Michael Brewer, one half of the iconic folk rock duo Brewer & Shipley, has sadly left us at the age of 80.
His musical partner, Tom Shipley, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, revealing that Brewer had been battling multiple illnesses for the past three years.
A Heartfelt Goodbye from Tom Shipley
Tom Shipley, who had been friends with Brewer for an incredible 65 years and musical partners for over 60, poured his heart out in a Facebook post. “My friend of 65 years and music partner for over 60 had to go,” he wrote. Shipley last saw Brewer at Cox Medical Center Branson in Branson, Missouri, on December 14, where he was weak and tired. Brewer’s wife Scarlett called Tom the next morning to deliver the devastating news.
A Legacy of Music and Memories
Brewer & Shipley’s music was deeply rooted in the tumultuous American years of the late 1960s to early 1970s. Their hit single, “One Toke Over the Line,” released in March 1971, became an anthem for the era of free love and marijuana use. The song was name-dropped in the first chapter of Hunter S. Thompson’s iconic novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and featured in several films, including Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas and St. Vincent, as well as in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto IV.
The Story Behind “One Toke Over the Line”
In an interview with NPR’s A Breath of Fresh Air in February 2022, Brewer revealed the humble origins of their hit single. The idea for the song came from a joke about getting high, and they wrote it simply to entertain themselves and make their friends laugh. Brewer recalled that they were about to go on stage for their fourth set when a friend showed up with some potent Lebanese hash. After taking a few tokes, they returned to tune up for their final set, and Tom quipped, “Man, I’m one toke over the line.” Brewer couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the comment.
A Life of Music and Adventure
Born in Oklahoma City on April 14, 1944, Brewer began his musical journey while still in high school, singing and drumming in a rock band. After graduating in 1962, he performed at coffee houses across the country, eventually meeting Shipley in Kent, Ohio. The duo formed Mastin & Brewer in 1965 and signed a deal with Columbia Records, relocating to Los Angeles.
Brewer & Shipley: A Musical Legacy
The duo’s music has been covered by artists such as David Lee Roth, The Byrds, and the late John Denver. They had appeared on TV shows like The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Dick Cavett Show. Brewer’s solo discography included albums like Beauty Lies (1983), Michael Brewer/Retro Man (2004), It Is What It Is (2010), and Dancing with My Shadow (2012).
Remembering Michael Brewer
Brewer is survived by his wife Scarlett Cameron, daughters Carrie Smith and Sarah Brewer; Cameron’s daughters Tara Cameron Winker and Suzy Cameron, and niece Leigh Bodenheimer; along with several grandchildren. As we say goodbye to this folk rock legend, we raise a glass to Michael and celebrate his life of music, adventure, and memories that will live on forever.