Raised in Texas

Was a member of the United States Air Force for two years

Moved to Memphis; was a sessions musician on Stax-Volt records

Relocated to Los Angeles

Formed the folk-rock duo Mike and John with John London

Answered a call in Variety looking for musicians who could act; cast on "The Monkees"

"The Monkees", a rock and roll sitcom, aired on NBC; the quartet becomes an instant pop phenomenon

The Monkees buck their prefab beginnings, writing, producing and playing their own instruments for the bulk of the album "Headquarters" at Nesmith's urging

Starred in The Monkees psychedelic feature film "Head", scripted by Jack Nicholson

Recorded first solo album, "Wichita Train Whistle Songs"

His song "Different Drum" was a hit for The Stone Poneys (led by vocalist Linda Ronstadt)

Hosted the NBC special "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee"

Formed The First National Band with London, John Ware and Red Rhodes

Country-rock single "Joanne" hit the Top 40

Began producing music videos, predating MTV with the surrealistic short film for his song "Rio"

Developed "Popclips", the prototype for MTV; produced 56 half-hour episodes for the upstart network

Was executive producer, screenwriter and music performer for the sci-fi Western "Timerider"

Sponsored a residency at the AFI encouraging music and video artists to collaborate in the interest of creating music video innovations; established The Michael Nesmith Award, a grant to aid such endeavors

His innovative music videos "Rio" and "Cruisin'" released as the home video "Rio and Cruisin"

Produced the Alex Cox cult classic "Repo Man"

Was executive producer, writer and host of "Michael Nesmith in Television Parts" (NBC), a TV series of music videos and comedy based on his experimental music video project "Television Parts"

Executive produced the drama feature "Square Dance"

Had a cameo in the Whoopi Goldberg comedy vehicle "Burglar"

Produced and had a cameo in the quirky music-themed comedy "Tapeheads", starring John Cusack and Tim Robbins

Was executive producer, writer and director as well as star of the contemporary reunion special "Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees" (ABC)