Bobby Hart, Monkees Hitmaker, Passes Away at 86

The music world mourns the loss of Bobby Hart, instrumental in crafting hits for The Monkees alongside Tommy Boyce. Hart passed away at the age of 86.

Hart breathed his last at his residence in Los Angeles, confirmed by Glenn Ballantyne, his friend and co-author. His health had been declining since a hip injury the previous year.

Legacy with The Monkees

In the mid-1960s, Boyce and Hart became a prolific songwriting duo, especially noted for their work with The Monkees, a television band envisioned by Don Kirshner. The duo wrote many notable tracks, including 'Last Train to Clarksville,' the group's first number-one hit. Boyce and Hart not only composed songs but also produced them, using their skilled backing band, the Candy Store Prophets, to achieve the distinctive Monkees sound.

Micky Dolenz, a member of The Monkees, credited Boyce and Hart with a significant contribution as both composers and producers, in crafting the band’s unique sound, as noted in Hart’s 2015 memoir.

Ventures Beyond The Monkees

As The Monkees started taking charge of their music, Boyce and Hart found success in projects of their own, including several albums and appearances on television shows. Politically, they aligned with Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign and championed the effort to lower the voting age by penning 'L.U.V. (Let Us Vote)' in support of the 26th Amendment.

Their work extended to a broad range of artists, from Dean Martin to the punk band Sex Pistols, exemplified by their track "I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone."

Later Years and Other Endeavors

In the 70s and 80s, Hart collaborated with various artists, contributing to hits and participating in The Partridge Family projects. His notable works include "Over You," an Oscar-nominated song from the film 'Tender Mercies.' He even reunited with The Monkees during their 80s revival.

A documentary in 2014 detailed the careers of Boyce and Hart, who influenced many through their music and partnership.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Robert Luke Harshman in Phoenix, Arizona, Hart was the son of a minister. He recalled his youth, filled with a drive to find his niche, which led him to music. By the end of high school, he had mastered the piano, guitar, and organ. A passion for music secured his move to Los Angeles in the late 50s, aiming initially for a career as a DJ before transitioning into songwriting and session work.

Shortening his name to Bobby Hart, he performed with Teddy Randazzo and the Dazzlers and co-wrote the hit "Hurt So Bad," which would later find success with Linda Ronstadt's rendition.

Partnership with Tommy Boyce

Hart's significant partnership with Tommy Boyce started with their mutual interest in music from different backgrounds. Their collaborative efforts birthed numerous successful songs, including "Come a Little Bit Closer" for Jay and the Americans and soundtrack pieces for The Monkees. Their innovative approach to music composition helped shape the identities of the artists they worked with.

In a memoir, Hart described the spontaneous creation of The Monkees' theme song during a casual walk, highlighting their creativity and synergy.