Michael Brewer, known for his iconic work in the folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley, has passed away at the age of 80. His death was confirmed by his longtime musical partner, Tom Shipley, who shared the sad news on Facebook on December 17. Brewer had been fighting multiple illnesses for the past three years, though the official cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Tom Shipley, 83, shared a heartfelt tribute to his friend and music partner of over 60 years, writing, “My friend of 65 years and music partner for over 60, had to go.” Shipley reflected on their long history together, mentioning that he had visited Brewer just days before his passing. “I saw him on Saturday at Cox Hospital in Branson, and he told me he wanted to go home. He was weak and very tired,” Shipley recalled.
After Brewer was brought home, Shipley received the news from Brewer’s wife, Scarlett, that his friend had passed away. “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 friend. I’ll see you on the other side,” Shipley concluded, expressing both sorrow and gratitude for their shared musical journey.
The Brewer & Shipley Facebook page also shared the news of Brewer’s death, confirming the ongoing health struggles he faced over the past few years. “It is with great sadness we must share that Michael Brewer passed away earlier today (12/17) having battled multiple illnesses for the past 3 years,” the post read.
Born in Oklahoma City in April 1944, Charles “Michael” Brewer was the oldest of four children. In his high school years, Brewer dabbled in drumming and singing with a local rock band before eventually picking up the guitar. After graduating from high school in 1962, Brewer began performing his own music at coffeehouses across the U.S. It was during one of these performances in Kent, Ohio, that he met Tom Shipley, an encounter that would change both of their lives.
Brewer first formed a duo called Mastin & Brewer in 1965, partnering with singer-songwriter Tom Mastin. The duo found initial success with their song “How Do You Feel,” which was later recorded by Jefferson Airplane. However, after Mastin left the group, Brewer moved to Los Angeles, where he and Shipley teamed up as Brewer & Shipley. The pair began writing for A&M Records and quickly built a reputation in the folk-rock scene.
Brewer & Shipley became a household name in the late 1960s and early 1970s, thanks in large part to their hit song “One Toke Over the Line.” Released in 1971, the song became a Top 10 hit and became synonymous with the counterculture movement, advocating marijuana use and a free-spirited lifestyle. Brewer once revealed the story behind the song’s creation in a 2022 interview with NPR’s A Breath of Fresh Air. According to Brewer, the song came about in a moment of spontaneous inspiration as he and Shipley were preparing for a performance.
“We wrote it literally entertaining ourselves and to make our friends laugh,” Brewer said, describing how the two stepped outside for a quick “toke” of Lebanese hash before returning to the stage to finish their set. It was then that Shipley casually remarked, “Man, I’m one toke over the line,” which sent Brewer into fits of laughter. The rest, as they say, is history.
Their success didn’t stop there. The duo also had two more hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Tarkio Road,” which peaked at No. 55 in 1970, and “Shake Off the Demon,” which reached No. 98 in 1972.
Although Brewer & Shipley amicably disbanded in 1980, the pair reunited for a special performance in Kansas City in 1987 and continued to perform together over the years. They eventually formed their own company, One Toke Productions, and released new music, including two CDs and numerous live performances.
Brewer also found success as a solo artist, releasing several albums over the years, including Beauty Lies (1983), Michael Brewer/Retro Man (2004), It Is What It Is (2010), and Dancing with My Shadow (2012).
Despite the duo’s parting of ways, Brewer & Shipley’s musical legacy has endured. Their blend of folk, rock, and socially-conscious lyrics continues to resonate with listeners, especially those who grew up with the free-spirited days of the 1960s and 1970s.
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