In 1969, Nesmith formed the group First National Band with Kuehne, John Ware, and Red Rhodes. Nesmith wrote most of the songs for the band, including the single "Joanne" which received some airplay and was a moderate chart hit for seven weeks during 1970, rising to number 21 on the Billboard Top 40.[12] The First National Band has been credited with being among the pioneers of country-rock music.[13]