The First National Band’s debut single was released in May of 1970- “Little Red Rider”, a song Michael had been re-recording for The Monkees. This version is different from the previous ones, dropping the horn section, more stripped down and raw. It features some impressive steel guitar work from Red Rhodes, whose sound is processed through a Leslie rotating speaker cabinet.

“Hank Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmie Rodgers are to me something of a musical triumvirate. Somehow I always get back to them. They, like Dylan, Presley, Cash and The Beatles, had, and have, a clearly defined musical position - A pure approach to what they have sung and written - free from euphemisms and alive with their own emotions.” Michael Nesmith 1970

1971 RCA japanese promo compilation that featured The First National Band, Waylon Jennings and The Guess Who. Extremely rare. It sold on ebay for $250 a couple of months ago. There isn't much info on this package, but I assume RCA were trying to figure out how to publicize the band in Japan.

“My group, The First National Band, are really fine musicians. Our steel guitarist Red Rhodes has won the CMA award for best musician for six of the last eight years.” Michael Nesmith 1970

Silver Moon hits #1 in St. Louis 1970

RCA promoted a string of free concerts in 1971 at colleges around Southern California. Two bands- String Cheese and Swampwater would tour with Michael. Traveling by bus, they performed at about 10 colleges in the month of December.

Joanne / One Rose 7" alternate sleeve

Michael with Ringo Starr during a press party for The First National Band in London, 1970. Jimi Hendrix was also there days before he died.

'Papa Nes' & The First National Band