Singer and writer Tom Shipley dies at age 84
Tom Shipley, one-half of the popular duo Brewer & Shipley, known for their hit song “One Toke Over the Line” which reached the Top 10 in 1971, has passed away at the age of 84 from unspecified causes. Shipley’s son Marc confirmed his father’s death on August 24 at a hospital in Columbia, Missouri. His partner in the duo, Mike Brewer, had died in 2024.
The iconic song “One Toke Over the Line” was actually written as a humorous piece for their own amusement, with no intention of it being released. Shipley recalled the origins of the song as something they created one night to entertain their friends. When they performed at Carnegie Hall for the first time, they found themselves with several encores and ran out of songs to perform. It was then that they decided to play their new creation, catching the attention of the record company president who insisted they record it for their album.
Included in their fourth album, Tarkio, “One Toke Over the Line” catapulted Brewer & Shipley into fame, becoming their biggest hit. However, it also drew unwanted attention from the government, landing them on President Nixon’s ‘hate list’ and being called out by Vice President Spiro Agnew as “subversives to America’s youth” on national TV. Despite the controversy, Shipley and Brewer embraced the notoriety as a badge of honor.
The groundbreaking success of “One Toke Over the Line” solidified Brewer & Shipley’s place in rock music history as one-hit wonders. The song’s lasting impact and catchy tune resonated with audiences, ensuring its place in music history. Even decades later, the song continues to be remembered and celebrated for its uniqueness and influence.
The passing of Tom Shipley marks the end of an era for Brewer & Shipley, leaving behind a legacy of music that will live on in the hearts of fans. Shipley’s contribution to the world of music through his creative talents and partnership with Brewer will always be remembered and cherished. The duo may have been known for just one hit, but that hit left an indelible mark on the music industry and the hearts of listeners everywhere.