“Nes is a great songwriter, always has been. You’ve got to credit him; He was writing incredible stuff from the get-go.” - Micky Dolenz Michael Nesmith was a songwriter ahead of his time. He wrote hit after hit for The Monkees and multiple bands – all for his love of music. Here are BILLBOARD’s Top 12 Michael Nesmith songs. Which Monkees tune written by Mike is your favorite? Photos courtesy of GAB Archive, Michael Ochs, Gems/Redferns, NBCU/Getty Images. | The Monkees

He was the guitarist in a wooly hat who wrote a string of hits with US pop group The Monkeys. Michael Nesmith has died of heart failure, aged 78, after a long and influential life in music and television. #9News | Nightly at 6pm | 9 News Sydney