1. The Monkees
Some might argue that The Monkees were a band, first and foremost who happened to have a television show when truthfully it was the other way around. To those people I say I can't hear you, it's the internet, not a phone. The Monkees were a fictional band name without players, an America television executive's answer to the Beatles. Given the green light after the success of the Beatles's Hard Day's Night, the Monkees went into production in 1965 and ran from 1966-68, with singles from the TV series released onto radio. The pilot's theme song wasn't even sung by the true Monkees, who were not yet musically ready for such a task and so other singer's voices were substituted in. There was extensive touring with the 'fictional' band until 1970, followed by numerous reunion concerts/tours to this day, 45 years later. The formation of the band followed the tried and true method of a bunch of friends just getting together in an open space and jamming while drinking beer and discussing how great Tom Jones was. Wait..no, sorry, my bad. Davy Jones was already a signed contract player to the studio producing the show, Michael Nesmith answered the casting call that was looking for 'musical types' in the Hollywood Reporter, Peter Tork learned of the auditions through word of mouth of a fellow musician who had been already rejected and Micky Dolenz, who had previous TV and musical experience learned of the casting through his agent. In a complete departure from how bands actually are formed, the actors musical abilities were based on what the cameras and executives saw, not where there talents lay. Davy Jones was considered the best drummer, but it was felt that he was 'too short' to play the drums on television so Dolenz was taught how to play the basics during pre-production. They were one of the world's most pre-packaged managed bands in way that makes Lady Gaga, Britney Spears or One Direction pale in comparison. Out of all the superficiality of their beginnings, the Monkees did manage to come together and bring out some great singles during their run, including Last Train to Clarksville, Daytime Believer and I'm a Believer. They have often been quoted as having influenced musicians ranging from the Beach Boys to Tom Petty to Kurt Cobain and in a small footnote in musical history, gave the Jimi Hendrix Experience their first big break, letting him open for them in 1967. And what better way to end an article on music than with a classic from a real legend of rock. who may or may not have existed if you believe in the conspiracy I just made up.