James Lee Stanley

James Lee Stanley became known to The Monkees fans in the mid-'90s when the Two Man Band album was released, a project involving him and ex-The Monkees Peter Tork. Born in Philadelphia on April 30, 1946, Stanley first met Peter Tork at a Virginia club in 1963 and moved to New York City four years later, becoming involved in the city's folk scene. He spent time in the Air Force during the late '60s and early '70s, studied music at Cal State-Northridge after his discharge. Upon graduation, Stanley began working as a songwriter for producer Bones Howe, a relationship which led Stanley to a recording contract with the Wooden Nickel division of RCA. He released three albums for RCA during the '70s: a self-titled debut, James Lee Stanley Too, and Three's a Charm. He also recorded for MCA, Takoma, and Regency before forming his own Beachwood label for Live at McCabe's in the early '80s. He has consistently released albums ever since. Peter Tork's Stranger Things Have Happened (his first official solo CD) appeared on Beachwood, and the duo began touring together. Two Man Band, released in 1995, was actually recorded live in the studio and did so until 2007. James has consistently released a new full length recording roughly every two years since and still records and tours internationally. ~ John Bush, Rovi