Michael Brewer, one-half of the iconic folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley, has passed away at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by his longtime musical partner, Tom Shipley, in a Brewer & Shipley Facebook post shared on Tuesday, December 17.

“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.While best known for their Billboard Top-10 Hit, “One Toke Over The Line,” it was the duo’s masterful guitar work and signature harmonies that won them praise from critics and fans alike.”

The Facebook post goes on to list the groups impressive scope of work. “Brewer & Shipley’s vast catalog included 9 albums and 3 Billboard charted singles (“One Toke Over The LIne,” “Shake Off The Demon”) in addition to fan favorite “Witchi-Tai-To” (originally recorded by native American artist Jim Pepper). Michael Brewer and Brewer & Shipley songs have been recorded by a diverse group of artists, including: The Byrds, H.P. Lovecraft, Don McLean, The Dillards, Jonathon Edwards, Glenn Yarbrough, John Denver, The Seldom Scene, Stephen Stills, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and rocker, David Lee Roth among others….”

Charles “Michael” Brewer, born in April 1944 in Oklahoma City, was a celebrated American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as one half of the iconic folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley. Brewer’s journey into music began at a young age, heavily influenced by the rich musical culture of his youth. Growing up in Oklahoma, Brewer developed a deep appreciation for folk, rock, and country music, which shaped his creative direction. In his early 20s, he moved to Los Angeles, where he became immersed in the burgeoning folk-rock scene. It was there he crossed paths with Tom Shipley, a like-minded musician from Ohio. The pair quickly discovered a shared musical vision, leading to the formation of Brewer & Shipley in the late 1960s.

The duo gained national recognition with their unique blend of folk, rock, and country influences, marked by tight harmonies and introspective lyrics. They achieved their greatest success with the 1970 hit single One Toke Over the Line, a song that became an anthem of its era and secured their place in music history. The track, featured on their album Tarkio, charted in the Top 10 and even drew the attention of cultural icons like Lawrence Welk, whose band famously performed a cover of the song.

Brewer spoke to NPR in an interview in 2022 about the hit One Toke Over the Line “We wrote it literally entertaining ourselves and to make our friends laugh. We were getting ready to go onstage for our fourth set, and a friend came by with some really good Lebanese hash. We stepped out back and took a couple of tokes and came back in to tune up for our last set, and Tom said, ‘Man, I’m one toke over the line.’ And I just cracked up.”

Brewer & Shipley’s music often tackled social and political issues, reflecting the countercultural ethos of the time. Their thoughtful and authentic approach resonated with audiences, earning them a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Over the years, the duo released several albums, showcasing their evolving artistry and continued relevance.

Rest In Peace.