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Michael Nesmith,the guitarist of the 1960s pop group The Monkees,died at the age of 78.The famed singer-songwriter,who composed some of the band’s catalogue,including tracks such as PapaGene’sBlues,YouToldMe and YouJustMayBetheOne,died of natural causes on Friday morning,according to the statement released by his family.
The Monkees member Micky Dolenz is now the only surviving member of the group.“I’m heartbroken.” Dolenz said in a statement following Nesmith’s death.The Monkees television debut (首演) turned him and fellow band members Dolenz,Peter Tork and David Jones into overnight rock stars.The show,which premiered in 1966,rocketed the group to fame,scoring No.1 hits and chart-topping albums.During the two-year run,The Monkees won the 1967 Emmy for best comedy series.
Following the group’s breakup in 1970,Nesmith moved on to a long and creative career,not only as a musician but as a writer,producer and director of films,author of several books,head of a media arts company and creator of a music video format that led to the creation of MTV.
Nesmith rarely rejoined the others for reunion tours,leading many to believe he disliked the band and the show,something he steadfastly denied.For The Monkees’ 30th anniversary he persuaded the others to reunite to record a new album,Justus,for which all four composed the songs and played the instruments.He also rejoined the others for a brief tour and wrote and directed their 1997 TV reunion film,Hey,Hey,It’stheMonkees.
After fighting for creative control in The Monkees in the late 1960s,Nesmith went on to form the country rock outfit.The First National,which scored a top 25 hit in 1970 with Joanne according to Billboard.
1.What makes The Monkees rise to fame overnight?
A.Its numerous tracks.
B.Its creative members.
C.Its 1967 Emmy award.
D.Its first television show.
2.Which of the following is most suitable to describe Nesmith?
A.Accomplished. B.Get-it-alone.
C.Enthusiastic. D.Simple-minded.
3.What does “a brief tour” in paragraph 4 refer to?
A.A fast trip. B.A short holiday.
C.A road show. D.A temporary party.
4.What is the text mainly about?
A.A band.
B.A musician.
C.Hit shows.
D.Golden compositions.
