Singer and guitarist for the famous 1960s group The Monkees, Michael Nesmith has passed away.
Nesmith was integral part of the quartet that was manufactured for a television show about a rock ‘n roll group that ultimately delivered hit after hit including “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Daydream Believer,” “I’m a Believer,” and “Valerie.”
During their TV success, Mike fought for artistic control of the group that he believed was a real band and not just a fictional act made for television, once stating “We were kids with our own taste in music and were happier performing songs we liked — and/or wrote — than songs that were handed to us.”
Not the first member of the Nesmith family to enjoy success, Mike’s mom famously invented Liquid Paper – aka White-Out – which became a cash cow for the family.
In a statement about his passing his family wrote: “With infinite Love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully of natural causes.”
Mike’s friend, fellow bandmate, and the only surviving member of the Monkees, Micky Dolenz, posted a touching message about his friend, saying, “I’m heartbroken. I’ve lost a dear friend and partner. I’m so grateful that we could spend the last couple of months together doing what we loved best – singing, laughing, and doing shtick. I’ll miss it all so much. Especially the shtick. Rest in peace, Nez. All my love.”
Nesmith was 78 years old.
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Author: Sal Goode
Photo: NBC Television