Posted on 02/21/2019 8:32:11 AM PST by Red Badger
Peter Tork, a blues and folk musician who became a teeny-bopper sensation as a member of the Monkees, the wisecracking, made-for-TV pop group that imitated and briefly outsold the Beatles, died Feb. 21. He was 77.
His death was confirmed by his sister Anne Thorkelson, who did not say where or how he died. Mr. Tork was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer affecting his tongue, in 2009.
If the Monkees were a manufactured version of the Beatles, a “prefab four” who auditioned for a rock-and-roll sitcom and were selected more for their long-haired good looks than their musical abilities, Mr. Tork was the group’s Ringo, its lovably goofy supporting player.
On television, he performed as the self-described “dummy” of the group, drawing on a persona he developed while working as a folk musician in Greenwich Village, where he flashed a confused smile whenever his stage banter fell flat. Off-screen, he embraced the Summer of Love, donning moccasins and “love beads” and declaring that “nonverbal, extrasensory communication is at hand” and that “dogmatism is leaving the scene.”
A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Mr. Tork mostly played bass and keyboard for the Monkees, in addition to singing lead on tracks including “Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again,” which he wrote for the group’s psychedelic 1968 movie, “Head,” and “Your Auntie Grizelda.”
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
RIP. I think that leaves Micky Dolenz as the last surviving Monkee.
Oh, gosh, I remember watching the show like it was yesterday. I must be old.
What a shame. He seemed like a nice guy who actually seemed to grow wiser and learn things from his hippie experience. RIP.
Mike Nesmith. Not dead yet.
‘I think that leaves Micky Dolenz as the last surviving Monkee.’
Mike Nesmith is still around...I believe he and Dolenz are appearing in Atlantic City sometime soon...
This one saddens me. I don’t care about most “famous people’ obituaries, but this one hit me differently for some reason. And it’s not just because I’m a bass player.
For some reason I thought he was; thanks.
Just damn. The Monkees were a big part of my childhood. Wish I still had my Monkees bubble gum cards. RIP Peter.
Peter was my favorite Monkee.
Many memories. Still have a MONKEEs album...................
RIP. I still have an autographed album.
Mike Nesmith. Not dead yet.
is actually the name of his latest album
Loved that show...yes, I’m getting old!
He’s on the last train to Clarksville ...
“Oh, gosh, I remember watching the show like it was yesterday. I must be old.”
Hey, Hey with the Monkeys!
Mike Nesmith is still alive....................
My stepson, who married a Japanese girl from a small town—a village really. He’s 6’5” and really sticks out like a sore thumb. The people there would openly stare at him—even bringing out the kids to have a look. He took to singing aloud, “Hey, hey we’re the gaijin, always waling around...”
RIP, Peter.
Mike Nesmith is still around.
Here we come, walking down the street...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.