Peter Tork: The Monkee Who Changed Everything

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Peter Tork: The Monkee Who Changed Everything He was the quiet one. The thoughtful one. The Monkee who always seemed just a little out of step with the madness around him. But Peter Tork was so much more than the soft-spoken bass player on a 1960s TV show. He was a rebel in a boy band disguise, a folk music prodigy, and a man who walked a winding road through fame, failure, and redemption. This is the story of the Monkee who didn’t just monkey around." But fame is never simple. Behind the laughs and the hit singles, Peter Tork’s journey was anything but carefree. Torn between the artistic integrity of his folk roots and the corporate machine that drove The Monkees to stardom, Peter’s life became a tug-of-war that would eventually cost him everything. So who was the real Peter Tork? And what price did he pay for chasing his dream? Stay tuned, because this story goes deeper than you ever imagined." Behind the mop-top smile and the carefree antics of a TV-made pop star lay one of the most complex, misunderstood, and talented musicians of the 1960s. Peter fought against being typecast, and his battles with fame, fortune, and personal demons led him to walk away from it all- he risked everything for a shot at authenticity in a world obsessed with illusion." Peter Tork, born Peter Halsten Thorkelson on February 13, 1942, in Washington, D.C., was far more than the carefree, mop-topped musician fans saw on The Monkees. A man of contrasts and depth, Peter’s life story is one of ambition, artistic integrity, and perseverance in the face of both fame and adversity. Raised in a family that prized intellect and creativity, Peter’s upbringing was steeped in artistic and intellectual pursuits. His father, John Thorkelson, was an economics professor whose academic rigour instilled discipline, while his mother, Virginia, nurtured Peter’s natural affinity for music. By his teenage years, Peter was not only playing piano and banjo but excelling as a classical and folk musician, mastering intricate techniques that would serve him well later in life. The early 1960s saw Peter join the burgeoning folk scene of Greenwich Village, a melting pot of talent and ideas that shaped the era’s music. There, he became friends with aspiring icons like Stephen Stills and Joan Baez. His days were spent playing coffeehouses, soaking in the culture of activism and artistry, and living on the fringe of poverty. It was a formative time, one that instilled in Peter both a love for collaboration and a disdain for artistic compromise. Peter’s life took a dramatic turn in 1965 when Stephen Stills, auditioning for a new TV show about a fictional band, found himself turned down for his appearance. Stills suggested Peter, whose blend of wit, charm, and undeniable musical talent made him a perfect fit for The Monkees. The show, which co-starred Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith, was an instant sensation, blending slapstick comedy with chart-topping hits like "Daydream Believer" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday." While The Monkees brought Peter fame, it also brought frustration. The band’s early albums were recorded by session musicians, with the members limited to vocals. This creative stifling was particularly grating for Peter, who, alongside Mike Nesmith, pushed for the band to play their instruments and write their own songs. Their third album, Headquarters, marked this breakthrough, with Peter’s track "For Pete’s Sake" exemplifying his thoughtful and introspective lyricism. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Subscribe To The Remember This KZbin Channel Here ► geni.us/RememberThisChannel ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 💥 View The Remember This Channel’s "Top 10" Most Watched Videos:💥 #1: ⏩ geni.us/WizardOfOzMovieTribute #2: ⏩ geni.us/JohnLennonLostWeekend #3: ⏩ geni.us/NatalieWoodTragicLoss #4: ⏩ geni.us/ChateauMarmontSecrets #5: ⏩ geni.us/TheJimiHendrixStory #6: ⏩ geni.us/JimMorrisonLifeStory #7: ⏩ geni.us/MarilynMonroeLifeStory #8: ⏩ geni.us/BobHopeLifeStory #9: ⏩ geni.us/BonScottLifeStory #10: ⏩ geni.us/DorisDayLifeStory My Gear: My Main Camera ► geni.us/PanasonicFZ1000-20 My Microphone ► geni.us/RodeNTUSBMicrophone My Microphone Boom Arm ► geni.us/RodeMikeBoomArm My Headphones ► geni.us/HD280ProHeadphones My Wireless Headphones ► geni.us/BoseQC35HPhonesSilver ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Subscribe To The Remember This KZbin Channel Here ► geni.us/RememberThisChannel ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Remember This KZbin Channel Suite 12, 5th Floor, Dymocks Building 428 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 ▶ E: [e-mail] ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ #petertork #themonkees #1960s #bio #biography #biographies

[@johncostigan6160]

I had the pleasure of mixing Front -of- House sound for Peter when he was on a solo tour. He was certainly intelligent, talented, and a pleasure to be around. Even if only for one day, it was great meeting one of my heroes.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

What a great experience! RIP Peter Tork

[@ARWest-bp4yb]

Peter's musical contributions, especially on Headquarters, cannot be over stated. R.I.P. Peter.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@robertcalva3773]

I was in a couple of bands that opened for Peter's Shoe Suede blues band so I got to meet him a couple of times. I was fortunate enough to meet all four of the Monkees on different occasions.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@lestorhaslam]

What a carefree and wonderful time.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Agree. RIP Peter Tork

[@williamlangan5902]

My wife and I saw him play with Shoe Suede Blues. He was just as kind as everybody said he was. I will always miss him.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@franceenwebb9003]

Thank you such a thoughtful vlog. I appreciate the tone, a calm voice and a welcome lack of unnecessary emotional trigger words.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Thank you. I try to keep it real and respectful. RIP Peter Tork

[@Cizuka_nile]

Peter’s humor, wit, and undeniable talent made him stand out. He wasn’t just a member of The Monkees-he was an integral part of their lasting legacy.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@jpendowski7503]

Nice and respectful review of a talented and versatile talent. So many people can act or sing so few can so both.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Thank you. Peter Tork was a very talented man. RIP Peter.

[@anitaanderson2871]

Peter has been my favorite musician and just fave all around entertainer. Although I never got to see them during the 60's (darn parents thought it was too dangerous for a young girl to go to Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit). However, I did get lucky to see him in 1980's with The Peter Tork Project at a college bar in Bloomington, IN named The Bluebird; I still the t-shirt ( though it no longer fits) and the matchbook he signed. I luckily had the chance to see him in concert many times - with Davy & Micky, with Micky, with Micky & Mike, with Shoe Suede Blues, with James Lee Stanley, and with his brother, Nick. But my favorite was his solo concert in Chicago (A birthday present from my husband as part of a weekend get away). It was just Peter by himself, on stage singing and telling stories about his life and showing some very personal photos, videos and home movies. It was hosted in a small intimate theater setting that made for a very personal concert. Andrew Sandoval helped it together; it almost didn't come off, as Andrew had a hard time convincing Peter he was enough of a draw by himself. Imagine thinking the fans didn't think enough of your talent to see you in concert. It was "hands down" my favorite Peter Tork event. I just wished I lived on the east coast so I could have seen him play his music more often; though my family would have seen very little of me some years, lol. My favorite song is one that is not so famous, but it is one of the.most emotionally charged songs with beautiful music, recorded in 2003 "I Remember Christmas". Available on Spotify, I urge everyone to give it a listen - be prepared, there may be tears.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@Cavin-]

Tork's contributions went far beyond the screen-his skills as a multi-instrumentalist added depth to The Monkees' sound, proving they were more than just a 'manufactured' group.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@paisleybabee]

My favorite Monkee. I grew up watching the show in syndication. As a child I could relate to Peter and his awkward, dreamy earnestness. The episode that I loved the most was the one where he sells his soul to play the harp. His dedication to music really shone through so strongly in that one. It made a strong impression on me. I loved his songs especially the ones he wrote for Head.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@みっちー-t4g]

My favorite song sung by Peter is Shades of grey. Since junior hi, I have been listening Monkees songs.(more than 40 years!!) I'm a Jananese and I learned English a lot from songs.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@rickmorrow993]

I talked to Cameron Crowe about the Monkees for about 20 minutes. He was a fan. Cameron Crowe wrote the semi-autobiography Almost Famous and as a teenager had a piece on Rolling Stone magazine covering The Allman Brothers. I saw Micky Dolenz play a few years back in the park across the street and he put on an amazing show. Peter Tork's cover of Pleasant Vally Sunday was outstanding and brought a new depth to the song.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@incredingo]

he deserved more as a solo artist. such a talented man.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@PDoonan]

Peter was my favorite Monkee. My friends watched every show and talked about it until the next one aired.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@l.5832]

Same. While everyone else drooled over Davey, I liked Peter.

[@RSEFX]

The only real thing I would have suggested the Monkees needed to do was to make Peter the LEAD guitar player on at least a large chunk of their songs, especially all the ones that they wrote themselves. This would have allowed for a greater range and richer depth to their over all sound.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@CrankyBeach]

I was part of the original Monkees target demographic but never had an opportunity to see them. Until 2016, when I had the privilege of seeing them live (minus Davy, alas) for the first and only time. Peter and Micky were touring with a backup band, and as the show I attended was not far from where Mike lived, he came in for the one night only and joined the others for the final 4 songs. Peter and Micky shared the role of emcee throughout the evening. He made a number of deadpan straight-faced remarks that practically had me rolling on the floor. Who knew he was that funny? Towards the end, Mike came onstage and stood with his back to the audience for a moment or two, tuning his guitar. Then he turned around, looked out into the audience, and said, simply, "Hi!" (Needless to say, the audience replied. Loudly.) For the most poignant moment of the evening, however, I would have to choose the playing of Daydream Believer. Micky talked about how the song simply HAD to be sung by Davy Jones--and they had video from the TV show with Davy's audio track isolated. So he actually sang the song in absentia. The rest of the band chimed in on the choruses. For the final chorus, Micky said, "Here, YOU sing it," and held the microphone out toward the audience. And we sang it.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Great story. RIP Peter Tork

[@robertcalva3773]

@@CrankyBeach I saw the Monkees many times. Both with Micky, Peter and Davy and then Micky, Peter and Mike. They always put on a good show and had a great band.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@djf750]

Nesmith inherited 20 million from his mother, who had invented Liquid Paper, so he obviously didn't need to tour anymore

[@MsTimothyswan]

My very favorite Monkees song that was written by Peter Tork is from the 1968 motion picture titled HEAD, a songcalled Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again. A truly amazing musical extravaganza.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@EdnaBoil]

Favorite song - For Pete's sake! ❤rip Peter

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@AdrianneSteeley]

While all the girls were just gaga about Davy Jones, my heart belonged to Peter Tork. When he died, a former coworker texted me to see how I was doing with that dreadful news. She knew I would be so sad. Loved the video, thanks.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@loriallenbaugh35]

I too was crushed by Peter while all my friends ogled Davy. I never ended up following him after the 60’s but after seeing this I think see why I was attracted to him. He just seemed much more “real” to me. ❤

[@debsmith4424]

Loved him in The Monkees, and Shoe Suede Blues, and as a solo artist.Although talented, he seemed to be humble, and kind.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Yes, he was fantastic. RIP Peter Tork

[@jessieodawa]

Great instrumentalist!

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@RobertBernard-s8m]

I use to go to my friends place with my guitar, watched the monkees and learn there songs. that was so long ago.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@brucekalter4206]

My favorite Peter Tork songs are "Can You Dig It" from Head... and "MGB-GT" from his post-Monkees years.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@lenantinori6048]

Peter's keyboard usage is pivotal on so many tracks: Pleasant Valley Sunday, the Girl I Knew Somewhere, Daydream Believer are just a few! When he left the band it was truly an end of an era.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@dawnsstar5918]

He was my first crush at 6 years old.....lol Man, how I loved their show, and always liked them, dare I say, more than the Beatles!

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Agree. The Monkees show was fantastic! RIP Peter Tork

[@arthouston7361]

Peter and Mickey came to our radio station, 94WYSP, back in 1987. Peter acted as a guiding influence to Mickey as they did some station ID's for me in the production studio. A genuinely nice man, just as you would expect him to be. I can tell you that those experiences were not always good with other performers.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@MikeB-sk5ks]

I really enjoyed the songs that Peter sang on, like “Words” and “Shades of Gray”.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@LaurieValdez-zk3dy]

I ❤ them Thank you

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

You're very welcome. RIP Peter Tork

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Anyone remember his guest appearance on Wings from about 30 or so years ago? He played himself, a version of himself, at an auction trying to win back some of his own memorabilia. It was really funny but also .... rather ironic.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@HBLADY]

Although Peter did not write the quirky song "Your Auntie Grizelda" it was a fave of mine as he was my favorite Monkee. One night I called a local radio station and requested it. My name was announced as the requester and classmates the next day asked me if I was the one who called the radio station. I thought it was kind of cool because I was petrified to call in the first place.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@darren8183]

Miss them all..hope micky .d is well

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@lisabunnie22960]

I met him in 1997 and a couple more times after that. Times changes everyone.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@CentuSmith]

Peter Tork’s journey from a folk musician to a pop culture icon showed his versatility and passion for music. He helped redefine what it meant to be a 'Monkee'.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@MrJeepsters]

Je crois qu'il organisait des fêtes chez lui, à Laurel Canyon, où étaient présents, Crosby, Stills ans Nash, Cass Eliott...

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@MsOscara]

He had a reputation for having the best "refreshments" in town, according to a friend of mine who knew him back in those heady Laurel Canyon days.

[@robhaskins]

I loved him; I wish I could have met him.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Me as well Rob. Sounded like Peter was a great guy.

[@andrewpratt1553]

Auntie Grizelda! I loved it so much that I named my beautiful pit/lab doggie Griselda in 2012!

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@neilfranklin5644]

My favourite

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

I would imagine that the H in Thorkelson was not pronounced, which is why he abbreviated it to Tork, rather than "Thork".

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter

[@HectorWallace777]

It’s amazing how much I don’t know about many people.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@garfle1959]

He gave the Monkees music a little torque.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Pure hilarity! RIP Peter Tork

[@BeachsideHank]

That never *Petered* out.

[@sherryvt61]

They were all real musicians. I'm not sure Davey did anything other than sing, but they were all talented performers. I love the Monkees music.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@almi3767]

💖💖💖Peter💖💖💖

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@donaldfinch1411]

Simply my favorite.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

He was an excellent musician. RIP Peter Tork

[@justtere]

🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@franke981]

My favorite Monkee. Certainly the best musician in the band. RIP Pete.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@fliporhold]

The musicians that played for them were the wrecking crew.. responsible for the greatest music of all time

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@Carrtrek6]

Ive written a few songs based on his sayings, he is missed

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@Enjela-f8m]

Peter Tork was the heart and soul of The Monkees. His unique blend of musical talent and charisma truly changed how people viewed the band and its role in pop culture.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@susanharwood8312]

RIP PETER , LOVELY MAN ❤❤❤❤❤

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@lindaburnett5983]

Shades of gray

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@kaila62kaila]

Pete's Sake

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@matthewronsson]

As a group, they were brought together as entertainers first. Micky Dolenz learned to play the drums at a professional level in ONE YEAR because all they lacked was a drummer to be able to go out on tour and perform live. Like Michael Nesmith asserted, the session musicians that played on their Albums ("The Wrecking Crew") were the same musicians that were used by others in the industry. The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, The Mama's and the Poppas, Ricky Nelson and so many other top groups in rock, country and other genre's of music employed session musicans-it was a common practice throughout the recording industry. Yet, their detractors claiming that the use of session musicians "proving" that they were fake was nothing short of a nasty and fraudulent smear campaign. I just don't know if this spiteful attack on them was motivated from a personal or business reasons - or both.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

Thank goodness for Peter Tork. If not for him Stephen Stills might have ended up in the Monkees and that would have ruined a slice of good rock and roll history.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@kailee5694]

Thanks for correction. Deleted comment to limit my shame confusing Mike and Peter. 😯

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

We all make mistakes! 🙏

[@icatz]

He was my favorite. I got to see them play in the 90s. No Nesmith, but the others were there, including Peter ❤

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@alanhilder1883]

There are manufactured bands and manufactured bands. There are the greats but there are many drose ones out there, polluting the pop scene, getting one or more 'hits' out of the target audience ( Boy bands, pre teen girls and gay men. Girl bands, well any males out there ) that disappear when the inflated costs get too much. ( the manufacturers take a cut then charge lots for training, marketing, anything else they can get away with. they own all the profits but charge all the costs to the band. There are no AGT tv type show manufactured groups that get anywhere. ) Yes the Monkees were in the greats but struggled against those trying to "make them", those trying to own all the profits.

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork 🙏

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

Stop the monkey!

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork

[@fredricclack7137]

🐒🗣️🎥 🌌🥹

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

RIP Peter Tork