This “Stand Out Single” was the first for The Monkees!
“Last Train to Clarksville” / “Take a Giant Step” was the debut single by The Monkees, released on August 16, 1966, just weeks before their television show premiered on NBC. The single was issued by Colgems Records (catalog number 1001), with “Last Train to Clarksville” as the A-side and “Take a Giant Step” as the B-side.
The Monkees, once derided as artificial, ultimately earned critical reevaluation for their enduring catalog, artistic resilience, and cultural impact, culminating in a richly documented legacy of hit singles, successful albums, and beloved performances spanning more than half a century.
The musical journey of the Monkees began with four young men from disparate backgrounds, each with varying degrees of musical and performance experience, who came together through a unique convergence of television and pop music. Before their union as a group, each member had carved out individual paths that would ultimately shape the dynamic of the Monkees.
