Happy Birthday Mike and Davy!

 

December 30 is the birthday of both Robert Michael Nesmith AND David Thomas Jones. Mike was born on December 30, 1942 and Davy followed three years later.

According to history, more than 400 young men tried out for The Monkees' casting call. How odd is it that *two* of the guys who made it share the same birthday? Of course, Davy Jones was already contracted Screen Gems records, so he was already in. But then producers Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson chose Mike. And this is why the Monkees' fourth album was called Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, & Jones, Ltd. Until I knew that Davy and Mike were *both* Capricorns, I though Davy was getting the short-end of the stick.

Did you see what I did there? I made a short joke.

Although Davy and Mike shared a birthday, that's about all they shared. Mike was tall and Texan. Davy was short and British. Mike was "the musician" of the group. Davy was the "Broadway actor" of the group (he  played The Artful Dodger in OLIVER! before joining the Monkees). Mike was "the leader." Davy was mostly just a "follower," not wanting to rock the boat.

 Oddly enough, because Micky sang most of the songs and Peter didn't sing almost any, Mike and Davy were responsible for many of the best Monkees songs.

Don't believe me? Well, Davy sang lead on I Wanna Be Free, Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow), A Little Bit Me, Forget That Girl, Shades of Gray, Daydream Believer, Cuddly Toy, Star Collector, and Valleri.

Mike sang (and usually had a hand in writing) Papa Gene's Blues, Sweet Young Thing, You Told Me, You Just May Be The One, The Door Into Summer, What Am I Doing Hanging 'Round, and Listen To The Band.

 

David Bowie changed his name because his birth name was "Jones."

Michael Nesmith's mother was a secretary who created "Liquid Paper."

Davy Jones, of course, passed away on February 29, 2012. I still can't believe he's gone. He's eternally young and fun on the endless reruns of THE MONKEES. And of course, with all the great music.  

Happy Birthday, Mike Nesmith! 

May you enjoy many many more!

Happy Birthday, Davy Jones! 

We miss you, sir.... 

"You Just May Be The One" was written by Mike and recorded for the HEADQUARTERS album in March, 1967. 

"Daydream Believer" went to Number One in the US the week of Dec 2, 1967. Another reason to make December Monkee Month! It was written by former Kingston Trio member Jon Stewart.