Michael Nesmith More Than A Monkee

I just finished reading Infinite Tuesday, Michael Nesmith’s autobiography. For no particular reason, a song he wrote, “Some of Shelley’s Blues,” was stuck in my head. This led me to read his autobiography—I’m so glad I did. Although he’s best known for being a musician in a prefabricated television band, it’s clear that we have to consider Michael Nesmith more than a Monkee!

Michael Nesmith is best remembered as the “quiet Monkee,” recognizable by his green wool hat and thoughtful demeanor on the hit 1960s TV show The Monkees. While the show was designed as a lighthearted, Beatles-inspired sitcom, Nesmith’s role extended far beyond that of a television character. He was not only a talented musician and songwriter but also a groundbreaking innovator in video production, technology, and entertainment. Nesmith’s influence is far-reaching, impacting the music industry and beyond in ways many might not realize.

Background

Phenomenal Mother

Born on December 30, 1942, in Houston, Texas, Robert Michael Nesmith grew up to become an influential figure in multiple fields. His mother, Bette Nesmith Graham, was a dynamic businesswoman and the inventor of Liquid Paper, a product that revolutionized office work and made her a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Nesmith inherited his mother’s inventive spirit and drive, manifesting in his creative endeavors throughout his life. He passed away on December 10, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as diverse as it is impressive.

Nesmith’s most public role was as a member of The Monkees, a band formed for the television show of the same name, which aired from 1966 to 1968. Known for his trademark green wool hat, Nesmith played the part of the introspective guitarist, contributing to the band’s laid-back and relatable image.

While the Monkees were initially a manufactured pop group, they achieved immense popularity during their peak in the late 1960s. Their TV show became a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers and winning two Emmy Awards. Their music was equally successful, with four consecutive number-one albums in 1967 alone and multiple singles, including “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville,” topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making them one of the top-selling bands of the era.

Nesmith pushed for the band to have more creative control, leading to albums on which the members played their own instruments and contributed to songwriting. This showcased his passion for authentic music-making. During the show’s run, Nesmith began writing many of the songs and producing even those he didn’t write.

Michael Nesmith More Than A Monkee:

Reinventing Music Videos And MTV!

Outside The Monkees, Nesmith succeeded as a solo musician, particularly in pioneering the country-rock genre. His First National Band produced hits like “Joanne” that resonated with fans of the emerging genre. His biggest hit was “Different Drum,” which became an iconic hit for Linda Ronstadt.

Nesmith’s innovative streak extended to visual media; he is often credited as one of the inventors of the modern music video. (Rio, 1977, stands out because it  was a creative film rather than a performance video.) His 1981 program, PopClips, was a precursor to MTV, showing his forward-thinking vision of combining music and video for entertainment.

Michael Nesmith More Than A Musician

Inventor, Patent Holder, Author, Thought Leader!

Beyond music, Nesmith was a dedicated intellectual with a keen interest in technology, metaphysics, and philosophy. He created the Council of Ideas, a think tank where creative minds could gather to explore and develop groundbreaking concepts. This endeavor reflected his desire to engage with big ideas and foster innovation across various disciplines.

Nesmith’s influence extended into film and television production. He was a successful movie producer and sat on the board of the American Film Institute, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of media. His contributions to the development of music videos directly led to the creation of MTV, revolutionizing how music was marketed and consumed and leaving a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.

In the realm of technology, Nesmith was on the cutting edge of the internet revolution. His project, Video Ranch, was a pioneering effort in online content creation, and he held a patent related to virtual reality, anticipating the rise of simulation and virtual worlds long before they became mainstream. His ability to foresee technological trends set him apart as a true innovator.

An Amazing Life

It’s hard to find an accurate comparison to the extraordinary reach and diverse nature of Michael Nesmith’s talent. One who comes to mind would be Steve Allen, who was successful as a comedian, biographer, novelist, musician, and philosopher.

While each of his Monkees bandmates brought unique talents to the group, Nesmith’s achievements were unparalleled. While Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz, and Peter Tork continued as musicians and constantly toured playing their 1960s hits, Michael Nesmith listened to his “different drum.

Unlike his Monkees peers, who continued to perform and entertain, Nesmith became an important musical creator, a successful novelist, an inventor, a producer, an intellectual thought leader, and a television host. His legacy is not just one of entertainment but of innovation and influence that transcended his role in The Monkees, making him a fascinating figure in the evolution of modern media and technology.