10 Monkees Songs With Micky Dolenz’s Magic

Micky Dolenz, son of actor George Dolenz from the 1956 TV series The Count of Monte Cristo, began acting young. At 10, he starred as Corky in Circus Boy (1956-1958) under the name Micky Braddock. His early roles included appearances in Mr. Novak and Peyton Place.

A major career shift occurred in 1966 when Dolenz auditioned for The Monkees, a new TV show. Despite lacking formal musical training, Dolenz impressed the audience with his drumming skills, landing the role of drummer and lead vocalist. The Monkees aired from 1966 to 1969 and saw great success before disbanding in 1970. Dolenz made occasional TV appearances until the band’s 1986 reunion. Besides music, Dolenz has appeared in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and The Brady Bunch Movie.

Here are ten standout Monkees songs featuring Micky Dolenz’s distinctive touch:

Last Train to Clarksville
Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, this track, recorded at RCA Victor Studio B in Hollywood on July 25, 1966, was released on August 16. Its catchy tune and engaging lyrics became a hallmark of The Monkees’ early success.

She
Another creation by Boyce and Hart, this song opened The Monkees’ second album, More of The Monkees. Its upbeat tempo and melodic charm helped them earn their place in pop music.

(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
Also penned by Boyce and Hart, this track was originally intended for The Raiders but was first released by them on their 1966 album, Midnight Ride. The Monkees’ version became a hit in its own right.

Randy Scouse Git
Inspired by a Beatles party in the UK, this song references Cass Elliott and Samantha Juste, who would later become Mrs. Dolenz. It reflects the playful and personal touch Dolenz brought to the band’s music.

Daily Nightly
Written by Michael Nesmith, this song was released in 1967 and featured Dolenz showcasing his new Moog synthesizer, highlighting his adaptability and innovation within the band.

P.O. Box 9847
The final track on this list written by Boyce and Hart appeared on the album The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees. This 1968 song continued the band’s trend of memorable and engaging music.

Shorty Blackwell
Named after Dolenz’s cat, Dolenz described this 1969 song as his attempt to create something akin to A Day in the Life. It’s a testament to his creativity and desire to experiment with music.

Mommy and Daddy
Featured on the album The Monkees Present, this track didn’t chart but remains a noteworthy example of Dolenz’s musical magic.

Heart and Soul
Included in the 1987 reunion album Pool It, this song reminded fans that Dolenz’s musical talents were still strong, even if it didn’t achieve commercial success.

Terrifying
As a bonus track on the Monkees’ 2016 reunion album Good Times!, this song demonstrated that Dolenz’s voice had aged gracefully, continuing to captivate listeners with its enduring charm.