The concept behind the Monkees sitcom, which aired on NBC between 1966 to 1968, was a madcap rock band, based loosely on the Beatles video style as seen in a “Hard Days Night” and “Help."  They were to be strictly a studio band with professional musicians and songwriters creating their songs (“Pleasant Valley Sunday” by Carole King), (“I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond) all coordinated by Don Kirshner a renowned rock producer.

Problem…The Monkees thought they were a real band, and in 1967 escaped from their contract with Kirshner and shot to stardom ... just like real bands do.

Don Kirshner made a comeback, in 1968, producing the “Archie Show” for TV.  This time the characters were a fictional cartoon band and they immediately charted the Billboard number one hit, of 1969, “Sugar Sugar”.  Kirshner celebrated with a great quote: “I finally found a group that won’t talk back to me.”

Travel back to 1971 and learn about the stories behind songs like, "Sugar Sugar" and a cornucopia of rock sounds from the country-tinged songs of John Denver to the romantic soul stylings of Barry White.

This episode includes the stories behind songs like these:

1. “I Honestly Love You” - Olivia Newton John

2. “Then Came You” - The Spinners

3. “I’ve Been Searching So Long” - Chicago

4. “Call On Me” - Chicago

5. “Hooked On A Feeling” - ABBA

6. “Sunshine On My Shoulders” - John Denver

7. “Annies Song” - John Denver

8. “The Most Beautiful Girl” - Charlie Rich

9. “You’re My First, My Last, My Everything” - Barry White

10. “Kung Fu Fighting” - Carl Douglas

11. “Cats In The Cradle” - Harry Chapin

12. “Rock Me Gently” - Andy Kim