FELIX THE CAT: STILL THE COOLEST CAT

Felix cartoons began airing on American TV in 1953. Joe Oriolo introduced a redesigned, "long-legged" Felix, added new characters, and gave Felix a "Magic Bag of Tricks" that could assume an infinite variety of shapes at Felix's behest. The cat has since starred in other television programs and in two feature films.

As of the 2010s, Felix is featured on a variety of merchandise from clothing to toys. Oriolo's son, Don Oriolo, later assumed creative control of Felix. In 2002, TV Guide ranked Felix the Cat number 28 on its "50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time" list.

In 2014, the rights to the character were acquired by DreamWorks Animation. As a result, Felix the Cat is now both owned by Felix the Cat Productions and DreamWorks Animation.

READ MORE ABOUT FELIX ON RK

THE MONKEES!

The Monkees was a pop-rock quartet created in Los Angeles in 1965 for the American television series The Monkees, which aired from 1965 to 1968. The primary members were Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, who were the public face of a music production system under the supervision of Don Kirshner.

Had a request from my pal Dave Huff to do a bit on one of his favorites! Davy Jones and the Monkees. I liked the Monkees and loved their silly tv show. Here is the cover of the first album I bought and I think it's their best picture ever (above). 

Monkees Homepage

Wiki the Monkees

At the start, the band members provided vocals, and were given some performing and production opportunities, but they eventually fought for and earned the right to collectively supervise all musical output under the band's name. The group undertook several concert tours, allowing an opportunity to perform as a live band as well as on the TV series.

When the show was cancelled in 1968, the band continued releasing records until 1971. In the 1980s, the television show and music experienced a revival, which led to a series of reunion tours, and new records featuring various incarnations of the band's lineup.