Michael Nesmith was an American musician, songwriter, and film producer, best known as a member of the iconic pop-rock band The Monkees. His musical style encompassed country-rock and folk influences, and he is often credited with helping to pioneer the country-rock genre. Nesmith's solo work, including "Rio" and "Different Drum", and his contributions to The Monkees, notably "Papa Gene's Blues" and "Listen to the Band", have had a significant impact on popular music. His innovative use of music video in the late 1970s further cemented his place in music history.