Peter Tork is the embodiment of the American dream. A talented young man rides the elevator to the pinnacle of popular success, has a downfall, hits the skids, faces his demons—overcomes them, and goes on doing what he loves best—playing music.

Perhaps best known for his role of Peter on The Monkees, he was relegated to playing the lovable dummy, even though he is actually a highly intelligent, literate person, as you’ll hear in this interview.

Peter surprised me by announcing his favorite Monkees‘ song is Riu Chiu. Peter claims it is the best, vocally, the group ever performed. It is an  A Cappella song.

Peter was most interested in the techniques of how The Monkees television show was made.

Peter gave an insightful overview of why The Monkees was so popular among young people. It was the first TV show about young adults without an authority figure. The Monkees were not depressed about the lack of authority. In fact, Peter contends the show reflected the times when authority was collapsing in the outside world.

Listen to the entire interivew here: