Nearly 60 years after its release, Micky Dolenz still recalls the excitement and uncertainty surrounding The Monkees’ first single, “Last Train to Clarksville.” The 80-year-old drummer and vocalist recently marked the anniversary of the 1966 hit, reflecting on how the track transformed the television-made band into a pop culture phenomenon.

“Hard to believe, but ‘Last Train to Clarksville’ first rolled out this month back in 1966,” Dolenz shared. “It was our debut single, and I was lucky enough to sing lead. We didn’t know what to expect, but by November it had climbed all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.” According to Parade, the chart-topping debut was a pivotal moment that turned The Monkees from a TV concept into a legitimate band.

More Than Just A Pop Song

While many fans

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