Michael Brewer, born on April 14, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was the eldest of four children. His musical journey began early; by the age of four, he was already performing on the radio. In the mid-1960s, Brewer moved to Los Angeles, where he formed a duo named Mastin & Brewer with singer-songwriter Tom Mastin.
They performed alongside notable bands like The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield. After Mastin’s departure, Brewer collaborated with his brother Keith to record a single for Columbia Records. It was during this period that Brewer reconnected with his old friend Tom Shipley, leading to the formation of the folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley in 1968.
Brewer & Shipley gained prominence with their third album, “Tarkio,” released in 1970, which featured the hit single “One Toke Over the Line.” The song became a pop sensation in 1971, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its candid references to recreational drug use sparked controversy,
even drawing criticism from the Nixon administration, which labeled the duo as “subversives to American youth.” Throughout their career, Brewer & Shipley were known for their harmonious vocals and socially conscious lyrics, producing other notable songs like “Tarkio Road” and “Shake Off the Demon.”
We made Nixon’s ‘hate list,’ which we held as a badge of honor and still do to this day, and the Vice President, Spiro Agnew, named us personally on national TV one night as ‘subversives to America’s youth.’ I mean, you can’t buy that kind of publicity.
Mike Brewer
Their music resonated with the counterculture movement of the time, and they shared stages with prominent artists, including Jethro Tull during their “Passion Play” tour. In 1983, Brewer released a solo album titled “Beauty Lies,” produced by Dan Fogelberg. Despite the collaboration, the album has never been released on CD.
Brewer also contributed harmony vocals to Dan Fogelberg’s 1981 release The Innocent Age. Two years later, Fogelberg produced Brewer’s solo album Beauty Lies and released it on his own record label.
Solo
- Beauty Lies – Full Moon 1983
- Love In Time (Single) – Full Moon 1983
- Retro Man – Mobile Unit Music 2004
- It Is What It Is – Mobile Unit Music 2009
- Dancing With My Shadow – Mobile Unit Music 2011
- After The Storm – Not on Label – 2018
Brewer’s contributions to music were recognized when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2018. He spent his later years near Branson, Missouri, where he passed away, at his home in Missouri, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the age of 80, after battling multiple illnesses.
Michael Brewer, my friend of 65 years and music partner for over 60, had to go. I saw him on Saterday at Cox Hospital in Branson and he told me he wanted to go home. He was weak and very tired. They took him home on Sunday and his wife Scarlett called this morning to tell me he was gone. So tonight I will raise a glass to Michael and drink to all those years, all those miles, all those songs, and all the heavenly audiences we played for. Go with God my friendl. I’ll see you on the other side.
Tom Shipley
Michael Brewer’s legacy endures through his music, which inspires and influences generations. His work with Tom Shipley is a testament to folk rock’s enduring power and role in reflecting and shaping societal values. He is survived by his wife Scarlett, and his singing partner Tom Shipley.
Further Reading
Sources
- 45 Cat https://www.45cat.com/
- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Brewer_(musician)
- Legacy “Mike Brewer (1944–2024), One Toke Over the Line singer” https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/mike-brewer-1944-2024-one-toke-over-the-line-singer/
- Best Classic Bands “Mike Brewer of Folk-Rock Duo Brewer & Shipley (‘One Toke Over the Line’) Dies at 80” https://bestclassicbands.com/mike-brewer-folk-rock-duo-brewer-and-shipley-one-toke-over-the-line-obituary-12-17-244/
- Ultimate Classic Rock “Michael Brewer of Brewer & Shipley Dead at 80” https://ultimateclassicrock.com/michael-brewer-rip/
- American Songwriter “Michael Brewer of Brewer & Shipley Dead at 80” https://americansongwriter.com/michael-brewer-of-brewer-shipley-dead-at-80/
- Discogs https://www.discogs.com/artist/892889-Michael-Brewer
