♥♪♫ What Am I Doing Hangin' Round? ♫♪♥

Michael Nesmith's rural Texas roots and future musical paths crossed on Michael Martin Murphey and Owen Castleman's brisk ballad "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?" The authors were the Monkees' labelmates at Colgems under the Lewis & Clarke Expedition moniker, and Murphey and Nesmith had actually been acquaintances prior to the Monkees project. There is a discernible Bakersfield flavor to the selection, as Doug Dillard's exemplary banjo picking is coupled with Nesmith's twangy narrative and some effervescently rhythmic contributions from bassist Chip Douglas, together creating a feisty countrified rocker in the vein of latter-era Byrds and/or the Flying Burrito Brothers. This song provides one of the rare post-Headquarters occasions that all four Monkees played on the same studio cut. In addition to solid background vocals from Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones, Peter Tork joins Nesmith on guitar.

[@robertoesse2650]

More country than today’s country music

[@TheRetroDepot]

Its sad that only Mickey is left now, R.I.P. Mike Nesmith

[@rwboa22]

RIP Mike Nesmith (1942-2021).

[@blank557]

Nesmith was a progressive Country Western singer ahead of his time.

[@carlweaver3243]

Michael Nesmith is the Godfather of Country Rock.

[@poco01x]

Michael Martin Murphy tune. The original cosmic cowboy.

[@leesher1845]

Well said.

[@thomast8539]

Folk, not Country and Western.

[@themersh4064]

He and Gram Parsons were pioneers of Cosmic Country!

[@ELVENGADOR858]

RIP DAVY JONES MICHAEL NESMITH AND PETER TORK OUR UNFORGETTABLES MONKEES

[@lorijohnson2348]

RIP Michael Nesmith. Underrated genius.

[@leonakinglion3210]

Indeed he is

[@lilliehalumi8770]

@@leonakinglion3210 He did a lot of work behind the scenes for the music industry. I just saw in interview where he talks about this song, and how impressed he was with Peter's excellent banjo playing.

[@AhtoNajeebRashied]

Oh look, another person saying an artist is underrated. That never happens. Very original comment Johnny

[@BennieWilll]

@@AhtoNajeebRashied In Nesmith's case he truly was.

[@TheStockwell]

A highly respected, easily recognized, award-winning, influential performer/businessman who died wealthy and with all kinds of tributes from the media - you have a goofy idea of what "underrated" means. Maybe you're a fan who'd like to pretend he's an obscure performer only the cool kids know about. What else is underrated in your opinion? Eating food? Clothing? 🤨

[@dianne6155]

even tho he stayed fairly stoic he sang with passion

[@mrbojangles977]

Just another band who made my childhood so god damn good.......

[@waynedavis294]

It would be no stretch, no lie, no fib, and no misrepresentation to say that between 1966 to 1975 I listened to this forgotten gem no less then 372 times! Easy!!! We damned near worn that album OUT!!!! Such great tunes I remember, but were nearly forgotten after 54 years!!! " I'm Gonna Buy Me A Dog", "She Hangs Out". And about a dozen other tunes we wore the grooves out on on that 1 album alone!!!! So underrated a band in history! Hopefully these kids today will go and listen to these absolute treasures of the 60s!!! The Monkees were cool, in my opinion!!!!! R.I. P. Mr. Nesmith!! You brought me such happiness and joy in my youth!!!! And you got to live a long, fruitful life!!!! May the Monkees live forever??!!!!

[@user-up3uc6ol4r]

Yes! I still have two of my vinyls ☮️

[@user-to5mf9il1n]

No problem with that I do the same

[@williamfotiou7577]

Ditto, and I turned 10 in ‘75! 😂 Mickey Dolenz was my inspiration for becoming a drummer. 🥁

[@hyacinth4368]

I love them even more now than I did in 1967, when I was 12 ! Still have all my original albums.

[@marciemeow]

All true . I feel the same will always love them

[@ghostinthemachine8243]

What a great time to be alive. The Monkees had a TV show. The Beatles were still together. Original Star Trek was still on. The future looked bright. On the other hand, my older brother was far off fighting in Vietnam, so that kind of sucked. Rest in Peace Mike. Thanks for being part of the soundtrack of my childhood.

[@verasmith4767]

Man From UNCLE was on.

[@presto111man]

Hope your brother made it back ok.

[@ghostinthemachine8243]

@@presto111man Yes he did, but he lost a part of his old, carefree self over there.

[@kayequinn7146]

We'll said. Only wish my cousin had returned from the war. But,yes it was a time to remember

[@mapleva]

I think that the Beatles may have been quiet about the time the Monkees broke. It believe it was that period between Revolver and St Peper's.

[@annahshoffner1871]

I had to find this SONG. With Mike Nesmith passing away this morning, I just can't believe it 😞😭 and now only Mickey Dolenz remains left living. My childhood is dwindling down to nothing. Rest In Peace, Mike Nesmith, TEXAS is crying for YOU TONIGHT BOY ☮️ 🕊️💔🌹🙏🏽‼️

[@josefizquierdo6139]

R.I.P. Michael Nesmith 🙏 Peter Tork 🙏 Davy Jones 🙏

[@karensiegel6669]

One of the great Monkees songs. Miss those days!

[@jasonsumpter1197]

R.I.P you beautiful Texas treasure of a soul. You and your six string rifle will greatly be missed. Thank you for a lifetime of joy. Sleep sweet in paradise.

[@irvinlopez1126]

Mike was an unidentified genius. He’ll be missed

[@alitlweird]

*_Repo Man_* 🎥 🎞️

[@kenbogus136]

He was gifted

[@kimberlyhenderson7604]

Did anyone know that this genius was the pioneer who started MTV video music.

[@limabeat]

This is one of my favorite songs he sings. Love his voice. RIP Mike Nesmith

[@sdthrutheroof9161]

This song and also "Sometimes Love Is Only Sleeping". Also "Sweet Young Thing" All favorite Mike Nesmith songs!!

[@christinedennison7770]

Me too

[@Bruce-1956]

And then there was one, RIP Mike.

[@timjoye3792]

He's been called the inventor of country rock. I'll take that. Peace.

[@thewkovacs316]

78 is too young goodbye mike thanks for all the music

[@benadam7753]

RIP: Mike Nesmith

[@kayedeedid]

Thanks Mike Nesmith and The Monkees for making me smile on a dreary day. Say hi to Davey and Peter for me....

[@rohnkd4hct260]

They were a good group. I grew up watching the TV show and had all their records. Very under-rated. Have to say ,would never figured Mickey would be the only one left.

[@user-up3uc6ol4r]

My favorite Mike song☮️

[@randelcandel3423]

May God accept Mike into his loving embrace. So sad at Mike's passing

[@macdermott1856]

came here to sat Good-bye to Mike Nesmith, & R.I.P...

[@joeharrison1142]

Goodnight MIke, goodnight.... RIP

[@tarrylrosier8443]

RIP Mike Nesmith!

[@KlassyKat45]

How many of you were waving back at Micky? LOL Hard to believe only one Monkee is still with us. RIP Nez, Davy and Peter.

[@Sylverlilly]

I definitely was waving back 😅

[@celticdollface]

R.I.P Mike, You brought us such joy, sing to the angels

[@timotc50]

RIP. Michael. I heard Michael Martin Murphy do this song, but I knew you did it first.

[@tamaraclaw]

Michael Murphy co-wrote the song...but yes the Monkees recorded it first.

[@kevinsimpson3374]

I’m So Sorry To Hear Michael Nesmith’ s Passed Away! RI P.

[@patrickcolon8809]

If there ever was a song that was written FOR Michael Nesmith, this was it......I was very surprised when I saw that he did not write it himself.

[@kelseymariel2127]

Me too!

[@iVenge]

me three

[@tonytheguy5194]

Ive always thought Mike wrote it as well,

[@bologna4feet]

Me 5! 2018 tour with Mickey and Peter, Mickey introduced it as a song that sounds like he wrote it but he didn't.

[@dejcmc8]

This is how I will always remember them 🎸👍😎😇

[@dorothylewinski551]

I'll miss you forever, Mike. RIP

[@michaelnelson7558]

I miss you my favorite Monkee. Thank you for your deadpan humor and music.

[@fidlemel53]

He didn't get enough credit for his ability to sing and play... This is a wonderful song.

[@janeenn8811]

Pete with his banjo 🪕! Mike is tops in this one for sure! “She hangs Out” is one of the catchiest tunes ever! A fav for sure👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽beautiful composition🎵🎶

[@iftex2263]

RIP mate .. will meet you there in the land where we go when time comes.... !!!

[@jeremysmetana8583]

RIP Mike Nesmith. Love you, man. Since I was a baby plopped down in front of the TV, up through when I stole my mom's copies of the Monkees albums, and all the while you were pioneering the music video format.

[@Columbiana777]

RIP to Mike Nesmith😇😢🥀💐

[@jameshope398]

R.I.P. Michael Nesmith

[@timjoye3792]

He don't have to hang around no more. Forever Young, Papa Nez.

[@russellwortham2902]

Mike was so talented, Monkees, first official music video, Grammy for a video record, came up with the concept for MTV. Legend.

[@ronmer]

And still can't stop thinking (of you, Mike) when I hear some whistle cryin'

[@user-to5mf9il1n]

RIP Mike, Peter, and Davy!

[@normanno8514]

The way that Dolenz manages to keep the beat whilst waving to an imaginary train is quite extraordinary.

[@doloresmammoccio1941]

Rest in peace Michael Nesmith, David Jones and Pete Tork

[@richardhincemon9423]

R.i.p. Michael Nesmith🙏

[@MexicoDigDoctor]

RIP, Mike. Thanks to all of you for helping to make my childhood joyous. I have a special place in my heart for this song, because I took my first train to Mexico in 1975 when I was 15. I fell in love with it and visited every chance I got starting at 18. By 21, I had moved here permanently. 42 years later, I love it even more. All the passenger trains are gone now, but hearing Mike sing this beautiful song takes me right back to my youth. 🇲🇽🛤🚂

[@alfx5432]

Well I'm 60 years old I'm so grateful to grow up in that time. There not gone there just in a different place we will see them agine we all will be there together.✌

[@MexicoDigDoctor]

@@alfx5432 Amen!!

[@alfx5432]

Are monkees in the Rock roll hall of fame. I don't know

[@MexicoDigDoctor]

@@alfx5432 No they are not, and I think it is a terrible shame. They were considered a fabricated band, even though at least two of them are accomplished musicians. In the early days they didn’t write any of their own songs, people like Neil Diamond and Carole King did. I would be so happy if they would finally put them in there, and that at least Mickey would live to see it.

[@ruthecker399]

love mike he was the best

[@scottsteel2395]

Mike is COOL.✌❤

[@kevinfan726]

my favorite "Monkee" because he was the most country and the best singer and the best looking and the smartest. :D

[@marilynsnider8183]

Rest In Peace, Davy, Peter and Mike. You're gone, but never forgotten.

[@spiritof6663]

The Monkees invented country-rock as early as "Papa Gene's Blues" and "Sweet Young Thing" (Nesmith's own tunes!) on their first album. By "What Am I Doin' Hangin' Round?" they were experts at a genre that no-one else had even picked up yet, outside of a couple stray tracks from the Byrds and Springfield. Add that to their pioneering use of the Moog on the "Pisces" album and you get a band that was far more innovative and cutting-edge than they are EVER given credit for. The Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame should hang its head in shame.

[@leelee3121]

Rest in Peace Papa Nez. Thank you for your creativity, talent and humor. You were always “the one”.

[@candycluney667]

Michael Nesmith was a genuine musical guru who's talent had no limits

[@sandrabroadbent9082]

RIP, Mike. You will be missed. ❤️

[@timmcdaniel7722]

1: He'll be missed . One of the best. 2. I want that guitar.

[@jurgenelschker2406]

What can I say? You were my older sister's idols, but I miss you, too ... esp Michael. The Monkees were a musical commercial product, but the chosen characters were unique - esp Michael. A great, soulful musician .... Good-bye OJ

[@josephlemko3027]

I have aways loved this song. These 4 guys have always put a smile on my face.✌

[@StormyDay]

RIP Mike “Papa” Nez. He thought he wasn’t a good singer. I thought he was not only a great singer but a great songwriter, and a person who was able to have vision and make significant change actually happen. People like him come around only once in a lifetime. We are blessed having shared the planet with him at the same time. He changed the music industry and music in general. He couldn’t sit still and take the status quo. He saw the way it was going and didn’t want it to pass him by. Bravo, Michael Nesmith, great work, great contributions all around. ♥️

[@katethomas5712]

You said it all. Did he really not like his voice? So many singers don't seem to

[@StormyDay]

@@katethomas5712 iKR? He had such a beautiful voice. As a singer, I get it, you’re always comparing. He was very humble, too.

[@stacyflood4319]

Perfection!!! I love and miss Davy, Peter and Mike. My childhood is disappearing right before my eyes😢 Micky, I love you too, my prayers are with you ♥️🙏♥️🙏

[@JimReuterskiold]

I was happily surprised to learn that this song was co-written by Michael Martin Murphey.

[@chuckhutton5087]

RIP Michael Nesmith. All of his songs from the Monkees were outstanding!! Underrated is certainly an overused term, but it applies to Mike in many ways.

[@anitakeeler2841]

RIP Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones and Peter Tork.

[@markfletcher479]

God bless and Rest in Peace. Saturday mornings in the 80s was always Monkees re-runs

[@huggyboarmcluvin8075]

I'd always though Michael Nesmith had wrote it, since it had some of his Texas country style to it...not that it diminishes its appeal, a classic

[@haraldfarinski6245]

Time does not diminish the era and feeling that the Monkees music brings us at such an era where all is topsyturvy!

[@scottsteel2395]

✌❤

[@jordyn_gc1788]

One of my fav monkees songs sung by Mike. Found out he died this morning and im grief stricken, mike is my fav monkee and ill miss him for sure

[@dannyshirley1858]

I dont think anyone else plays a 12 string lead. You were a one of Mike, thank you for the music, and the show.

[@jonswenk8073]

Thanks for the Tunes !! R.I.P !!

[@ronniebridgett8425]

Aw, poor Mike has passed away! I love this song.

[@teejay3272]

He just passed and I'll imagine some folks will be watching this clip. Either again or for the first time. This is a good one.

[@yamilegarcia8989]

They all were so talented and good-looking. ❤️

[@stephenhawes5391]

R.I.P. Michael, thanks for the music and the laughs from the T.V. show.

[@Tortall01]

RIP Michael 😢❤️🙏

[@jacknapier9026]

Omg sad to hear of his passing RIP Michael Nesmith🙁

[@talia77us]

R.I.P Mike Nesmith. I had such a childhood crush on you.

[@chasz8487]

The Monkees sent this positive energy into the universe I love these guys

[@mericledraco]

RIP Mike , we will miss you dearly

[@tuttigalasso7390]

Michael Nesmith RIP.. :-(

[@cincysweety]

One of the best songs performed by The Monkees. RIP Michael.

[@vincentp.locollo3343]

DAMM MIKE COULD HAVE HAD A GREAT SOLO CAREER!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cmnemonicsmnemonic44]

rest in peace mike you absolute star. x

[@Kaylaholley96-_-39]

My first loves. (and im only 38 lol) I miss Nez so freaking much. And of course Davy and Peter

[@haydn1972]

Always thought he was the most talented of The Monkees.

[@therealjd4life]

Mike was years ahead of his time, a tremendous talent and guy....I'm heartbroken that he's no longer with us..

[@chrisinfiesto835]

RIP Mike...... 😔🙏🏼💜

[@barbaramccoy2670]

RIP MIKE..YOU DID MAKE IT!!..NEVER FORGET THAT!!

[@lauraknapp1741]

I loved how Mike sang this song RIP Mike

[@kandlle]

Will always love Mike

[@jasongonzalez9923]

I'm from San Antone ... ☺️. I remember discovering The Monkees in the 80s. They still hold a space in my heart ❤️

[@KellyMessiah]

Beautiful. RIP.

[@StevenW1958]

RIP Michael Nesmith. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.😢

[@bobsebring3377]

Monkee or not Michael was a very unique artist. His singing is as unique as Johnny Cash or a Willie Nelson. Nobody sounds like Michael He not only helped create MTV but he created a new genre of music known as Country Rock. (Western Rock) First example being that from the first monkees album, for example "Sweet Young Thing" which predates anybody else. His music was the first to feature a Moog synthesizer. Daily Nighty' He like the rest of the Monkees still hold the record for most sold albums in a year by Billboard. He was an amazing artist. RIP Michael.

[@andreaserna4739]

Happier times with my brothers and sisters

[@ericablaschke3497]

Micky is hilarious . I love him acting so goofy and waving. This spontaneity and the special connection these four had set them apart from other groups. I was a second generation fan and continued to see the Monkees through out the years . When my sister and cousin were into New Kids on the block. I idolized the Monkees and saw them in concert in 1987 when Weird Al Yankovitch opened for them. Even saw mike and micky recently. Wish I could see micky on his own but have to wait for him to come east.

[@brianwitt522]

Mike rocks! He's the anchor of the Monkees.

[@scottsteel2395]

Mike is the COOLEST.✌❤

[@jonnobloggs1139]

One of my favourite Monkees tunes. A perfect fusion of finger pickin country and power pop. Mike's outstanding vocal twang sets the whole thing off.

[@gaetanodetorrice5555]

Will be surely missed😢😢😢.❤❤🙏🙏