Gone Country 3: Micky Dolenz
Micky Dolenz is one of the celebrities participating in this season of Gone Country 3. He shares his thoughts about the upcoming experience.
My name is Micky Dolenz and obviously most of the people are going to know me from the television show, where I played the wacky drummer, called The Monkees. I've done just about everything in the business, from producing and directing, writing, performing, and most recently I've been doing a lot of Broadway musical theater. I did Aida, the Elton John/Tim Rice musical for two years, I just did the revival of Pippin, a famous musical, I did Grease, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum -- recently I've been doing a lot of that. Also on the road doing concerts, three or four a month doing fly dates with my band. And when I'm in Los Angeles, mostly my day job is developing and producing and directing television shows and movies.
Originally I didn't want to do this show because I don't like reality shows. Most of them are mean-spirited with all that backstabbing kind of competition stuff and contrived drama and conflict. So originally when they approached me, I just sort of turned it down flat. And then the agent encouraged me to watch a few episodes and I did, and I realized that this show is not like that. It's not mean spirited, it's fun and kind of upbeat, and most importantly, there is a goal at the end which is to write some country tunes with some Nashville writers and to perform.
Unbeknownst to many people, 90% of the songs I've ever written are country songs. And I've never had the opportunity to have them released or exploited because people assume I'm a wacky drummer from an old TV show. On top of that, my mom was from Austin, Texas, and I grew up in California on a ranch. I was riding a horse when I was four, and I'm an expert rider, I've done team penning and cutting horse and polo and jumping and all the other equestrian activities, and I'm also an expert shot with the rifle or hand gun. And I go out every year and backpack over the Sierra Nevadas out in the wilderness, so in many ways my lifestyle has been very country, even though it was on the west coast. I went in to talk to the producers of the show and I brought all this up because I said the traditional impression of me is obviously is this wacky drummer from an old TV show. But my real life is considerably different. And I wondered how that would fit in to this format and he didn't seem to think that would be a problem. I've been kind of a closet country western fan for many years and I'm coming out of the closet, shall we say.
This is a dream come true, the chance to work with someone like John Rich of course, the chance to work with Nashville songwriters, and this is kind of a short hand way to get into that world. Earlier on, I was a huge Johnny Cash fan when I was younger, but even before that I remember, because of my mom, watching old Gene Autry and Roy Rogers movies and listening to the Sons of the Pioneers, and then of course Marty Robbins. And invariably when I write ...I play guitar, that's my instrument, and every time I write a song, it ends up as a country song. I've watched the show and I've seen what actually goes on. I'm looking forward to the songwriting process and the performing. As far as living with a bunch of strangers in a house, I don't think I'm going to mind that so much. The thing that I'm going to find the most annoying is all the cameras around 24/7 because I'm a very private person -- otherwise I probably would have been doing these shows a long time ago. But I guess you get used to it. My fans will watch the show because they are my fans. Fan will watch whatever you do. They may not like it, but they'll watch. What I'm hoping is to generate a new set of fans through the country music world, but I never really think about what my fans are going to think. I don't think you can really approach your art or your craft or music of whatever in that way, trying to double think or second guess or sort of reverse engineer your career from what you hope people will like. Like Ricky Nelson said, "You can't please everyone, you gotta please yourself," and I think that's sort of the way I look at it. You do what you do, you do what you love, build it and they will come. And if they like it, fine, if they don't, there's not a whole lot you can do about it. And you can't please everybody all the time.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
scarfy says:
Micky thanks for writing this blog. Its very touching and telling. good luck to micky and i hope he wins lol lol. cant wait too see the show. lots hugs and kisses going his way.
scarfy says:
Always remember don’t let any of the negatives get you down, only think of the positives. A person can do anything they dream they can. Wow giving micky dolenz advice . Now thats something.
Victoria says:
Hi Micky,
Thank you so much for writing this blog. I have been a fan of yours since I was 7 (i’m 40 now). You’re such an inspiration and I always admired you.
Thank you for who you are and what you have done. You do make a difference in this world.
Sincerely,
Victoria
Schmiddy (yeah, THAT Schmiddy) says:
Go Micky go!
I’ve got my monkey on the Monkee!!!
Christine says:
I adore you Micky. I’m not so sure I could buy you as a country artist. I think it’s because you do so well at pop and rock. But so help me, I will actually watch this show. Only for you. And then I’ll cry.
Pam says:
I can buy you as country. But, I’ll never forget the 60’s either. Good Luck!
Dawn says:
ROCK on, Micky! Enjoy the experience of it all.♥
Rachael says:
Good luck Micky and thanks for the blog!
27 says:
Good luck, Mr. Dolenz. I will be rooting for you only because my mom loves you. She normally dosn’t like watching CMT, but now that you’re going to be on, she’s all about watching Gone Country. Thanks!
BettyAnna says:
Good luck, Micky! I wish I had saved my old posters bet they’re worth a fortune now!
Deb says:
I have watched you since I was young and you have always been my favorite of the group. I think you are more talented that you let on. I think you could do a great country song! Am looking forward to Fridays! Best of luck!!!
Miranda says:
Good Luck Micky, you’ll do Great! :)
TEE-SHIRT LADY says:
Think back Micky … tee shirt lady … yeah that one! I can’t wait to see you on this show … I know you will do well, the best of luck my friend …
Love ya, TSL
SaveTheTPC says:
Hi Micky! I am one of those fans you mention who will love you no matter what you do and will watch you on this show just because you are on it even though I usually don’t watch reality shows. I really like what you wrote about your reasons for doing the show, why you didn’t originally want to do it, and what made you change your mind. I hope this show will provide you with an opportunity to release some of your more country-oriented songs that you mention. I would love to hear them, and I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing you on this show!
candy says:
It’s always a joy to hear you sing or watch you perform, Micky! Thanks for spending time with us, and WIN!
Kristie says:
Hi Micky!!! I seen you in person back in 1982 with Davy and Peter. I love hearing you sing and watching you You rule Micky and go give them a run for their money I know you will!!!! Be watching from day one.
Deborah says:
Micky,
I love the fact that you will post a blog to your fans. You have always been #1 with me. I will be at work when it airs in my area of Florida, but I will try and find a clip on UTube so I can burn it on a DVD. PS Try and do another concert at Ruth Eckerd in Clearwater, Florida so your fans here can come see you! :)
Cindy Smith says:
Dear Micky,
I’ve been a fan of yours for many years, it’s going to be great getting to SEE you on T.V. again. I think you really could win this, I’ve seen you in concert many times and I find you to be very entertaining and engaging. Best of Luck and PLEASE be careful on that mechnical bull, your not a Spring Prarie Chicken anymore.
Scarfy says:
Age only matters if your cheese !
Susie Self says:
Here he comes….Hey! Hey! It’s Mickey and he has something to say….so you better get ready hes, “Gone Country”! And he is going to be AWESOME!! you have alot of talent ..show them whatcha got!!But just be You! Thats the most important thing to remember.Still a fan after all these years…since I was 12…so thats about 40!! :o)
Renee Rhoades-Lembcke says:
Oh my Lord, I am so excited for you AND for us fans!!! I am a Monkee Momma from waaaay back, got most of the old records plus the reunion one. I remember the guff you guys took because (SHOCK!) you all didn’t play every instrument and sing every damed part on every record. (Like who ever did and does? Maybe Bobby McFerin on “Don’t Worry Be Happy” and that’s about it.) Got warm FUZZY memories of you and the guys’ journey into psychedia. (Loved the Nehru shirts and your ‘fro!!!)
But sir, I did NOT know you wrote country music at all! I thought that was Mike Nesmith’s gig. Did you and he ever write any together? Gee, it’d be terrific now if that could someday happen. I don’t know if Mike is even into music anymore these days. :( I will so look forward to buying your C&W record now ‘cuz I have no doubt you can win it. Any of your co-stars make a serious mistake if they blow you off and underestimate what you bring to the table. God Bless, Mick! (PS I nearly S@@@ myself laughing when you appeared on General Hospital. Was Tony Geary as crazy to work with as I picture and by any chance did you guys keep in touch at all? LOL)
Scarfy says:
just saw the first episode and its going to be so hard too see an y of you lose mick. all you entertainers are so talented. good luck to all of you. I wonder ho w richard was a room mate lol lo l
Kim says:
I enjoyed reading your blog, Micky. I look forward to watching you durung this endeavor. I’ll be rooting for you!Kim,
Doris says:
Mickey I am so pumped that you are on Gone Country 3.
When I heard you were going to be on the show-I knew I was going to be watching it.
I have a copy of your Love Light single. I have always said that single and the flip side that you wrote Alica are country songs.
I wish you only the best!!
Kim B says:
Keep your head up high Micky.You will succeed because you believe in yourself.
Lynn Fischer says:
Micky….You ROCKED the show!
I’m so excited to see you on tv again….
Please release a new album!
TINA S. says:
You’re the best Micky. The show was great! Just for the record, I know you’re not trying to get back Monkee fans, because we’ve never left(I’ve been one since 1966). And as for your last chance, these people obviously don’t know you! You’re definitely a cat with more than nine lives. By the way, it was great seeing you at Railroad Days in West Chicago this summer. (I gave you an old Physics book!) Come back and see us soon, right after you make that Country Album. OXOXOX Love ya!
nycmusiclover says:
Good Luck Micky! I’ve been a big fan for over 40 years. I caught you last May at the Hoboken Music & Art & you rock (I loved your version of the Beatles Oh Darling).
Great to see you back on TV. I know you’re the type of person who likes to always throw themselves into new, fresh, exciting ideas…I thank you for being very inspirational in my life!
Lou Boyens says:
My gosh what a wonderful surprize to see you Micky on Gone Country. Of course you were great. Good to see you again. Much, much prayers for you all.
Charlotte says:
Micky I have to say I was 1st introduced to you on the television show “The Monkees”. My mom and father watched it when they were young and loved it and since they knew I enjoy watching classic t.v. shows, they knew I would love “The Monkees”. Boy, were they right! I even own the 2 box set of the show (which I must say is very hard to find). I saw you in concert many times when you came to Louisiana and wished one day I would met you. Who know 15 years later I would! You and your sister COCO played at Boomtown Casino in a town (known in Louisiana as) the Westbank. Your show was FABULOUS!!!!!!!! I met you, your sister, and the band. What a bunch of wonderful people and dare I say a little nutty!!!!!! I got your autograph and even got pictures of us together (which I have framed and take with me when I evacuate for Hurricanes!!!)
My dad told me you were on a t.v. show called Gone Country and I was so excited! I do want to say you have so much talent and energy so you really don’t need to prove anything for me. You enter my life at age 15 and since then, you have brought joy, laughter, and piazz to my life.
Your blog explained why you chose to do the show and I agree with you on about reality shows being mean-spirited. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone but I am glad you helped your fans understand why your doing this. If people really are fans of you and your talent they will read the entire blog and understand why you are doing it. Which is for the love of MUSIC!!! I wish you the best of luck and I will be supporting you 500%.
Oh and by the way your pal (I think since I can’t say for sure) David Jones will be doing a concert for Family Gras here in Metairie, La in February (for what Louisiana is famous for each year MARDI GRAS)!!! I will be attending because I support all of “The Monkees” talent. Any chance you can join him? That would be so AWESOME!!!!!!
Take care and I wish you the best of luck! Whether you win or lose remember your talent is not just in music, it’s in making people laugh, and other richness you have brought to so many fans and people over the years!!
RG137 says:
I am SO glad to see you on this show. I probably wouldn’t be watching it if you hadn’t of been on it. You bring something wonderful to the show and I wish you all the best! I hope you get the deal to record the country song!
abifrey10 says:
You go boy!!! Show Nashville what you’re made of, heck, show Tennessee (my home state :p) and ALL of the south you are more than what they think you are. You have it in you–keep on trudging and I’ll be rooting for ya from the side lines!
Ragar says:
Well Micky, I have enjoyed your vocals over the years and I know that you can pull off any style of music that you want because you have such a wide range.
Good Luck!!!!!!
Gabbers says:
WOW Nice to know mickey is doing something diferent today., its good to hear great news from a monkee (:
U GO MICK
Paula C. says:
Micky, look at you. Acting like a father with his children, enjoying your time. What did John think when you told him about your time with Hendrix? Yes you know music genres better than most. Mike wrote country, you sang folk with Peter, and you do Broadway well. I’m looking forward to what you will have in the end for this. Good luck. Do your fans good.!!!!!
Lonnie C. says:
Keep the jokes coming Mickey (”Hello, room service? Please send up a room.”)
I’m rooting for you to win.
Lori says:
Hi Micky,
I’ll be watching and rooting you on!
Jeanie Brooks says:
Micky,
I remember sitting in my grandmother’s living room floor watching The Monkees on Nick at Night when I was a little girl. I loved the show and I love The Monkees music. You were great on The Bonnie Hunt Show the other day! How cool was it when you came out singing Last Train to Clarksville! All of the contestants are great and I believe that anyone of ya’ll would make a great country artist. I have listened to country my whole life. I love George Jones, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Kenny Rogers, Loretta Lynn, Lynn Anderson, and my absolute favorite…Dolly Parton….and you have a classic country sound to your voice. More than any other contestant on the show this season, you SOUND country. That is why I believe that you have this in the bag! I think you are great Micky!
John says:
You’re the best singer on the show. Last train to Clarksville wow! I hope you win!
Cathy says:
Micky,
It is good to hear that you are still in performing, rather it be in concert or on Broadway. I haven’t had the chance to see this show yet, but plan on watching it when it comes on television.
I wish you good luck with your new career,hope that you will come to Minnesota soon. I saw you back in 1982 also when you performed with Peter and David here in Minnesota.
I am a long time fan of the Monkees television show too and watched it every Monday night at 6:30 PM and loved the show and your music. You are truely very talented in many fields and I am glad to see you going beyond those Monkee days and into acting , producing and directing. Good luck Micky.
Cathy Greskovics
Becky says:
Hey Hey Mickey,
I am so excited that you are back on television and doing this new venture. I have been a fan since Circus Boy when I was a little girl. Then of course when I was 11 I papered my entire bedroom walls with your posters. I now have a 12 year daughter of my own and she now has the opportunity to see her Mom’s first crush and to enjoy your music as well. She is already a fan, listening to my LPS (I still have them all). I wish you the most success on the show. Your talent is already shining through just from the first episode. I can’t wait to see what’s coming.
God Bless,
Becky
Lisa says:
Micky,
Your talent always shines through along with your great personality.
I wish you the best ! God Bless.
Scarfy says:
Hey Micky it was fun watching you all in the race, you were good sport at the end. even whe nyou forgot to put the van in park. LOL. Lovew you! Can;t wait too see you all ride thew bull on the next one.
bandit says:
music is music do you think john rich is in the same catagory as j cash there r lots of ways of getting it done.an artist can do it and rise to the challenge
Cindy Smith says:
Micky I don’t get this show. I’ve only heard you sing on the first show, the way they show it is crazy, nothing makes sense to us. Is it a half hour or a sneek peek? I don’t get it. It’s way too short to get the gist, and you probably already know who the winner is ,I hope it’s you but you need to be more alert, no naps ON CAMERA DONT BE LIKE George, not you George but the old guy who is driving Justin crazy with his and snoring. This compition could be yours, BELIEVE in yourself. No offense to the other George he’s great,but should be more careful with his health. I wish you the best of luck. hugs-n-kisses Cindy
Brian says:
Micky,
You’re not just a drummer from a wacky TV series. You’re one of the lead singers of a very successful rock band of the 1960’s. Do the others on Gone Country realize that for a period of time The Monkees (with your lead vocals) out sold the Beatles! You don’t belong on this show. The Monkees are iconic. You had more hits than John Rich will ever have (not to mention all the others that are on that show with you).
Brian says:
I almost forgot. The Monkees deserve to be in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.
Scarfy says:
Show them how you do country micky. you belong where ever your dreams take you. love you mick.
Joseph says:
Good luck, Micky.
I am a sort of rare bird who really likes the Monkees, and also country music.
I have always liked Mike, but I have to admit that you (Micky) are much less cynical, especially in this current time frame.
May God bless you!
Scarfy says:
Hey Mikster-I knew you’d win that car race. Still sunking peoples doors off. yah man. i feel like such an idiot i was jumping up and down cheering you on from my living room. like you could here me. LOL! Now the bost oh meter was funny but I thought it might have hurt your feelings. hope not you have done an offal lot mick. Is there anything you havent done yet ? lol lol hugs and kisses to you friend. from i hear you got asume country song can’t wait to here you perform it.
Crystal says:
Hey Mickey! I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. I finally got to see you a little over a year ago when you did a concert here in Tennessee. I have to admit I’m already a bit of a reality show junkie, but I was even more excited to see you on Gone Country! Good luck and hope you had a great time here in Tennessee!
Wendy says:
Hi Micky! Been a fan since 1986 when I was 15 and saw you, Davy & Peter during the 20th reunion tour. (Also saw you guys during the summer of 1987 concert tour) Loved the drag race on tonight’s show and was glad you won! Good luck and I hope to hear your country songs someday!
Scarfy says:
Correct i hope the big shot count diint offend you mick. it was funny but cute. you have done just about everything havent you? And I wha tI wassaying before was from what i heard you doing an ah some job on country tune and can not wait to here you perform it. I love yah to pieces.
Michele says:
Micky,
I am a huge fan of yours and The Monkees, dating back to the mid-1970s when I first saw the show in syndication as a 5 year old. I am watching Gone Country because you are on it. I have to say that it is the one show other than those on Nick Jr. that I get to watch all week. (I have a 4-1/2-year-old daughter!) It is interesting to see the way the group is coming together. I like that teamwork is stressed, and the goal is not to bring the others down. Congratulations on winning the race in yesterday’s episode! I hope you and your band will return to the Detroit area soon so I can take my daughter to one of your concerts.
Beverly says:
Have caught the show a few times. You’re still awesome. With your talented writing skills a thought came to mind the other day. I’m sure there’s a country song waiting to be written about “Butt calls” from cells phones. Perhaps the guys phone could “butt call” his girlfriend while he’s two-timing her. Upon confrontation, all he can do is come up with “but” reasons.
Just a thought.
Keep on rockin!!
Julie McArthur says:
I wish Micky all the luck in the world. Hes going to win. Even if he goes country he will always be a Monkee to me. Julie McArthur ps Im a Beliver.
Lisa A. from NY says:
Micky!! Best of luck on the show, don’t let us Monkee fans down!! You’re gonna kick ass on this!!! Can’t wait to hear your awesome music you have such a great talent for this and an amazing voice!!!!!
ED says:
THANKS TO MICKY AND ALL THIS SEASONS SHOW IS THE BEST. GREAT JOB JOHN RICH,
Amber says:
I’m pulling for you on the show Micky! I’ve been a HUGE fan of yours since I was a little girl and have seen The Monkees reunion tours both in 1987 and in 1997. Now my son, who is 7, is as big of a fan as I am. We are avidly watching the show and enjoying every moment of it. You’re as witty as always and sound absolutely amazing! You deserve the win.. and even though I personally am not a country music fan, if you win, I’ll be buying my first country album.. :) Best of luck! We’re rooting for you!
Shayla says:
Hi Micky,
I’ve been a fan of you and the Monkees for 17 years. I’m very excited that your on this reality show. Its so much fun to watch and you are doing wonderful! I have not been exposed to too much country, I like Michael Nesmith a lot though and he has had some good country tunes. So its really opening up my eyes more to what is out there. I hope you can make it to Minnesota someday, I would love to meet you :) Good luck on the show Micky!
-Shayla
Ann says:
Hi Micky,
I have been enjoying the Monkees television shows and music for over 30 years. Now I have 3 children (21, 12, & 6) who all have your music on their cell phones or MP3 players. My 12 year old son & I saw you perform in October 2008 in Monroe, MI. We were 3rd row & have great pictures that were taken afterwards. It’s really great seeing you on Gone Country 3 with the rest of the cast. I’ve never been a fan of reality shows, but had to watch this one to see you! Looking forward to hearing your song. God Bless!
Phyllis says:
Micky, I been a fan of yours forever (1966), and I am really enjoying watching you in this show. I never would have found out about this show if I hadn’t heard about you being in it, but I have to say now that I really am loving this show! I love the song you wrote also, and you sound great! You always did have one of the greatest singing voices around! I really love & appreciate all of your work, and I admire you for being so good at so many things. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.
Alan says:
I have been a fan of yours for quite sometime . I grew up watching the Monkees, man i wish they would rerun those shows . Good Luck ! I think you have got a real good chance of winning !
steffapeppa says:
2 words, Micky: kick butt
Heidi says:
Micky,
I really wanted you to win but it was a pretty close call with Sheila E. on there and I do like her too. So wanted to say Congrads for trying! :) You did a really good job on there and loved how your heart, soul, etc. was so into this and so ready for this! :)
scarfy says:
you went country to me mick. noew go in an record an album,. love you friend.
alicia says:
Micky, I thought you gave everyone a run for their money, you proved you are a huge talent and a fierce competetor. Love ya man.
Tina S. says:
Micky, I’m so sorry you didn’t win tonight. I could see how much it meant to you. You did such a great performance. I didn’t expect anything less. I hope you still “Go Country”! Just don’t stop performing for us. I hope I get to see you again sometime. If not, you will still be on the my radio (I caught your show on February 3rd over the internet), TV, Internet, Record Player, on stage, directing the programs we watch, in the pictures you paint. I hear you can cook and garden too. My wish for you Micky is that all your dreams come true! An original Monkee fan from 1966 to infinity.
trishamary says:
Mr.Dolenz,you are a great entertainer and singer.I only wished I could have heard you sing more.You truly deserved to win this season of Gone Country.
Rachael says:
Ha, oh well, they picked the wrong drummer!!
(…just HAD to say that. :) No offense meant to anyone…just the sarcastic Scorpio humor I seem to possess..)
Love you Micky and wish you all the best in everything you continue to do. (Can’t wait to hear the Carole King songs album you will be doing soon.) Reading through the message board they got here, several people say you should have been the winner. I’ll bet if it was a show in which people called in with their votes, you’d have won hands down!
Rachael says:
Oh - And have a happy birthday today!
Scarfy says:
happy birthday micky. you dont lok a day over 30 . lol!