Mr. Pop History – Originally, it was headed by Don Kirschner, in a three-way corporate parlay with RCA Victor, Columbia Pictures and Screen Gems. Kirschner of course, was fresh off his “Brill Building” success and this would be his second major coming in the biz. His Brill Building partner – Al Nevons, had already passed away by this time – Summer of 1966.

The label was operated much like an independent – with Kirschner working closely with Steve Sholes – an a&r executive with RCA. After the Monkees broke with “Last Train To Clarksville” and “The Monkees” album, Kirschner primarily focused on signing songwriters for the TV quartet. At first, things went great. The single and album were selling lot hot cakes and follow-ups had big advance orders.

As all things must come to an end, it wasn’t long before Don Kirschner was out. It had to do with group dynamics and power plays. You can read that here on the Net, I’m sure.