Michael Nesmith, Monkees Singer-Songwriter, Dead at 78

Rolling Stone ^ | 12/10/21 | Andy Greene

[day10]

Monkees singer and guitarist Michael Nesmith, a pop visionary who penned many of the group’s most enduring songs before laying the groundwork for country-rock with the First National Band in the early Seventies, died Friday from natural causes. He was 78.

[shadowlands1960]

I had a pretty street performer nicknamed ‘Mantra’ sing ‘Different Drum’ for me on Powell Street in SF in 1976, after a short torrid affair... yeah.. I sure know the power of that song...

Year of the Cat by Al Stewart has the same effect on me for the same reason, same person...

[Ancesthntr]

May God rest your soul and give comfort to your family.

Thanks for the memories and the continuing gift of your music - you and your band really lit up the day for many people.

[Loud Mime]

Check out the “elephant parts” videos on YouTube

[Manic_Episode]

Big part of my childhood. Many good memories. Such a fun show as a kid and the music still holds up to this day.

I have several Monkees MP3s on my phone that make me smile when they come up in the rotation altho the smile is starting to get bittersweet.

[Loud Mime]

The nitty-gritty dirt band did a very respectable version of that song.

[Whatever Works]

This made me very sad. The Monkees always made me smile and take me back to happier childhood times.

[twister881]

Yes, Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys had the definitive version of 'Different Drum' written by Nesmith:

https://youtu.be/w9qsDgA1q8Y

.

[GreenLanternCorps]

“Elephant Parts was very funny.

RIP...

[circlecity]

My favorite from Elephant Parts (starring Sunset Sam). RIP Mike

https://youtu.be/Mi0b8tcCQSE

[circlecity]

I’t amazing how well those old Monkees songs hold up. Boyce & Hart were great songwriters

[Lurker]

That was genius.

L

[systemjim]

I lived through the “Monkee” era. I knew their songs and watched their TV show. Yet, I can’t name a single song of theirs that was written by Mike Nesmith (or any of the other Monkees).

Yes, the Monkees sang on their songs, but rarely, maybe never played the instruments on any of those recordings. The songs were written by professional songwriters like Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart and Neil Diamond. The backing tracks were recorded, not by the Monkees, but by professional studio musicians.

I enjoyed their music, but truthfully, they were not really musicians, not really a band. They were four kids that were hired by studio executives to portray a pop band on a television show.

[Tired of Taxes]

Loved watching The Monkees as a young child. RIP Michael Nesmith.

[circlecity]

Mickey did do all his own vocals and sang most of the his except Daydream Believer which Davey sang.

[BiteYourSelf]

And then there was one.😞

[circlecity]

Jimmy Hendrix opened for the Monkees 8 dates on their ‘67 tour.

[ducttape45]

Oh geez, who's left, Mickey Doolenz? (Is that how you spell his name?)

God bless you Mr. Nesmith, you were one of the greats, you will be missed! Rest in peace.

[Fresh Wind]

RIP, Michael.