Mike Nesmith's Post-Monkees Career: Visionary Music and Unrecognized Talent

Mike Nesmith, the controversial yet visionary member of The Monkees, has often been overshadowed by his association with the pop band. However, his career post-Monkees not only showcased his exceptional musical talent but also paved the way for several influential musicians in the industry. This article will explore Nesmith's post-Monkees music, his contributions to the country rock genre, and the unfortunate oversight of his immense talent during his time with The Monkees.

Post-Monkees Music and Notable Albums

After leaving The Monkees, Michael Nesmith formed the First National Band with his friends John London, John Wars, and Orville J. “Red” Rhodes. His musical ventures post-Monkees were notably different from his time with The Monkees. He delved into a unique fusion of country and rock music, setting the stage for the genre known as country rock. Nesmith's post-Monkees music was both innovative and influential. Critics and the public largely ignored his outstanding music, likely due to his association with The Monkees.

Nesmith released several excellent albums during his solo career. Some of his notable works include:

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One of his most well-known songs, "Cruising," became a staple on MTV in its early years. Another popular song, "Rio," also received airplay on the channel. Nesmith's music was not appreciated commercially due to his past with The Monkees, but it is now recognized for its brilliance and influence.

The Country Rock Genre and Nesmith's Impact

Nesmith's ventures with his group the First National Band were groundbreaking and brilliantly executed. He managed to fuse country music with rock and roll, a fusion that would later inspire numerous acts. Each album by the First National Band was better than the last, spanning five records. The last album featured Red Rhodes on steel guitar, which contributed to the remarkable sound of the band. Notable tracks from these albums include “Joanne” and “The Grand Ennui.”

Nesmith's innovative approach to music and his fusion of genres inadvertently paved the way for several influential musicians:

Linda Ronstadt explored her roots in country music. The Byrds explored their own musical boundaries with a heavier rock influence. The Flying Burrito Bros. and Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen continued to challenge the limits of country music. The Eagles took their music to new heights, partly influenced by Nesmith's fusion of genres.

Through his visionary music and career choices, Nesmith significantly influenced the country rock genre and the direction of several bands and artists. However, his contributions are often underappreciated due to the circumstances of his involvement with The Monkees.

Conclusion: An Underrated Genius

Mike Nesmith was too far ahead of his time in his music and vision. His post-Monkees career demonstrated his immense talent and his ability to innovate in the music industry. Despite the criticism and public's disinterest during his solo career, his contributions to the country rock genre have had a lasting impact on music. It is unfortunate that he wasn't recognized for his greatness during his time with The Monkees, but his legacy continues to inspire musicians today.

If you want to learn more about his incredible music and live performances, I urge you to watch his performance of “Joanne” at the Britt Festival on YouTube. His dedication to the music and his ability to perform are truly remarkable. Sadly, Stephen Stills, another auditioner for The Monkees who was rejected due to his visible missing tooth, went on to form Crosby, Stills, and Nash, a band that would go on to have a significant impact on music history. It is a shame that Nesmith's talents were not fully appreciated during his time with The Monkees, but his contribution to country rock and the music industry as a whole cannot be ignored.