Hit song pushed Brewer and Shipley over the line

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Michael Brewer was as surprised as anyone when "One Toke Over the Line" became a hit in 1971.

Brewer and his friend Tom Shipley wrote the song to make themselves and friends laugh.

The tune got the duo in hot water with the Nixon administration. On the other hand, bandleader Lawrence Welk called it "pure American gospel."

Fans will get a chance to hear that subversive gospel hit when Brewer and Shipley perform at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City on Saturday, April 26.

Read the full story at http://www.parkrecord.com/scene/ci_25616002/hit-song-pushed-brewer-and-shipley-over-line. —

Brewer & Shipley

When • Saturday, April 26, 8 p.m.

Where • Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main St., Park City

Tickets • $23 to $32; http://www.parkcityshows.com