Born in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles in 1942, Bill Chadwick’s life was destined to intersect with the radiant world of music and art. In the throes of the swinging sixties, Chadwick entered the professional scene as a songwriter and soon found himself involved with a TV phenomenon that was poised to take the world by storm – the Monkees television show. Initially hired as a writer, his creative talent couldn’t be contained by mere scripts, as he soon began weaving lyrical magic for the band as well.

Some of his masterpieces, etched in the annals of Monkees discography, include the unforgettable “Of You” and “Zor and Zam,” co-created in unison with other Monkees. Not one to be confined behind the scenes, Chadwick also made appearances in several episodes of the vibrant television series, effortlessly transitioning from the writer’s desk to the stage. As if to further prove his multi-faceted artistic prowess, he even lent his voice to lead vocals on a few remarkable songs.

Despite the undeniable imprint Bill Chadwick left on the Monkees journey, his contributions were somewhat obscured by the spotlight that naturally followed the official band members – larger than life figures who dominated the public consciousness. As a vital cog in the Monkees machine yet not officially a band member, Chadwick’s recognition was often, unjustly, lost in the glitz and glamour that surrounded the more famous Monkees.

However, the winds of change have begun to stir. A fresh wave of interest in Chadwick’s indispensable role with the Monkees has swept over the cultural landscape, leading to several interviews in renowned magazines and digital platforms, with Chadwick’s story even meriting a feature in a documentary about the Monkees.

What’s even more exciting is that in late 2024, Bill has released a CD compilation of much of his musical work between 1964 – 1973 called Yesterday’s Songs. This CD features 14 presentation demos, 11 of which were written by Bill with his brother John and recorded at Goldstar Recorders, and 3 written and engineered by Bill at AD Recorders. This CD is a treasure trove recently unearthed.

Note: This is not a Bolt Records release. We are pleased to list this CD on our site in an effort to help Bill get the word out!