Biography

Douglas Farthing Hatlelid

Had only recently joined The Turtles, arranging and playing bass on their #1 hit "Happy Together", when he was approached by Michael Nesmith to become The Monkees' new producer, after Nesmith saw The Turtles play at the Whisky-a-Go-Go. Douglas' reply that "I've never produced a record in my life" was met by Nesmith's confident "Don't worry -- I'll show you everything you need to do." The Turtles soon found a replacement in bassist Jim Pons; after a year (and two albums) with The Monkees, Douglas returned to The Turtles -- this time as their producer.

Ended up with ownership of his song "Steam Engine," one of the last recorded tunes from The Monkees, after a dispute with Screen Gems over session costs kept him from signing the publishing paperwork. Years later, when The Monkees' masters were being prepared for re-release, "Steam Engine" had to be included...and Douglas got a long-awaited settlement of the matter, resulting in the birth of his own publishing company, as well as a long-delayed payment. (He also wrote an extra verse, to add to the song, when he was asked to provide a lead-sheet and noticed the lyrics seemed too brief.).

While all four of The Monkees performed "Riu Chiu" on the Christmas episode of their TV show, their studio recording of the song featured his voice instead of Michael Nesmith's. Nearly a decade later, he re-teamed with Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones, to record another Christmas song sent out to The Monkees fan club.

Met singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson when the Modern Folk Quartet recorded a song he co-wrote with producer Phil Spector. He in turn introduced Nilsson to The Monkees, who recorded two of his songs ("Cuddly Toy" and "Daddy's Song"). The Turtles later recorded Nilsson's "The Story of Rock And Roll" and "The Battle Of The Bands".