Monkee Business: The Revolutionary Made-For-TV Band by Eric Lefcowitz (3-Jan-2011) Paperback

by Eric Lefcowitz

Author of the bestselling biography "The Monkees Tale" (1985), Eric Lefcowitz has updated the story of rock's first made-for-TV band with the all-new biography "Monkee Business." The Monkees had everything—a popular TV show, hit records, and adoring fans. Everything but control over their careers. Author Eric Lefcowitz chronicles the kaleidoscopic journey of Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork, following each of the four Monkees, together and apart, from 1965 to the present day. A must-read for music fans, “Monkee Business" is the definitive biography of a rock and roll legend.

Genres: Music, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Biography

Paperback

First published September 8, 2010

Reviews

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as a gift about a month ago and if not for having so many other books going, I would have finished it quicker. It's a quick and interesting read.
I am a huge Monkees fan--I grew up a latch key kid and a good part of that time was spent baby sitting my little brother. Summers were especially hard--trying to keep a kid busy all day til parents came home--especially a bratty one. The Monkees were helpful there..It was one of the few things we both loved. Every morning they were on tv at 11 am. I would get our bowls of cereal and park us in front of the tv. It was a lovely memory--we laughed and I sang and fell madly in love with each of the boys in turn. I was basically a 70's version of their original fans. As I got older, I still loved them--they were usually in rotation somewhere so I could watch the show. When the big 80's revival happened, I was so thrilled. I actually got to see them in concert twice and it was truly wonderful. My musical tastes have changed and evolved but I have always been a fan. I bought every album on cassette and lp and eventually cd. So bottom line--I am a devoted and long standing fan. I own almost every book that is reachable that you can find as well as some amazing tchotchkes from puzzles to comics that are originals.
This book had me a bit conflicted--there is some rehashing of some fairly famous stories that I was familiar with and there were some I had never heard. There are some good photos and the author claims to be a fan--fairly convincingly in his introduction. He's written some other very good and essential books for fans of the Monkees. For the most part, I rate the book pretty highly--a decent primer for those who don't know the very complicated story behind the band and some nice debunking of some myths.
Now for my issues--the author seems to have a bit of dislike of Davy Jones--you don't have to love your subject--though he seems to in some cases--but after a bit, it seems a bit personal that most of the snarky material is about Davy. I don't have rose colored glasses on--I always loved that I suspected the boys were different than shown on tv--I mean that would have been a lot of treacle if they had been. I just felt that perhaps because the author did not love the Davy songs it crept over into his feelings towards his subject. I don't care for that in non-fiction--I expect the author to remain a bit more objective at least in how he writes. I think it was especially unpleasant to read some denigrating things about Davy, after he passed so suddenly and so young and because I am a big follower and fan of Davy's daughters and their charity for horses on behalf of Davy and because of their interaction with the fans on Facebook --they have shared many intimate and loving stories that belie some of what the author says here.
I also have issues with some things that are mentioned but never really given any background as to their validity--sort of the book equivalent of gossip. With such maligned people, I am especially sensitive to this. Did Peter Tork (most musically gifted of the Monkees in terms of instruments) really work as a roller skating waiter because he was so broke after the Monkees? He mentions that early on in the book but never follows that up--just sort of an ugly rumor that he never debunks or backs up--it's small but there is quite a bit of that.
Having said that, I think it's a good book for those who want to know more about the truth behind the machine that started the Monkees rolling--but I would recommend Micky Dolenz's autobiography before I would recommend this book. All of the living Monkees are very active on Facebook as well and very interesting--on top of Micky's continued touring, he also owns a handmade furniture business with his daughters and Peter is constantly playing dates with his blues based band Shoe Suede Blues. They share many amazing photos and information online. Interestingly Mike is also very active on Facebook--he writes beautifully and strangely and his obituary on Davy was the most lovely and deep that I read after Davy's passing.

[Candace W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Monkees, but this book was mostly just focusing on the negatives it seems. It was like reading a very long tabloid magazine article. Just showcased all the bickering and madness, but didn't really address the magic that was the Monkees. I was really hoping for more from this.

[Citri · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I told a friend I was reading this book they were like "oh I couldn't read that, it would ruin my childhood vision of them"

Why didn't I do the same? Because OOF. The egos. The pretentiousness. The ungratefulness. The drama! These grown men were petty AF with uncontrollable egos from the moment they were cast to nearly modern day. It's a fascinating look into the Monkees Machine but in a way I wish I hadn't read it, because the diva behavior is so off putting to me.

Best part of the book: finding out Michael Nesmith wore a fat suit to watch the 3 Monkees in concert with Winona Ryder lol

[Lori Schiele · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only knew the Monkees as the four young musicians "too busy singing to put anybody down", you have two choices--don't read this book or be prepared for a harsh awakening. I was somewhere in the middle and, WOW, was *I* in for some unexpected surprises.
Starting from the beginning of how the Monkees were chosen and "created" back in 1966 and following their successes--and failures--all the way up to 2013, including their reunion tours, the heart-rending death of Davy in 2011 and the "post-Davy" tours, this book not only discusses the unexpected explosion of Monkeemania (not once, but *twice*--in the '60s and in the 80s), but the harsh realities of their discontent, their infidelities, their excessive drug use and so much more. It is truly a book that yanks away the curtains that separates the public and the personal lives of four extraordinary men who truly altered and, in some cases, paved the way, for today's music.

[Kyle Gustafson]

if your worried that this book wouldn't cover the late-career resurgence of the monkees because a smash mouth cover of 'daydream believer' appeared on the soundtrack to the 2001 film shrek .... don't be.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information and context. The writing itself was spotty and the book was poorly edited.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will not apologize for having been (and remaining, to some extent) a Monkees fan. I came into the mania during its third trip around the sun, in the mid to late 1980s. Some may argue this MTV-encouraged wave of Monkeemania served as the pop group's initial comeback, but others will confirm that a less-prominent renewal of interest in the band and accompanying TV show happened in the mid-70s when The Monkees enjoyed a healthy run in syndication. No doubt that gust of wind propelled Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones to team up with their prime songwriters - Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart - to tour. Of course, many people my age may remember what MTV did for them - good and bad. Sadly, with the recent passing of Davy Jones, we are reminded that subsequent reunions may become less likely with each passing year until the "final" reunion happens.

Back when MTV still aired music videos instead of tanned trash, they devoted a good amount of air time to Monkees reruns to commemorate their 20th anniversary. Long story short - the network gifted the Pre-Fab(ricated) Four with a new audience, myself included. Seriously, I had it bad - I bought all the Rhino reissued vinyl, I collected the Tiger Beat and 16 issues devoted to them, I subscribed to Monkee Business fanzine, and I begged my mother to let me and my friend Angie go to Gainesville to see their reunion show. Fifteen years old, and granted permission to take my first overnight trip without adult supervision - just me, Angie, and her older sister...all to moon over three men twice our age. I still regard that experience as one of the best in my teen years - I still have the program, and a stack of dark photos taken a mile away of three Monkees blurs walking across a stage.

Now, we can argue about music quality and whether or not The Monkees deserve to be mentioned in the same breath with "real" musicians. As I understand it, Mike and Peter came to the Monkees with some musical ability - it wasn't really an issue of the Monkees being unable to play their own instruments, but rather were they allowed. This is one issue discussed in Eric Lefcowitz's Monkee Business, which is (according to a listing on Amazon.com) a revised and expanded edition of his original book The Monkees Tale. I had not read the original version of Tale, which I will presume ended the story somewhere in the 70s since ads for the book had run on MTV during the mania period and therefore would not have included that comeback history. A similar book, Monkeemania by Glen A. Baker, came out around the same time and seemed more accessible - I'd received that one for Christmas instead of the requested Tale, but unfortunately I no longer have it. I'll have to rely upon my faded memories of that book and the Peter Tork chapter of Bruce Pollock's When the Music Mattered to make any comparisons to Monkees Business in terms of accuracy.

I recall Lefcowitz from the many "Monkee Minutes" that aired on MTV in the mid-80s. They seemed to set him up as the de facto expert on the band, and we'd learn little tidbits like the story behind the UK alternate title to the song "Randy Scouse Git," and how Stephen Stills auditioned for the group, etc. I came into Monkee Business knowing much of the trivia and hoped that a revised edition of Tale-cum-Monkee Business might offer deeper insight into the band's story. When you really think about it, The Monkees and the people behind the brand (Bob Rafelson, Bert Schneider, Don Kirscher, etc.) not only inspired much of what we see now on television and music ("boy bands", music videos) they pioneered practices that have influenced creative minds.

The TV series broke the "fourth wall" and allowed the band to speak to the public and expose the backdrop of their production. One scene where Micky leaves the set to talk to the show's writers probably worked as a gag on Family Guy at one point. I had hoped to read deep into the workings of the show and the creative process in the studio - one in which the group weren't necessarily encouraged to participate - but I have to admit Monkee Business left me wanting at times. The book was a quick read for me, one that gave the impression that I had read more of a detailed summary of The Monkees than a deep history.

To be fair, I'm writing this as somebody who went in knowing quite a bit about the show and group. A Monkees newbie may find Business a valuable source of information, and I will admit I learned a few things. I had not realized, for one, that many markets refused to air the show, and this contributed to lower Nielsen ratings. Also, while I'd assumed low ratings axed the series, I hadn't known that the group provided some push toward cancellation, and that the band still enjoyed some level of popularity in this time.

What struck me about the book, too, was the overall impression that most players in the story had been cast as unsympathetic. Rafelson and Schneider saw The Monkees mainly as a meal ticket and springboard toward better things (not untrue, Monkee profits in part allowed them to film Easy Rider and Five Easy Pieces), while the band members themselves clashed personally and professionally. The suggestion of a long-running tendency toward self-sabotage did help me understand the dramatic career nosedive in the late 60s and again in the mid-80s - it still amazes me to think that one broken commitment to MTV spurred the network to shun the band altogether and foil any hopes of a lengthy comeback. A scene in The Simpsons has Marge discussing The Monkees with her therapist, who bellows that The Monkees weren't about music, they were about "rebellion"! Reading Business, one can see how that rebellion affected them negatively.

So, did I like the book? Well, yes and no. For me, Business served as a way to rejuvenate memories of my teen years and my free-fall into 80s Monkeemania. As a book, it didn't offer anything new to me aside from a few points of trivia and the revised, updated content, which covered the various reunions and projects in the 90s and early 21st century that I missed. Even then, all points seemed glossed over - they did this TV special, they made that album. They argued and split up again. For me, an ideal book on The Monkees would cover detailed anecdotes of show production and interaction with guest stars, and even recollections of actors who appeared as guests (Rose Marie and Monte Landis are still kicking, surely they have something to contribute). I remember in Monkeemania, for example, an incident where Mike Nesmith left Carole King in tears that was only glossed over in Lefcowitz's book. Were there more clashes between the front group and the wrecking crew working behind the scenes? What toll did Monkeemania in the 60s and 80s have on their relationships with family?

If you know absolutely nothing about the Monkees beyond the music they made and have come here by way of a search on Davy Jones's passing looking for more information, you will probably find something to enjoy in Monkees Business. The die hard fan like the ones who ran the fanzines and now operate the websites probably have more insight on the guys and would view this as a simple primer. As the band might put it, it's a stepping stone.

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This poor little book needed a much better proofreader and editor than it had. Misused homophones abound, his prepositions are all over the shop, and like the Monkees themselves Lefcowitz takes his "mission" as biographer a tad too seriously. If he had only hired a decent proofreader, this fluffy read could have been bearable. As it stands, though--p. u.
Look, I was about 6 when The Monkees TV show was first aired. We kids loved it; it was funny and silly and the guys were cute and energetic, we loved their clothes and there were songs! but not for one moment did we (even at age 6) think they were a "real" rock and roll band. They were actors who signed on to play the part of musicians, but even elementary school kids knew it was TV, just like later we did not really think Jeannie (or anyone else) could cross her arms, blink her eyes and make things appear and disappear. When the show was cancelled we were a little disappointed, but that's how it goes in TV land. The Addams Family only lasted for 2 seasons, too, and it was a much better thought out production.
The odd thing is that even decades down the road, the Pre-Fab Four were unable to disengage themselves from what was after all only 2 seasons of a TV series. When I discovered that two of them were still trying to do "tribute concerts" after Jones' death, I could hardly believe it, but then I realised that there are lot of very elderly rock musicians out there still trying to capitalise on their 1960s-70s fame while they themselves are in their eighties. I can never decide whether such relics of the past have to keep performing because they've lived so lavishly they now have nothing to retire on, or whether they simply can't survive without the adulation of live concerts and meet-and-greets.
Lefcowitz makes no attempt to disguise his dislike of one or two of the band members, particularly Jones. His virulent bitchiness sounds a leetle bit like--what? Jealousy? Maybe.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.

I would have read this sooner if the audio version had come out when the print version did. As it is, it now needs a few chapters worth of updates, as there have been a few more tours, and sadly, we've lost two more Monkees. This is not the first book about the group I've read (although it's been at least a decade), so other than the behind-the-scenes info about 21st century tours, there weren't many surprises. It's a competently written, well-researched book, and worth a read.

I absolutely must mention the narrator of the audiobook (Othello Lofton). His rich baritone and extremely crisp diction made listening a pleasure. In fact, his voice reminded me of the days (including the time period when the Monkees originally aired) when the Big 3 U.S. tv networks had staff announcers whose voices could be heard between shows, usually promoting whatever was airing next. What caught my attention was that when Lofton would quote Davy Jones, he acquired just the barest hint of a British accent, and when he was quoting Mike Nesmith, he added the slightest Texas twang. I'm not even sure it was a conscious decision on Lofton's part, but it made me smile every time.

[Al Moe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable walk down a 1960s Memory Lane for me. The Monkees TV Show doesn't translate well to what's available on TV or video now, but for their time it was new-age, fun, and the pre-cursor to Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in.

As for the music, their top hits still bring back good memories and are part of my easy-listening playlist of '60s and '70s pop. So, why not hear more about the group's players?

Author Eric Lefcowitz is obviously a fan, and most endeared by Mickey Dolenz. That's not a problem. I felt the writing was even-handed and fair to the group and their managers, as well as the TV production group. There were no axes to grind.

Length-wise, the period from (most of the book) 1965 to 1970 is thorough and easy to read. It's informative, fairly complete, and interesting. The later part of the books as the bank breaks down, regroups, reemerges several times before finally ending, is a bit long and over-done.

All told, this is a fun read - and with Kindle Unlimited it's Free.

[Kelly Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of juicy nuggets. The author definitely favors Mickey -- or maybe Lefcowitz was self-conscious about writing anything disparaging about a living person. Mickey might just be the most easy-going fellow, especially when compared to his fellow Monkees. I was saddened to read how unhappy the boys seemed during their height of fame. And Davy's shallowness was quite disappointing. I learned a lot about my preteen self's favorite band. And I look forward to tracking down some of their post breakup projects (which were plentiful!) Good read if you enjoyed watching and/or listening to the Monkees. Otherwise, probably not much interest to nonfans.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very balanced look at the Monkees, the way that 4 strangers were brought together for a tv show and underrated as a manufactured, when they were so much more.

The personality clashes have often been hinted at during the years, but what is very clear is the group members despite their differences were very fond of each other and had a brotherly bond up until the untimely deaths of Davy Jones in 2012 and Peter Tork last year.

I would recommend this book if you are interested in 60s music and the Monkees.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been reliving my youth by delving back into my Monkee Mania days, and borrowed this book to enjoy some Monkees history. I was sadly disappointed.
The author claims to be a fan of the group, but has no issue with bashing them individually throughout the book. He seemed to level particular animosity towards the inarguably most popular Monkees, Davy Jones. Maybe I took umbrage with his attitude because I was madly in love with Davy in 1966 when I was 12. In any case, this was not the enjoyable read I had hoped for.

[jboyg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey, hey They Were The Monkees!

By far the best researched and fleshed out bio of the prefab four. You get a real feeling for the individual personalitiies and psychological drives causing the boys to do they want within their svengali like manager and producer straightjacket. Fascinating read for everybody who ever boogied along to Last Train To Clarksville. And yes, it's true Mike Nethsmith's mom invented liquid paper.

[Boni Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting but a bit brutal

With quotes and from my memories as a first generation fan this is pretty accurate. I liked learning details hidden for many years. My one big let down was the emphasis on the discord within the group. There were many instances over the years where they expressed some affection for each other as well. I would like to have seen it balanced out a bit more with that.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining biography of the Monkees. I found it to be a quick read, but that might be because I was reluctant to put it down when real life intruded. This book isn't all fun, though. The author covers the good times and the bad -- the many conflicts they had with each other, management, producers, etc. Parts of it were rather depressing, but I appreciated the honesty. I recommend it to any Monkees fan.

[Robert A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting reading

I’m a musician who came of age before the Monkees. I liked their music but disparaged them for being fabricated.
But learning how the recording industry worked and having the ability to record my own songs, and the fact that they strived to become a true performing band, I have more respect for them.

[Lisa Terwilliger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book did a great job of explaining the band starting and the early years and all of the controversy of them not playing their own instruments but it also made me so sad regarding their relationships with each other. I also loved how it pointed out each of their individual songs and talents. Makes me listen with a little more appreciation now.

[Miss Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Monkees fan going back to the early 70s. I was researching Monkees' biographies and opted for this one and was pleasantly surprised! It's an easy read and I blitzed through it in no time.
I learned about how musically talented they actually were, about their personal struggles, addictions and naughty behaviours; and lots more.
I loved this book and it gets a thumbs up from me.

[Jennifer Cheshier · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Monkees

This book gives insight on the true lives of 4 individuals, who were thrown together to make musical history. The outcome is absolutely the most honest I have ever read.

[Joyce E Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read on the beginning vs of a pop band

I enjoyed reading how The Monkees were created and how the producers and studio promoted them. It was also interesting to see how the boys fought to play their own instruments and music.

[John Jackse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. I was born in 1958. Great back stories

If you are in your 50s and 60s you’ll love this read I always wondered what really took place behind the scenes. Read it

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really surprised by some of the information!

There was a lot I didn't know about the Monkees. This was
a very informative book. I enjoyed it, but it did make me a
little sad. Kinda distorted some of my idea of the Monkees.
But I still love them anyway!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow.. I had no idea

I was one of those Tiny Boppers in 1966.. At 12 years old I loved The Monkees.. After reading this book I had no idea of all the Chaos that went on with the group...

[Bridgette Buck-Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super surprise here.....

I was super surprised at this book on the monkees. I passed on it a few times thinking it was a fanzine book but to my surprise it was an in-depth account of what these four guys went through....truly infighting indeed...

[Maria Gerardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super negative.
It didn't get Into any of the personal stories or anecdotes. It was very business like and told all of the guys' personality flaws. There was no balance. They can't be that bad.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you had no interest in the Monkees' TV show or music, their story is fascinating. All four of the Monkees experienced a rollercoaster ride of fame and fortune. From unimaginable wealth to dire poverty, the heights of fame to the depths of ignominy.

[Koren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few books by and about the Monkees. This one seemed to be the most unbiased and well-researched. Published in 2010, so before the deaths of Davy, Peter and Mike. This is mostly about the business side of the group and contains very little personal information.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated version of a must read for all Monkee fans, covering the loss of Davy Jones and the surprising reunion that followed.

[James Mcafee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best group ever

The band and the book is great
Everyone should get it
It brings back memories
And the songs are great