Finally, Thomas Jefferson High's Mike Nesmith Makes It Into Texas Film Hall of Fame

By Robert Wilonsky Tue., Dec. 22 2009 at 11:18 AM

Categories: From the RTF Dept., Music, Today's History Lesson

The Austin Film Society just sent word: After inducting the likes of Morgan Fairchild, Rushmore, the director of Twilight and most everyone else who's ever made a TV show or rented a movie in Texas, it's getting around to putting Mike Nesmith in the Texas Film Hall of Fame come March. Per the press release:

Michael Nesmith, born in Houston, will receive the Warren Skaaren Lifetime Achievement Award. Nesmith is perhaps best known for his work with The Monkees band and TV show but has made significant contributions in film, television and music. He served as executive producer of the cult films REPO MAN, TAPEHEADS and TIMERIDER. In 1980, he developed "Pop Clips," which became the inspiration for MTV and his video, "Cruisin" became the first video on the network. The next year, he won the first Grammy Award given for Video of the Year for his hour-long "Elephant Parts." Nesmith served on the board of trustees for the American Film Institute for ten years. World-renowned American artist Edward Ruscha will be on hand to present the award to Nesmith.

Nice. But, may I?

Yes, sure, he was born in Houston. Lived there a whole six years, till he moved here with his mother, Bette Nesmith Graham, a Dallas native who, as you're no doubt aware, invented Liquid Paper while working as executive secretary for W.W. Overton, the chairman of the board of the Texas Bank and Trust. One year later, according to his official Rhino Records bio, "Michael took his first stab at acting with a role in the Thomas Jefferson High School production of Oklahoma (as Andrew Carnes). The following year, he joined school's concert choir, developing his skill as a pitch-perfect vocalist." Houston, sure, fine. Whatever.

Cue the Monkees' Christmas song!

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