"Shades of Gray" is a song written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, recorded by the Monkees for their 1967 album Headquarters. Lead vocals were shared by Davy Jones and Peter Tork,[2] and this is the only track on the album featuring instruments performed by session musicians instead of the band members (and producer Chip Douglas) themselves (French horn and cello).
| "Shades of Gray" | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Monkees | |
| from the album Headquarters | |
| Released | May 22, 1967 |
| Recorded | March 16 and 22, 1967 |
| Studio | RCA Victor, C (Hollywood) |
| Genre | Chamber pop[1] |
| Length | 3:20 |
| Label | Colgems |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Chip Douglas |
The song had been recorded previously by a folk-rock trio, the Will-O-Bees, and released in 1967 on the Date Records label.[3][better source needed] This version was accorded "Chart Spotlights – Predicted to reach the HOT 100" status in the December 31, 1966 issue of Billboard.[4]
Personnel
editCredits adapted from 2022 Rhino "Super Deluxe Edition" box set.[5]
The Monkees
- Peter Tork – lead vocals, backing vocals, piano
- Davy Jones – lead vocals, maracas, tambourine
- Michael Nesmith – pedal steel guitar
- Micky Dolenz – drums, harmony vocals
Additional musicians
- Jerry Yester – bass guitar
- Vincent DeRosa – French horn
- Frederick Seykora – cello
Technical
- Chip Douglas (as Douglas Farthing Hatlelid) – producer
- Hank Cicalo – engineer
References
edit- ^ Masley, Ed (January 7, 2024). "Best Monkees songs of all time: 30 classics, from their biggest hits to album tracks". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ "Show 44 - Revolt of the Fat Angel: Some samples of the Los Angeles sound. [Part 4]". UNT Digital Library.
- ^ "Shades of Gray" video. YouTube. Retrieved on December 17, 2016.
- ^ "Chart Spotlight – Predicted to reach the HOT 100". Billboard. December 31, 1966.
- ^ Sandoval, Andrew (2022). "Headquarters (Super Deluxe Edition)" (CD box set liner notes). The Monkees. Rhino Records. R2 695257.
External links
edit
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