Mike Nesmith’s College Teacher Called Quiet Monkees Member ‘Murderously Shy’
Mike Nesmith was often considered the quiet member of The Monkees. Compared to the overtly comedic Micky Dolenz or the bubbly and sweet Davy Jones and Peter Tork, Nesmith had a dry wit and a sharp intellect that set him apart from his peers. His reserved demeanor and introspective personality made him appear distant, even as a college student, says his teacher.
Mike Nesmith was ‘murderously shy’
In a Tiger Beat interview, reprinted by the website Cool Cherry Cream, Mike Nesmith San Antonio College teacher John Igo shared his thoughts about his former student. Although Nesmith appeared shy, Igo soon learned that something was bubbling underneath the surface of Nesmith’s cool demeanor.
“Contained is the best word I can come up with,” Igo explained. “[Nesmith] can be noisy, but that is when he is on—and he can suddenly be on during a regular conversation, or in the coffee shop, anywhere.”
Igo concluded, “But he is usually quiet, intense, and sort of reserved. He is probably murderously shy. He does things abruptly and that sometimes is a sign.”
Nesmith described as ‘ambitious’ and ‘alone’
Mike Nesmith’s personality wasn’t manufactured for The Monkees. The multi-faceted musician’s talents were indeed reflected in his television persona.
In a second Tiger Beat interview, John Igo revealed he saw two things in Nesmith that made him stand out from other students. He called the future Monkees member “ambitious” and “alone.”
Igo revealed, “The only complaint I ever heard against him was that he was cooley (not slang, there) ambitious. The peer group was awed by him. When he settled in the later afternoons with his guitar, there would instantly be a group around him for chats and songs.”
He continued, “Friends? He may have had a buddy or maybe two lurking somewhere off in the background, but not that I noticed. I always had the impression that he was one of the most alone people I’ve known. (Not the same as lonely).”
The quiet Monkee
Mike Nesmith was known for being serious about music and had a reputation for pushing back against The Monkees manufactured image. He was deeply thoughtful and passionate about his work.
Nesmith also had a dry wit and a rebellious streak. However, he wasn’t really quiet.
Instead Nesmith was thoughtful, and, at times, outspoken, especially when it came to creative control. He was one of the first Monkees to stand against the prefabricated nature of the group, fighting for the right to play their own instruments and have a say in their musical direction.
Nesmith also had an intellectual side that set him apart. He wasn’t interested in just being a teen idol; he wanted to create a real, meaningful impact in the music industry.
Before The Monkees, he was already a songwriter, penning tracks like “Different Drum,” which later became a hit for Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys. Nesmith’s ambition extended beyond the band; he pioneered the idea of music videos, helping shape what would eventually become MTV.
Mike Nesmith died of heart failure on Dec. 10, 2021. He was 78.
