One of the stars of the iconic 1960's television comedy series "The Monkees"
Michael Nesmith, the quiet and reserved guitarist-singer of the four zany
band members with his ever present knit cap and soft Texas drawl,
died this week from heart failure at the age of 79.
Michael Nesmith was also a talented songwriter whose credits
include writing the counter-culture generation hit song,
"Different Drum" for singer Linda Ronstadt
and the Stone Poneys in 1967.
In his post-Monkees days, he continued writing songs and
worked as a television and movie producer.
His credits include winning a Grammy Award for Video of the Year
for his hour long 1981 television show, "Elephant Parts".
He was also an executive producer of the 1984 science-fiction black comedy,
"Repo Man" starring 80's Brat Pack member Emilio Estevez as a young punk rocker
working for a car repossession agency who becomes mixed up in the pursuit
of a mysterious Chevy Malibu with possible extraterrestrial connections.
Born in Houston, Texas in 1942 Michael was the only child of Warren and Bette Nesmith.
His mother was the inventor of the typewriter correction fluid called Liquid Paper.
After dropping out of high school, Michael enlisted in the United States
Air Force in 1960. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force
Base in San Antonio, and was later trained as an aircraft mechanic
at Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base near Burns Flat, Oklahoma.
He also finished his high school education by earning a GED
and was honorably discharged from the service in 1962.
After receiving the gift of a guitar for Christmas from his parents,
Michael began performing in folk, country, and rock bands.
He later enrolled in San Antonio College, where he met fellow songwriter
and musician John London, with whom he formed a musical collaboration.
The duo performed folk songs together, which included some original songs
written by Michael and won a talent award from the college. After this,
Michael began to write more songs and also poetry. He later moved
from Texas to California where he sang in folk clubs in Los Angeles.
Michael became the "Hootmaster" at Doug Weston's Troubadour, a
night club in West Hollywood, which showcased new and upcoming
artists. Performances at the club played a significant role in establishing
the careers of such legendary performers as Neil Diamond, Carole King,
Hoyt Axton, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and many others.
Record producer Barry Freedman is credited for informing Michael
about an upcoming television series called The Monkees.
In October 1965, Michael auditioned for the show and
won the part of "Mike" the wool cap wearing guitarist
and lead singer of the band.
The Monkees premiered on NBC on September 12, 1966
and only lasted for two seasons until March 28, 1968.
However, the hilarious misadventures of the four struggling
musicians became even more popular in syndication, which is the
way I first watched the program while growing up in the 1970's.
Mike, along with Mickey, Davy, and Peter will always hold
a special place in my memories of those years, and in my heart.
May he rest in peace.
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