Facts about Peter Tork: Career, family, songs and death of the Monkees singer explained

July 10, 2024, 14:31

Peter Tork was a truly remarkable personality in the music world.

Peter Tork is best known as the lovable, quirky bassist of the Monkees. His musical talent was evident at an early age and he mastered the piano, guitar and banjo.

When the Monkees appeared on the scene in the mid-60s, Peter quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his infectious smile and boyish charm.

Outside of the band, Peter’s talent was immense. He was a gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, always eager to explore new musical avenues. After The Monkees, he threw himself into various solo projects and collaborations, proving his versatility and passion for music.

Peter’s love of performing never waned and he continued to share his music with his fans until his death in 2019.

1. Where and when was Peter Tork born?

   

   Peter Tork was born on February 13, 1942 in Washington DC.

   His full birth name was Peter Halsten Thorkelson. He was the son of John Thorkelson, an economics professor, and Virginia Hope, a homemaker.

   Peter enjoyed a relatively typical American upbringing with a strong emphasis on education and the arts, which clearly influenced his musical talents. He had three siblings: Anne, Christopher and Nicholas.

2. How did he get into music and when did he join the Monkees?

   

   Peter Tork’s musical journey began at a young age. At the age of nine he started playing the piano and later the guitar and banjo.

   His passion for folk music led him to Greenwich Village in New York City in the early 1960s, where he became part of the vibrant folk music scene. There he met Stephen Stills, who later recommended Peter for the cast of a new television show.

   In 1965, Peter auditioned for and landed a role in The Monkees, a television series about a fictional rock band inspired by the Beatles.

   Peter joined his bandmates Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith to form the quartet that would become pop culture icons.

   The Monkees quickly rose to fame. Peter’s musical abilities and charming personality played a crucial role in the band’s success, both on screen and in private.

3. What did he do outside of the Monkees?

   

   PETER TORK “Pleasant Valley Sunday” (the encore)

   
   
   

   Outside of the Monkees, Peter Tork had a varied and interesting career. After the first season of the show ended, he continued to pursue his musical interests.

   In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Peter formed a band called Release and pursued solo projects in which he demonstrated his talent as a singer-songwriter.

   During the 1980s and 1990s, Peter took part in various Monkees reunion tours and delighted his fans with live performances. He also formed a group called Peter Tork and The New Monks, which allowed him to perform and record new music.

   In addition, Peter has been involved in several other musical collaborations, including his work with the band Shoe Suede Blues, where he played blues and folk music, demonstrating his versatility as a musician.

   Peter also tried his hand at acting, appearing as a guest on television shows and occasionally taking part in theater productions. His passion for music education led him to give piano and guitar lessons and share his knowledge and love of music with students.

4. Was he married and did he have children?

   Peter Tork was married four times during his life.

   However, his first marriage to Jody Babb in 1960 was short-lived. In 1973, he married Reine Stewart, with whom he had a daughter named Hallie. This marriage also ended in divorce.

   Peter later married Barbara Iannoli in 1975 and they had a son named Ivan before divorcing in 1987.

   His fourth marriage was to Pamela Grapes in 2013, and the couple remained together until his death in 2019.

   In addition to his two children from his marriages, Peter had a third child, a daughter named Erica, from a relationship with Tammy Sestak.

5. When and how did he die?

   

   Peter Tork died on February 21, 2019 at the age of 77.

   He suffered from adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare type of cancer that typically affects the salivary glands. Peter was diagnosed with the disease in 2009 and fought bravely for nearly a decade.

   Despite his illness, he continued to perform and stay in touch with his fans whenever possible, demonstrating his enduring passion for music and resilience in the face of adversity.