Mr. Pop History – Even though “The Monkees” was a show about a rock band, pop history tells us that David Jones, Mickey Dolenz, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork stood on their own early on. “The Monkees” TV show debuted in September of 1966, but just a few short months later, the boys were performing in Hawaii. So, they could play. OK – Mickey had to learn the drums in a short time, but the other three had terrific music credentials and didn’t have to act like they were playing and signing. Actually, Mickey was a great pop singer in his own rite.
They came to New York and Forest Hills during the summer of 1967 (a great concert summer for the Monkees BTW). The WMCA Goodguys and Dick Clark presented them – and I was told they were great!
Mr. Pop History – With over 4 million in sales, the winner is Vaughn Meader’s “The First Family” album. People couldn’t get enough of John F. Kennedy, his family and staff. First played over station 1010WINS in November of 1962 (thanks www.mrpopculture.com).
Here’s something from my December 15, 1962 week:
Records – seems like “The First Family” by Vaughn Meader is one of the hottest records albums ever. People are lining up at record stores to purchase the album. Also, Allan Sherman’s “My Son, The Folk Singer” is getting lots of attention. Both Sherman and Meader are new to records. It’s reported that Sherman is receiving 60 cents for every album sold, Meader – 50 cents. “The First Family” is a parody of the Kennedy White House, with Meader doing a great imitation of JFK. Sales of the album have surpassed 3 million.
Mr. Pop History – This is easy. It was Aerosmith’s “Head First” back in 1994.
Mr Pop History – Yes, getting ready for the finished Mr. Pop site. Lot’s of work – but – all the weeks will finally be in place. And much more.
AM radio – Thought it should have gone away 15 years ago. It’s so noisy and antiquated. It had its place, but stations should have moved to another FM band – or at least, the industry should have had a plan. With its big towers and (mostly) directional signals – it just seems to me that its plan smarter to move everything to the higher frequencies – where most can compete with equal power. It was fun in the old days with distant signals and such. But today – it just doesn’t make sense it is not compatible with the digital/high tech world.
Mr. Pop History – “Let It Be” was produced by Phil Spector. Martin did all the others. Most of the tracks for “Let It Be” were made much earlier – even before their previous album – “Abbey Road.” 
Mr. Pop History – It would be a great move for Howard. He’d be the perfect replacement for Simon Cowell and I know the producers want to do it, and so does Howard Stern.
Now, it’s all about money – but producers have an edge in that – Howard not only wants this – he needs this.
I think it will happen. But, let’s see. Thanks www.mrpopculture.com 
Mr. Pop History – He allowed his deputy to have just one bullet – which he kept in his shirt pocket. 
Mr. Pop History – When The Kennedy Center Honors were paying tribute to Dolly Parton, Jessica Simpson flubbed the words to Parton’s “9 to 5.” She became so flustered, she fled the stage. She was given a second chance at the song by producers – but no go. This was in 2006.
Mr. Pop History – Combining the best of the old UPN and WB networks – “The CW” debuted in 2006. CBS – which was overseeing the conversion, had other names in mind such as “NOW,” “REV” and “JO.” Why CW?
Because the company took a poll and 48% of those between 18 and 34 liked “the sound” of the two-letter combination. Nothing more! 
Mr. Pop History – Crowell was ticked off that Clarkson wouldn’t let new “Idol” contestants use any of her (second album) songs. Here’s the mention in an upcoming www.mrpopculture.com week.
And – all the weeks of the 2000’s should be up by February 21. Get ready for some excitement!
Music news –
“American Idol” judge Simon Cowell isn’t happy that winner Kelly Clarkson isn’t allowing songs from her “Breakaway” album – her second – to be used by new American Idol contestants. “No matter how talented Kelly Clarks is, she would not be n the position she’s in now without winning this show. It’s the public who bothered to pickup the phone to vote for her. If she refuses to give songs to be used on the show, it’s like saying to every person who voted for you, ‘You know what? thank you. I’m not interested in you anymore.’”
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