As the Monkees embark on their 50th anniversary, I feel like I should be celebrating right along with them.  They made and then broke the mold for many television-born bands to come. As a television-centric kid, their influence on me is noticeable to this day. And I couldn't be happier.

A genius answer to the Lads From Liverpool, the Monkees creation put the perfect combination of friends together for boys-will-be-boys adventures.  I think I still strive to have that same group of friends in my own circle.  You're lucky if you ever had it.

Mickey Dolenz is the clown you have in your circle who is smarter than he shows, Davey Jones chased the girls to everyone's benefit, Peter Tork is the ever innocent, and Mike Nesmith got everyone to the gig on time.  To create that circle of friends was pure genius, and many television shows followed their ensemble cast to great success. M*A*S*H, Cheers, Seinfeld, Friends, Hill Street Blues and many others brought cherished friendships to light on the small screen, and audiences ate it up.  The Monkees were able to break the invisible wall and bring their show on the road, and to the radio.  I turned into a Rock Radio DJ, Then Morning Show host with a love for juvenile antics and cool cars. I'm the 5th Monkee!

To this day I'm lucky to have a wide circle of close friends who bring all those qualities to my life. Monkee-ing around is our creedo. I've never seen all 4 onstage together, but I have seen them all onstage at one time or another, and I'm glad they're still out there preaching.  Love what you do, work hard doing it, and the success will come.

Thanks, Monkees.

P.S. The car was pretty kick-ass also!

P.P.S  If you missed the boat on these guys, discovering the TV show is like finding the coolest stuff in the sec on-hand store.  Go get the complete series!

    Musically, Here's my top 5:

  1. Randy Scouse Git
  2. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone
  3. Valleri
  4. Pleasant Valley Sunday
  5. Words

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