Fast Facts
Peter took up music at an early age. When Peter was 14 a friend of the family (folksinger Tom Glazer) taught Peter to play the ukelele. After that Peter learnt the guitar, 5-string banjo, and the french horn (Peter was fourth chair french horn in the University of Connecticut Orchestra).
Originally Peter's ambition was to be a University english professor, and as a small child he wanted to be an orchestra conductor. In his early teens he joined his high school's drama club, and was somewhat interested in becoming an actor. His debut performence was as a paper boy in Our Town.
After high school Peter went to Carelton College, with the idea of becoming an English professor. Unfortunatly (but in retrospect fortunatly) he did not do well, and was asked to leave in the second term. Peter's father did not like this at all, and when Peter came home he had a "falling out" with him.
After leaving the college Peter got a job in a texile factory and at 18 married a 16 year girl named Judy Babb. Their marrige only lasted 3 months- they were both just too young. However, this marrige prompted him to go back to school at Carelton College. He past the first year, but failed at the beggining of the next year. It wasn't that he wasn't smart enough- he just didn't care enough.
Peter then moved out to New York city. He lived with his grandmother and worked at a theatrical agency until he had enough money to get his own place in Greenwich village where he was playing the banjo. He quit his job at the agency and lived the life of a poor musician for awhile.
Eventually, Peter got boerd with this life- he wanted to make a name for himself, and drove down to California. Peter was working as a dishwasher when his friend from Greenwich village, Stephen Stills, told him to go to the Monkees auditions. Stephen himself had tried out but was turned down to his receding hairline and crooked teeth. As we ALL know Peter got the part, and was GREAT at it I might add
Peter was the first Monkee to buy out his contract and leave. Unhappy with the musical vision he left to persue a solo career after 33 1/3. The Monkees disintegrated soon after.
Here's Lisa to tell you about what he did in the 70's and early 80s (in her own words):
Well in the 70's he in 1072 got busted for $3 worth of hash and he wuz put in
jail for three months but then his record wuz wiped clean. In 1970, hi
daughter Hallie Elzabeth wuz born. In 1975 (i think) his son Ivan was born.
During the 70's Peter got married again to Barbara Iannoli (Ivan mother).
Peter became a private high school teacher for Social Studies and English in
the 70's. Also he coached Baseball...he also took a job as a singing waitor.
In the 80's he kicked his drinking and drugging addiction and started a band
called the new monks as well as touring solo.
In '86 he joined up with Micky to release a new single and Peter, Micky and Davy put out an album (Pool It) together. Peter toured with the Monkees durring this period as well
Right now Peter is touring with James Lee Stanley, as well as with the Monkees. As I'm sure you know, last year they all (Peter, Mike, Micky, and Davy) put out a new album, JustUs, which is just the bestest. If you don't have a copy go out and buy one immediatly. I don't want you reading another word- go out and buy it! If you do have a copy, buy another.
