich Village folk scene in New York City where he befriended musician Stephen Stills. After moving to Los Angeles with Stills, he was recruited for the musical television sitcom The Monkees. The success of the show made him a teen idol from 1966 to 1968. He released one solo album, Stranger Things Have Happened (1994), and later toured with James Lee Stanley as well as his band, Shoe Suede Blues.
{snip}
Inside The LC: The Strange but Mostly True Story of Laurel Canyon and the Birth of the Hippie Generation: Part XVI
BY DAVE MCGOWAN | JUN 13, 2009
At the time of the ‘serendipitous’ encounter on Sunset Boulevard, Stills was living at the home of Barry Friedman, a former circus clown, fire-eater, TV producer, and freelance publicist. To say that his home was a bit odd would probably be an understatement. According to folkie Nurit Wilde, “It had a bathtub in the middle of the living room and a secret room behind the bathroom where people carried on liaisons.” The massive bathtub sat right in front of the equally massive fireplace. As Friedman himself would later acknowledge, “This was a very strange house.”
{snip}
Most members of the Springfield also took up residence in our favorite secluded canyon. Richie Furay initially moved in with Mark Volman of the Turtles, who already had a place on Lookout Mountain Avenue. After marrying in March of 1967, Furay got his own place right on Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Neil Young, ever the recluse, found himself what has been described as a “shack” at 8451 Utica Drive. And Stills eventually moved into Peter Tork’s home, also on Laurel Canyon Boulevard. It is unclear whether Palmer and Martin took up residence in the canyon.
{snip}
The ties between the bands actually ran far deeper than their mutual fondness for cheesy television appearances. Stephen Stills, it will be recalled, auditioned to be a Monkee, as did singer/songwriters Harry Nilsson and Paul Williams, and Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night. Stills and Tork remained close friends and frequently jammed together. Indeed, both Tork and fellow Monkee Mickey Dolenz joined the Springfield on stage at various local events. And Stills, Young and Dewey Martin all sat in on Monkees recording sessions.
On July 2, 1967, guitarist extraordinaire Jimi Hendrix played the Whisky and reportedly blew the roof off the place (figuratively speaking, that is). Shortly thereafter, he moved into Peter Tork’s house in Laurel Canyon. By the middle of July, Hendrix had joined the Monkees tour as their opening act. He was dropped after just a few dates, however, due to the fact that Monkees fans couldn’t quite wrap their heads around Jimi’s brand of music.
Throughout the summer of 1967, Stephen and Dewey’s Malibu home became the site of informal jam sessions involving Stephen Stills, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles, David Crosby … and Monkee Peter Tork. Stills played bass, deferring lead guitar duties to Hendrix. All of them ultimately ended up living at Tork’s Laurel Canyon spread, which, as previously mentioned, featured a gaggle of young groupies who spent an inordinate amount of time lounging around the pool in various states of undress.
{snip}
BY DAVE MCGOWAN | JUN 13, 2009
At the time of the ‘serendipitous’ encounter on Sunset Boulevard, Stills was living at the home of Barry Friedman, a former circus clown, fire-eater, TV producer, and freelance publicist. To say that his home was a bit odd would probably be an understatement. According to folkie Nurit Wilde, “It had a bathtub in the middle of the living room and a secret room behind the bathroom where people carried on liaisons.” The massive bathtub sat right in front of the equally massive fireplace. As Friedman himself would later acknowledge, “This was a very strange house.”
{snip}
Most members of the Springfield also took up residence in our favorite secluded canyon. Richie Furay initially moved in with Mark Volman of the Turtles, who already had a place on Lookout Mountain Avenue. After marrying in March of 1967, Furay got his own place right on Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Neil Young, ever the recluse, found himself what has been described as a “shack” at 8451 Utica Drive. And Stills eventually moved into Peter Tork’s home, also on Laurel Canyon Boulevard. It is unclear whether Palmer and Martin took up residence in the canyon.
{snip}
The ties between the bands actually ran far deeper than their mutual fondness for cheesy television appearances. Stephen Stills, it will be recalled, auditioned to be a Monkee, as did singer/songwriters Harry Nilsson and Paul Williams, and Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night. Stills and Tork remained close friends and frequently jammed together. Indeed, both Tork and fellow Monkee Mickey Dolenz joined the Springfield on stage at various local events. And Stills, Young and Dewey Martin all sat in on Monkees recording sessions.
On July 2, 1967, guitarist extraordinaire Jimi Hendrix played the Whisky and reportedly blew the roof off the place (figuratively speaking, that is). Shortly thereafter, he moved into Peter Tork’s house in Laurel Canyon. By the middle of July, Hendrix had joined the Monkees tour as their opening act. He was dropped after just a few dates, however, due to the fact that Monkees fans couldn’t quite wrap their heads around Jimi’s brand of music.
Throughout the summer of 1967, Stephen and Dewey’s Malibu home became the site of informal jam sessions involving Stephen Stills, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles, David Crosby … and Monkee Peter Tork. Stills played bass, deferring lead guitar duties to Hendrix. All of them ultimately ended up living at Tork’s Laurel Canyon spread, which, as previously mentioned, featured a gaggle of young groupies who spent an inordinate amount of time lounging around the pool in various states of undress.
{snip}
Peter Tork starts at 9:00.
Monkees Screen Tests
1,073,958 views • Dec 22, 2010
loomyaire
4.85K subscribers
Rare black and white footage of Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones auditioning for the 60s hit NBC television program The Monkees.
1,073,958 views • Dec 22, 2010
loomyaire
4.85K subscribers
Rare black and white footage of Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones auditioning for the 60s hit NBC television program The Monkees.
Peter Tork - Lady's Baby (Stereo 1968 w/ Steve Stills & Buddy Miles)
29,652 views • Feb 13, 2018
The Monkees Archives
13.1K subscribers
Written by Peter Tork. Recorded in 1968 during the extensive sessions for "The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees. Peter's friend, Karen Harvey Hammer, had a son named Justin who became the inspiration for Peter's song "Lady's Baby."
Although sadly, this masterpiece was never released on the 1968 album, many bootlegs of many multiple takes were shared through the years. Thankfully, masters were unearthed by Andrew Sandoval of many takes and this one, in particular shines! I have a total of at least 5 takes that were legitimately released on varies deluxe sets and compilations.
With a band consisting of:
Peter Tork: Guitars, vocals
Stephen Stills: Guitar
Buddy Miles: Drums
Lance Wakely: Bass
Imagine the music Peter could have released!!
No other Monkees were involved in Peter's later sessions. It has been said that Micky, Davy & Michael tried to have Peter give final word on his songs and have them on the album. Along with his fabulous, "Merry Go Round", "Tear The Top Off My Head" and a cover of "The Young Rascals", "Come On In"....many of these songs didn't see a proper release until the late 90's and the 21st Century.
This video was made as a Birthday video for my favorite Peter!
I am not attempting to misuse any copyright. This video and it's audio have been uploaded for entertainment purposes only! Both are absolutely in accordance with "fair use" standards (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright act).
To purchase The Monkees music, visit Amazon or monkees.com
29,652 views • Feb 13, 2018
The Monkees Archives
13.1K subscribers
Written by Peter Tork. Recorded in 1968 during the extensive sessions for "The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees. Peter's friend, Karen Harvey Hammer, had a son named Justin who became the inspiration for Peter's song "Lady's Baby."
Although sadly, this masterpiece was never released on the 1968 album, many bootlegs of many multiple takes were shared through the years. Thankfully, masters were unearthed by Andrew Sandoval of many takes and this one, in particular shines! I have a total of at least 5 takes that were legitimately released on varies deluxe sets and compilations.
With a band consisting of:
Peter Tork: Guitars, vocals
Stephen Stills: Guitar
Buddy Miles: Drums
Lance Wakely: Bass
Imagine the music Peter could have released!!
No other Monkees were involved in Peter's later sessions. It has been said that Micky, Davy & Michael tried to have Peter give final word on his songs and have them on the album. Along with his fabulous, "Merry Go Round", "Tear The Top Off My Head" and a cover of "The Young Rascals", "Come On In"....many of these songs didn't see a proper release until the late 90's and the 21st Century.
This video was made as a Birthday video for my favorite Peter!
I am not attempting to misuse any copyright. This video and it's audio have been uploaded for entertainment purposes only! Both are absolutely in accordance with "fair use" standards (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright act).
To purchase The Monkees music, visit Amazon or monkees.com
Remembering Peter Tork - I Don't Think You Know Me (1942-2019)
8,277 views • Apr 16, 2019
The Monkees Archives
13.1K subscribers
On a personal note, February 21, 2019 will always be one of the saddest days in my lifetime. Equally as sad was February 29, 2012 when Monkees fans all over the world lost Mr. David Jones.
I hope this video tribute I've made warms the hearts of Peter's fans! Peter was a very kind heart and extremely appreciative of his fans. Sadly, after Davy died, things got very tough for Peter. He developed adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare, slow-growing form of head and neck cancer. A biopsy discovered that the cancer had not spread beyond the initial site, his tongue. After major surgery and a long recovery, Peter underwent radiation therapy to prevent the cancer from returning.
In 2018, his cancer returned and many fans noticed his obvious weight loss and like myself, prepared for the day we would lose "Monkee #2" ( as he said in "33⅓ Revolutions Per Monkee" ).
Thanks to a newly found 1966 instrumental take of Peter's version of "I Don't Think You Know Me" (written by Carole King & Gerry Goffin), I was able to correct the otherwise muddy and distorted versions most fans have of this song. The pitch was slowed down so Peter could hit the keys needed. I corrected that original pitch change and cleared up the intro as well.
Rest In Peace Peter! You are missed.
8,277 views • Apr 16, 2019
The Monkees Archives
13.1K subscribers
On a personal note, February 21, 2019 will always be one of the saddest days in my lifetime. Equally as sad was February 29, 2012 when Monkees fans all over the world lost Mr. David Jones.
I hope this video tribute I've made warms the hearts of Peter's fans! Peter was a very kind heart and extremely appreciative of his fans. Sadly, after Davy died, things got very tough for Peter. He developed adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare, slow-growing form of head and neck cancer. A biopsy discovered that the cancer had not spread beyond the initial site, his tongue. After major surgery and a long recovery, Peter underwent radiation therapy to prevent the cancer from returning.
In 2018, his cancer returned and many fans noticed his obvious weight loss and like myself, prepared for the day we would lose "Monkee #2" ( as he said in "33⅓ Revolutions Per Monkee" ).
Thanks to a newly found 1966 instrumental take of Peter's version of "I Don't Think You Know Me" (written by Carole King & Gerry Goffin), I was able to correct the otherwise muddy and distorted versions most fans have of this song. The pitch was slowed down so Peter could hit the keys needed. I corrected that original pitch change and cleared up the intro as well.
Rest In Peace Peter! You are missed.
Thu Feb 13, 2025: On this day, February 13, 1942, Peter Tork of the Monkees was born.
Fri Jan 10, 2025: On this day, January 10, 1939, Philip Blondheim was born. Oh, you mean Scott McKenzie.
Fri Jan 10, 2025: The Strange but Mostly True Story of Laurel Canyon and the Birth of the Hippie Generation
Wed Feb 21, 2024: On this day, February 21, 2019, Peter Tork of The Monkees died.
Tue Feb 13, 2024: On this day, February 13, 1942, Peter Tork of the Monkees was born.
Mon Feb 13, 2023: On this day, February 13, 1942, Peter Tork of the Monkees was born.
Sun Feb 13, 2022: On this day, February 13, 1942, Peter Tork of the Monkees was born.
Hat tip for the reminder, This Day in Music
Sat Feb 13, 2021: On this day, February 13, 1942, Peter Tork of the Monkees was born.