After seeing the Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night, filmmakers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider hoped to bring a rock 'n' roll group to TV — hence, the Monkees. Considered the first "manufactured" boy band, each member was known for a specific (not necessarily true) personality trait, and critics called them a made-for-TV knockoff of the Beatles. Eventually, the group ended up playing instruments and writing several of their own songs.
Popular hits:
- "I'm a Believer"
- "Daydream Believer"
- "Last Train to Clarksville"
