Mike Nesmith: Remembering the multifaceted genius behind the monkeys

9 July 2024, 16:16 | Updated: 10 July 2024, 15:22

Mike Naismith was more than just a member of The Monkees; He was a true creative powerhouse.

Known for his iconic woolly hat and dry wit, Mike brought a unique charm to the ’60s pop group. But his talent did not stop there.

After The Monkees, he pioneered the music video format, laying the groundwork for MTV.

Mike was also a talented songwriter, writing hits such as ‘Different Drums’ for Linda Ronstadt. His solo career saw him explore country rock, blending styles in ways that still feel fresh today. Beyond music, Mike was an entrepreneur, founding a multimedia company and working in film and TV production.

1. Where and when was Mike Nesmith born?

   

   Mike Nesmith was born on December 30, 1942 in Houston, Texas.

   Growing up in the vibrant city of Houston, he was surrounded by a mix of cultural influences that would later shape his striking artistic style.

   Mike Nesmith was the only son of Warren and Bette Nesmith. His father, Warren, was a World War II veteran, while his mother, Bette, was a remarkable woman who made her mark as an explorer.

   Bette Nesmith Graham created Liquid Paper, the correction fluid that became a staple in offices around the world. Growing up with such an innovative mother undoubtedly influenced Mike’s own creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

2. How did he get his start in music and when did he join The Monkeys?

   

   Mike Nesmith’s journey in music began in the early 1960s when he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

   He started by performing in local clubs and writing songs, gradually making a name for himself in the folk and country music scenes. His big break came in 1965 when he auditioned for a new TV show the monkeyDesigned to create a fictional rock band.

   Mike impressed producers with his talent and unique personality, earning a spot as one of four members of The Monkees, alongside Mickey Dolans, Peter Tark and Davy Jones.

   The show debuted in 1966 and quickly became a massive hit, catapulting Mike and his bandmates to international fame.

3. Why did he often wear his woolen hat?

   

   Mike Nesmith’s wool hat became an iconic part of his image, and there’s a funny story behind it.

   He started wearing the hat as a practical option in his early days with the Monkees. The studios where they filmed were often quite cold, and the hat helped keep him warm.

   Additionally, Mike wore a hat during his auditions for the show, and it made him stand out to the producers. It soon became his signature look on the show, contributing to his laid-back, quirky persona.

   Fans loved the hat, and it became so attached to him that it remained a beloved symbol of his time with the Monkees.

4. What did he do out of monkeys?

   

   Michael Nesmith – Cruisin’ (AI Upscale, Alternate Audio Mix)

   
   
   

   Outside of the Monkees, Mike Nesmith had an incredibly varied and successful career.

   After the band, he focused on his solo music, pioneering the country rock genre with his first band National, producing hits such as ‘Joanne’ and ‘Silver Moon’. His solo work showcased his talent for different musical styles and storytelling.

   Mike was also a visionary in the multimedia world. He created one of the first music video programs, Pop clips, which formed the basis for MTV. His innovative spirit didn’t stop there; He founded a multimedia company called Pacific Arts, which produces films, videos, and even an early version of virtual reality.

   In the film industry, Mike produced cult classic films Repo Man And won the first Grammy Award for Video of the Year with his video album elephant limbs. His ventures into music, video, and technology highlighted his boundless creativity and knack for innovation, making him a true renaissance man.

5. Was he married and did he have children?

   

   Mike Nesmith was married three times and had four children. He married his first wife Phyllis Barber in 1964, and together they had three children: Christian, Jonathan and Jessica. The couple divorced in 1972.

   Mike was married secondly to Catherine Bild, a relationship that lasted from 1976 until their divorce in 1988.

   In 2000, Mike married Victoria Kennedy, but they divorced in 2011.

   Mike also had another son, Jason, from his extramarital relationship.

6. When and how did he die?

   

   Mike Nesmith passed away on December 10, 2021 at the age of 78.

   He died of heart failure at his home in Carmel Valley, California.

   His family said: “It is with infinite love that we announce that Michael Naismith passed away this morning at his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes.”

   Mickey Dolenz remembered Naismith as “a dear friend and colleague.”