First National Bandanas

This year marks half a century since Michael Nesmith released his first two groundbreaking albums with the First National Band. Magnetic South and Loose Salute arrived in record stores in 1970; Nevada Fighter came shortly after in 1971. The albums further introduced the country rock sound that Nesmith began experimenting with while still on The Monkees.

The First National Band dug up its roots in Texas and the South then replanted them in California's psychedelic mindscapes. Nez's poetry, melodies, and old fashioned yodel -- combined with Red Rhodes's celestial, psychedelic pedal steel guitar -- create a cowboy band unlike any other.

These three bandanas honor the original First National Band -- Michael Nesmith, Red Rhodes, John Kuehne, and John Ware -- and the trilogy that has become their legacy.

Bandanas measure 21.5"x22". Photo by Henry Diltz; art by Susan Holloway.