Iconic Songwriter for the Monkees Passes Away at 86

Bobby Hart Passes Away at 86

Bobby Hart, a significant figure in the Monkees’ success, has passed away at the age of 86. He was known for collaborating with Tommy Boyce on memorable tracks like "Last Train to Clarksville" and "I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone."

Hart’s friend and co-author, Glenn Ballantyne, confirmed his death at Hart’s residence in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, Hart had been experiencing health issues, particularly after a hip injury last year.

Legacy of Boyce and Hart

In the mid-1960s, Bobby Hart and Tommy Boyce formed a dynamic songwriting duo, especially prolific for the Monkees—a band created for television under the direction of Don Kirshner. Their creativity led to the iconic theme song for the show, which begins with "Here we come, walkin’ down the street," and features the catchy refrain "Hey, hey, we’re the Monkees." Notably, their track "Last Train to Clarksville" was the Monkees’ first No. 1 hit.

The group’s debut album sold millions and featured six songs penned by Boyce and Hart. They also produced tracks, utilizing their group, the Candy Store Prophets, as session musicians to create the distinct Monkee sound.

Contributions Beyond the Monkees

In a memoir by Hart, "Psychedelic Bubblegum," Monkees member Micky Dolenz praised their songwriting and production skills, contributing to the beloved Monkee sound.

As the Monkees gained more control over their music, Boyce and Hart branched out to pursue solo careers. They released albums like "Test Patterns" and appeared on sitcoms such as "I Dream of Jeannie" and "Bewitched." They also became politically active, supporting Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1968 and penning the song "L.U.V." in favor of the 26th Amendment, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.

Notable Songs and Collaborations

Bobby Hart and Tommy Boyce wrote several other songs, including the emotional "I Wanna Be Free" for the Monkees, as well as the theme song for the soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Their music has been covered by a variety of artists, from Dean Martin to the Sex Pistols.

In the later decades, Hart continued to find success, managing hits with various collaborators and contributing to the Partridge Family. He worked on "Over You," an Oscar-nominated song performed by Betty Buckley, and collaborated on "My Secret" for New Edition.

A Life Remembered

Bobby Hart was born Robert Luke Harshman in Phoenix, Arizona, where he grew up as a minister’s son. In his memoir, he described himself as a shy boy with a passion for music. By high school, he had mastered the piano and guitar and even started an amateur radio station.

After joining the Army reserves, he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1950s, initially aspiring to be a disc jockey before transitioning to songwriting. Forming a notable partnership with Boyce, they created enduring hits like "Come a Little Bit Closer" for Jay and the Americans.

Their collaboration with Don Kirshner for the Monkees marked the beginning of a monumental chapter in music history. When asked for a theme song for the band, they quickly composed it during a stroll, capturing the essence of the group effortlessly.

In reflecting on Hart’s contributions to music and the lasting impact of the Monkees, what’s your favorite song from their collection?