Peter Tork

Peter Tork 1966 (cropped)

Peter Tork (born Peter Halsten Thorkelson; February 13, 1942 – February 21, 2019) was an American musician and actor, best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist of the Monkees, a pop-rock band and television series that achieved international fame in the 1960s.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Peter Tork was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Storrs, Connecticut. He was the son of Virginia Hope (née Straus) and Halsten John Thorkelson, an economics professor at the University of Connecticut. Tork began studying piano at the age of nine and later learned to play the guitar, bass, banjo, and other instruments.

Career[edit | edit source]

The Monkees[edit | edit source]

In 1965, Tork became a member of the Monkees, a band formed for the television series of the same name. The show, which aired from 1966 to 1968, was a major success and catapulted the band to fame. Tork played multiple instruments in the band, including bass guitar and keyboards. He also contributed vocals and songwriting to the group's albums.

Post-Monkees Career[edit | edit source]

After leaving the Monkees in 1968, Tork pursued a solo career and formed the band Release. He also worked as a high school teacher and participated in various reunion tours with the Monkees over the years. Tork continued to perform and record music until his death in 2019.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Tork was married four times and had three children. He was also known for his advocacy of various social and political causes, including environmentalism and education.

Death[edit | edit source]

Peter Tork passed away on February 21, 2019, at the age of 77, after a long battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Peter Tork is remembered as a talented musician and a beloved member of the Monkees. His contributions to music and television have left a lasting impact on popular culture.