Carl Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 To the best of my knowledge, this has been recorded by Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Monkees and Run DMC. I think Peter Tork wrote it, but would like to find out more. Anyone know the history of this song? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daslied Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 I believe, actually, that Michael Nesmith wrote it. But that's all I know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 I believe, actually, that Michael Nesmith wrote it. But that's all I know... Yes, it´s Michael Nesmith´s... and that´s all I know too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawna Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 As big of a Monkees freak as I am, I'm able to find nothing that directly relates to "Mary Mary." I found gobs of information on Michael Nesmith, but nowhere in any of his message boards, interview transcripts or liner notes does he say anything about that particular song. Sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earth-Angel Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Written in July 1966 at Western Recorders Studio #2 - Hollywood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daslied Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Here's a little more info, though none of it really has anything to do with the genesis of the song: Vocals: Micky Dolenz Guitar: James Burton, Glen Campbell, Al Casey, Michael Deasy, & Don Peake Bass: Bob West & Larry Knechtel Piano: Michael Cohen Drums: Hal Blaine & Jim Gordon Percussion: Gary Coleman Arranged By: Donald Peake Produced By: Michael Nesmith Recorded At: Western Recorders, Hollywood Date: July 25, 1966 The sessions for The Monkees' second album actually coincided with the last session for their debut. As Boyce & Hart were holding sessions at RCA, Nesmith was holding a session nearby at Western. Micky sang "Mary, Mary" which was released on their second album. The mono and stereo mixes of the song differ slightly. Once again, arranger Don Peake played guitar along with James Burton, Al Casey, Michael Deasy, and for the lead, Glen Campbell. Michael Cohen played piano; Larry Knechtel and Bob West handled bass work; Hal Blaine and Jim Gordon played drums; and Gary Coleman was the percussionist. --- It also appeared in this episode of "The Monkees", the TV show: I've Got A Little Song Here Original Airdate - 11/28/66 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawna Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 I read that, Das, and thought about posting it... alas, I stumbled on my task. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daslied Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 You're the wiser of us; it has nothing to do with Carl's question, but I just couldn't not say something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonJonSurfer Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Anybody have Mike Nesmith's e-mail address? Let's ask him directly. BTW, this is a nice little song too. All of the songs Nesmith wrote were well crafted, catchy tunes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewYorkMets9 Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Gary Coleman was the Monkees percussionist? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 (edited) Really ! Wha' chu talkin' 'bout , Das ?! ( Sorry , RJ , got the wrong name ... ) Edited January 17, 2006 by Guest Correction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonJonSurfer Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 I've never seen an unanswered question at SF...we have too much clout here...somebody must know how to get to Mike and ask him about Mary Mary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 As usual, RJ is right... if I lived in America I´m certain I would finally get his number or adress and get an interview with him. Besides, an old glory loves it when people remember him. And they love to talk about themselves and their art. You wouldn´t believe how many times I got to meet my top stars -when I was very young, not working still- just by saying ."Hi, I work for blahblah magazine and I´d love to ask a few questions!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Seeker Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 I always thought they had loads and loads of percussionists and keyboard players and whatnot...loads of session men anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawna Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 here's what I was able to find about Michael Nesmith's e-mail address. This is through his homepage: nez@primenet.com. Anyone who wants to e-mail him - go for it! But he says on his Web site that he checks his e-mails only every two weeks or so, and doesn't reply to everything... someone had written him asking about his song lyrics, and here is his response (from his Web site): "LA in the mid 60's was strange. The songs I wrote during that period were uniformly reviled. Producers and such (like Bob Krasnow) wanted me to record "hits"... a kinda of 'buy low, sell high' wisdom... and so rejected my own songwriting in favor of those early singles, etc. Then, when The Monkees came along my songs were only allowed on the records to humor me, the 'music side' of the show having been promised to Tommy and Bobby. However, none of the songs you mention were even considered for the show. Bert and Bob wanted 'hits' too. Of course they were right in some way. I don't think the show would have been the same without the early Boyce and Hart material. Clarkesville WAS a hit, even before we even hit the air. Yet, to this day I have never conciously written a "hit' since I generally ignore the politics and conventions of the times. I wouldn't know a hit song if it bit me. I seem to be getting worse at this too...wait till you hear The Garden. It's all instrumental. So the early material is more about producers trying to catch a hit, rather than the message or artistry of a singer or a song, and that's why it's so poor and why it makes me cringe a little. Baby pictures, but in some weird make-up. nez" and here's his Web address for anyone who wants to take a look... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonJonSurfer Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Shawna, your the best. I will use my charm, wit and intelligence in writing to Mike. When he notes I have none of those I'll beg. Seriously though, I'll e-mail the question on behalf of Songfacts in hopes that Mike can answer Carl's original questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrCowbell Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 I like the Run DMC version: "Mary Mary, why ya buggin'?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Shawna, your the best. I will use my charm, wit and intelligence in writing to Mike. When he notes I have none of those I'll beg. Seriously though, I'll e-mail the question on behalf of Songfacts in hopes that Mike can answer Carl's original questions. Once again, you´re always right. Shawna is the best! Maybe Michael Nesmith would like to register too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Laurie_ Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 oooh that would be great Edna if Mike registers with us.....He can play 55's quiz with us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawna Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 Shawna is the best! I'm honored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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