Michael Nesmith

Robert Michael Nesmith (December 30, 1942 – December 10, 2021) was a multifaceted American artist recognized for his contributions as a musician, songwriter, actor, producer, and novelist. He gained fame as a member of the iconic pop rock band the Monkees, appearing in the television series of the same name from 1966 to 1968. A notable highlight of his songwriting career includes "Different Drum," which became a significant hit for Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys.

Following the disbandment of the Monkees, Nesmith ventured into a thriving solo career, initially fronting the influential country rock group the First National Band, which produced the top-40 success "Joanne." Known for his distinctive sound, he frequently played a custom-built Gretsch 12-string electric guitar during his performances.

In 1974, Nesmith established Pacific Arts, a pioneering multimedia production company that played a crucial role in the evolution of music videos. He was instrumental in creating one of the first American TV shows focused on music videos, PopClips, which premiered on Nickelodeon in 1980. Although he was invited to assist in the formation of MTV, prior commitments with his company prevented his involvement. In 1981, he received the inaugural Grammy Award for Video of the Year for his television special, Elephant Parts, and also served as an executive producer on the cult classic film Repo Man (1984). Nesmith's legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by his innovative spirit and lasting influence.