Michael Nesmith (photo: credit Mary Lou Saxon)

Michael Nesmith (photo: credit Mary Lou Saxon)

Michael Nesmith, one-fourth of The Monkees and an accomplish solo musician, has passed away at the age of 78. In a statement, his family said that “With infinite love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes. We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us.”

Recognizable for his iconic wool cap, Nesmith was the Monkee who pushed hardest against the show’s producers to allow the group to write their own songs. The Monkees did gain further creative control starting with 1967’s Headquarters. Nesmith also wrote Linda Rondstat‘s hit “Different Drum” even before The Monkees began.

Following the breakup of The Monkees, Nesmith set off on a solo career, making country-rock with his new group the First National Band, then becoming one of the pioneers of music videos in the late 70s, shortly before the launch of MTV. Nesmith released an eclectic catalog of solo recordings over the years, which garnered a cult following for “Nez.”

Michael’s mother Bette Nesmith Graham famously invented Liquid Paper and upon her passing, he inherited her fortune. Nesmith invested it in multiple endeavors, including financing the quirky 80s films Repo Man and Tapeheads. While he did not participate in the Monkees’ 80s reunion, he did rejoin the band on and off from the mid-90s onward. Most recently, he toured alongside his bandmate Micky Dolenz as a duo, with their last concert together less than a month ago.

Nesmith was married three times and leaves behind four children.