Died On This Date (December 12, 2011) Bert Schneider / Created “The Monkees” TV Show
themusicsover Bert Schneider
May 5, 1933 – December 12, 2011
Bert Schneider was an American movie producer whose credits include Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, and The Last Picture Show. His contribution to pop music was huge and came by way of The Monkees television series he created with Bob Rafelson in 1966. The weekly comedy followed the hi-jinks of a fictional rock band as they tried to build a music career in Los Angeles. The show starred Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith as the band loosely based on the Beatles. The show obviously launched their music careers even though in the beginning, they contributed very little musically. Many of the program’s songs, which were showcased like music videos every week, became hits and future staples of oldies radio. They included “(Theme From) The Monkees,” “Last Train To Clarksville,” and “I’m A Believer.” The show won two Emmys in 1967 and continued on in reruns ever since. Bert Schneider was 78 when he died of natural causes on December 12, 2011.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.