Michael Nesmith: The Monkees Guitarist and Country-Rock Pioneer Dies at

Michael Nesmith was an American musician, songwriter and producer, best known as the wool-hatted guitarist of The Monkees. Born Robert Michael Nesmith on December 30, 1942, in Houston, Texas, he was the son of Bette Nesmith Graham, the inventor of Liquid Paper.

Nesmith played Mike on The Monkees television show from 1965 to 1970 and wrote songs for the group, including "Mary, Mary" and "Listen to the Band." After the band he formed The First National Band, a pioneer of country rock, and had a solo hit with "Rio" in 1977. His hour-long program Elephant Parts won the first Grammy for Video of the Year.

Nesmith founded Pacific Arts and executive-produced the cult film Repo Man (1984). He also published novels and the memoir Infinite Tuesday (2017), and reunited with the Monkees for the 2016 album Good Times! and a farewell tour in 2021. He had four children. He died of heart failure at his home in Carmel Valley, California, on December 10, 2021, at age 78, less than a month after his final performance.

Achievements: Played Mike on The Monkees (1965-1970), country-rock pioneer with The First National Band, "Rio" (1977), first Grammy for Video of the Year, executive producer of Repo Man (1984).

Birth: December 30, 1942 - Houston, Texas.

Profession: Musician, songwriter and producer.

Interesting Facts: He served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. His mother invented Liquid Paper.