Michael Nesmith Matt

Hey, We Are Monkeys: Michael Nesmith of The Monkees passed away Friday morning at the age of 78. Photo: Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press

The Monkees champion turned 78 and died of natural causes.

Several media outlets reported Friday night’s death, including rolling rock Which also conveys the last salutations from the family.

“With infinite love, we must announce that Michael Smith passed away this morning at his home, in an atmosphere of calm and serenity and of natural causes. We demand respect for our privacy at the present time and thank you for all the love and all the light you have shown us and us.”

Glory Days: Here the Monkees descend on Tokyo when they were at their hottest in 1968. Below is Mickey Dolenz, then (clockwise) Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Norwegian-born Peter Türk. Photo: T. Sakakibara / AP

Along with Peter Tork, Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and The Monkees were among the most successful pop culture phenomena in America in the latter half of the 1960s. Songs like “I’m a Believer”, “Last Train to Clarksville” and “Daydream Believer” are often played on radio around the world today, more than 50 years after their release.

As a frequently used songwriter for The Monkees, Michael Nesmith quickly became a leading figure in the quartet.

Much of The Monkees’ popularity is due to the impact the situational comedy of the same name had had while the television medium was still in its infancy. «Monkees» He appeared on the air in 1966 and the poster was removed two years later. By that time, The Monkees were already well established as a band.

However, there was conflict in the Monkees camp early in his career. Their record producers didn’t want the band to have as much influence on the recordings as they wanted the band themselves, and finally – in 1970 – both were Peter Tork – who by the way was Peter Halsten Thorkelson and had Norwegian ancestry – and Michael Nesmith exited the band and Nesmith to start his first national band. .

The Monkees had several reunions after their first breakup. With Michael Nesmith now dead, only Mickey Dolens is left from the original The Monkees, with Peter Tork passing away in 2019 and Davy Jones already in 2012.

After his time with The Monkees, Michael Nesmith explored many aspects of the cultural industry of which he himself was an integral part, whether in film, in the book, or as a performer and music producer.

Michael Nesmith has been married three times and has four children.