As I recall, only Michael Nesmith was a true musician. Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Micky "elephant boy" Dolenz were all actors, and the Monkees were a fabricated band specifically for the television series.
You are correct they were a TV band BUT, it’s surprising how well their stuff holds up. I think Rino Reocrds puts out a “Best of the Monkees” compilation and its good. More than a few tunes make into my regular work out music rotation. The pop song writing was excellent and that’s what lasts.
Not true . Peter Tork began playing in high school ( in fact went to the same HS I graduated from ) . His Dad was a UConn prof .
Peter had the most musical training of the four and was not an actor. He and Mike were both folk singers pre-Monkees. Davy and Micky were the only two actors, although Micky also could play the guitar. Davy had musical theater and recording training but did not play an instrument before the Monkees. Eventually they all played instruments and wrote songs.