"Shades of Gray" is a song written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, recorded by the Monkees for their 1967 album Headquarters. Lead vocals were shared by Davy Jones and Peter Tork, and this is the only track on the album featuring instruments performed by session musicians instead of the band members (and producer Chip Douglas) themselves (French horn and cello).
The song had been recorded previously by a folk-rock trio, the Will-O-Bees, and released in 1967 on the Date Records label."Shades of Gray" video. YouTube. Retrieved on December 17, 2016. This version was accorded "Chart SpotlightsPredicted to reach the HOT 100" status in the December 31, 1966 issue of Billboard.
Personnel Credits adapted from 2022 Rhino "Super Deluxe Edition" box set.
The Monkees Peter Tork – lead vocals, backing vocals, piano Davy Jones – lead vocals, maracas, tambourine Michael Nesmith – pedal steel guitar Micky Dolenz – drums, harmony vocals
Additional musicians Jerry Yester – bass guitar Vincent DeRosa – French horn Frederick Seykora – cello
Technical Chip Douglas (as Douglas Farthing Hatlelid) – producer Hank Cicalo – engineer
References
External links monkees.net Lyrics to the Monkees song