Remembering Peter Tork: Beating the Life and Career of the Monkeys

10 July 2024, 14:31

Peter Tork was a truly remarkable figure in the music world.

Best known for his role as the lovable, quirky bassist of The Monkees, Peter Tork’s musical talents soon expanded to mastering the piano, guitar and banjo.

When the Monkees burst onto the scene in the mid-’60s, Peter quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his infectious smile and boyish charm.

Beyond the band, Peter’s talents were vast. He was a talented songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist, always keen to explore different musical avenues. After The Monkees, he explored various solo projects and collaborations, demonstrating his versatility and passion for music.

Peter’s love for performing never waned, and he continued to share his music with fans until his passing in 2019.

1. Where and when was Peter Tork born?

   

   Peter Tork was born on February 13, 1942 in Washington DC.

   His full name at birth was Peter Halston Thorkelson. He was the son of economics professor John Thorkelson and Virginia Hope, a homemaker.

   Peter had a relatively typical American upbringing, with an emphasis on education and the arts, which clearly influenced his musical talent. He had three siblings: Anne, Christopher and Nicholas.

2. How did he get his start in music and when did he join the Monkeys?

   

   Peter Tork’s journey into music began at a young age. He started playing the piano at just nine years old and later picked up the guitar and banjo.

   His passion for folk music led him to Greenwich Village in New York City in the early 1960s, where he became part of the vibrant folk music scene. It was there that he met Stephen Stills, who would later recommend Peter for a new TV show.

   In 1965, Peter auditioned for and won a role in The Monkees, a television show about a fictional rock band inspired by the Beatles.

   Peter joined bandmates Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Michael Nesmith, forming a quartet that would become pop culture icons.

   The Monkees quickly gained popularity, with Peter’s musical skills and charming personality playing an important role in their success both on-screen and off-screen.

3. What did he do outside the monkeys?

   

   Peter Tork “Pleasant Valley Sunday” (issue)

   
   
   

   Outside of the Monkees, Peter Tork had a varied and interesting career. After the show’s initial run ended, he continued to explore his musical interests.

   In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Peter formed a band called Release and pursued solo projects, showcasing his talent as a singer-songwriter.

   Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Peter participated in various Monkees reunion tours, delighting fans with live performances. He also formed a group called Peter Tork and The New Monks, which allowed him to perform and record new music.

   In addition, Peter was involved in several other musical collaborations, including his work with the band Shoe Suede Blues, where he played blues and folk music, demonstrating his versatility as a musician.

   Peter also dabbled in acting, making guest appearances on TV shows and taking part in occasional theater productions. Her passion for music education led her to teach piano and guitar, sharing her knowledge and love for music with students.

4. Was he married and did he have children?

   Peter Tork married four times during his life.

   He was first married to Jodi Babb in 1960, but it was short-lived. In 1973, he married Reign Stewart, with whom he had a daughter, Hailey. That marriage also ended in divorce.

   Peter later married Barbara Ainoli in 1975 and they had a son named Ivan before divorcing in 1987.

   His fourth marriage was to Pamela Grapes in 2013, and they remained together until her death in 2019.

   In addition to his two children from his marriages, Peter also had a third child, a daughter named Erica, from a relationship with Tammy Sestek.

5. When and how did he die?

   

   Peter Tork passed away on February 21, 2019 at the age of 77.

   He was battling adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer that usually affects the salivary glands. Peter was diagnosed with the disease in 2009 and bravely battled it for almost a decade.

   Despite his illness, he continued to perform and connect with his fans as much as possible, demonstrating his enduring passion for music and resilience in the face of adversity.