BREWER
& SHIPLEY
Recognized as one of the most successful folk rock duos
of the 70's, Brewer & Shipley have remained true to their original
form throughout 3 decades.
Although best known for their Top 10 signature song, "One
Toke Over The Line" which permanently etched their names in
rock history by becoming an anthem of the 70's counter culture, Michael
Brewer and Tom Shipley were by no means a one trick pony. In all, the duo
landed 3 singles on the Billboard charts and had the pleasure of working
with such notables as Mike Bloomfield, Leon Russell, Jimmy Messina, and
the late Jerry Garcia.
Constantly touring, Brewer & Shipley could be found performing in such
notable venues as Carnegie Hall, The Bottom Line, The Troubadour, The Roxy,
Keil Opera House, and Arrowhead Stadium. Because of their broad appeal,
they became a favored support act for major tours, sharing the stage with
a diverse list of artists, including: Elton John, The Eagles, Bruce
Springsteen, Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Electric Light Orchestra, Jethro
Tull, Humble Pie, Ted Nugent and Black Sabbath among others.
In 1979, after more than a decade of writing, traveling, and performing,
Brewer and Shipley parted company to pursue personal interests. Michael
Brewer continued to make music, recording a solo album for Full Moon
Records entitled "Beauty Lies". This release featured guest
artists such as Linda Ronstadt and J.D. Souther, and was produced by
longtime friend Dan Fogelberg. Tom Shipley began working as a television
producer/director, eventually forming his own production company (Tarkio
Communications). He later founded the Oral History of The Ozarks Project,
a nonprofit organization producing documentaries about life in the
Missouri Ozarks.
In 1986, at the request of KCFX (Kansas City), the duo reunited for a
concert to celebrate the station's first birthday. Unsure of what to
expect having been out of the public eye for so long, the duo was
overwhelmed as they walked on stage to over 10,000 cheering fans welcoming
their return. Having come full circle from their days as staff songwriters
living in Los Angeles, Brewer & Shipley began writing together again.
One of Shipley's documentaries - the award winning, "Treehouse - An
Ozark Story" was their first project.
In recent years, the duo has witnessed rejuvenated interest in their
music, beginning with BMG's purchase of their catalog and subsequent
reissue of the critically acclaimed "Tarkio" release. This was
soon followed by the inclusion of "One Toke
Over The Line" on the "Fear And Loathing In Las
Vegas" Limited Edition 25th Anniversary CD on (Jimmy Buffett's)
Margaritaville Records, and later on the "Fear And Loathing In Las
Vegas" motion picture soundtrack (Geffen Records). In addition, the
duo was invited to contribute guest vocals on their trademark song for the
fall 98 release of "Hempilation II" (Capricorn Records).
Brewer & Shipley continue to tour and record regularly, having
released 2 albums since reuniting, "Shanghai" (1993) and
"Heartland" (1997). Regarding Brewer & Shipley, Ron
Sylvester (The Branson Note) wrote, "An actual group from the 70s
still capable of making vital music in the 90s ... For a duo best
remembered as 70s folkies, this is a solid blast into the present ...
undeniable proof these guys can still make evocative music."
