Very sad news today as we received the news that Peter Tork of The Monkees has passed via this heartfelt statement from Mark Pinkus, the head of Rhino Records, who are the long-time home of The Monkees catalogue. 

“All of us at Rhino are devastated to hear the sad news of Peter Tork’s passing. Peter was truly a part of the Rhino family and we had the privilege of collaborating with him on dozens of Monkees albums and tours for the last three decades. His talent, charm, and humor were undeniable and he had the rare privilege of bringing joy and music to multiple generations. From his early days in Greenwich Village, to the heights of Monkeemania, to his Shoe Suede Blues band, Peter enjoyed a rich life as an incredibly gifted musician and songwriter. He has left us with a plethora of amazing songs and memories that will be endlessly remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans around the world.” 

In an interview with Peter Tork in 2017, he talked about his early days and the music scene that not only surrounded him, but one he helped shape;

"I was thrilled to be a Greenwich Village folkie back in the early days before The Monkees and hang out with John Sebastian, Richie Havens, Steve Stills, Jose Feliciano and Jim – later Roger – McGuinn. Those guys who were on the street with me, it was just wonderful to be part of that. Then I go west, get involved with The Monkees and find many of the same people as well as new ones – The Mamas and The Papas – and to be part of all that, oh my gosh. To be in that scene and meet The Beatles on a not-quite-equal social footing but in a cordial environment where I’m not a supplicant fan kowtowing - which I would have done if I had too! – on a social basis, I’ve led a very charmed life and it’s almost as much as I could have hoped for."

RIP Peter Tork and thank you for the songs. 

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