Yes, they have been popular since they were first seen on TV in 1966.
The Monkees
The Monkees had a total of three number one albums on the Billboard 200 chart. Their albums "The Monkees," "More of The Monkees," and "Headquarters" all reached the top spot. Their success in the 1960s was a significant part of their popularity, driven by their TV show and hit singles.
The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, The Supremes, and many more :)
I believe you are thinking of Lynne Randell, an Australian singer who was very popular for a brief time in the mid-1960s, and even went on tour with the Monkees. "Ciao Baby" was a hit for her in 1967.
tectonik
The Monkees songs were written for and first sung by the Monkees.
The Monkees had the biggest-selling single in the US in 1967 ("I'm A Believer", which became their biggest hit), outselling even the Beatles' singles that year.
The Monkees are pop and rock.
The Monkees - 1966 Monkees at the Movies - 1.31 was released on: USA: 17 April 1967
The Monkees - 1966 Monkees Chow Mein - 1.26 was released on: USA: 13 March 1967
The Monkees - 1966 Monkees in Texas 2-13 was released on: USA: 4 December 1967
The Monkees - 1966 Monkees on the Line 1-28 was released on: USA: 27 March 1967