On 8th of September 1965 small ads in Daily Variety and Hollywood Reporter attracted 437 young men interested in forming the world’s first manufactured boy band, “The Monkees.” Three are chosen, with British actor-singer Davy Jones already cast.

Madness!! Auditions. Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running parts for 4 insane boys, age 17–21. Want spirited Ben Frank’s-types. Have courage to work. Must come down for interview

The Monkees were just a made up band for a TV series but became so successful in their own right. International hits, four chart-topping albums and three chart-topping songs (“Last Train to Clarksville“, “I’m a Believer“, and “Daydream Believer“), they sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

The sitcom aired from 1966 to 1968.