Bobby Hart, Monkees Songwriter and Half of a Prolific Duo, Dies at 80
Bobby Hart, the gifted songwriter best known as one half of the team Boyce & Hart, responsible for crafting some of The Monkees’ biggest hits, has died at the age of 80. His passing marks the end of an era in pop music, leaving behind a legacy of catchy tunes and a notable contribution to the sound of the 1960s and beyond.
Hart passed away on Monday in burbank, California, according to a statement released by his family. While a cause of death wasn’t immediately disclosed, his loss is deeply felt within the music industry.
From Phoenix Roots to Pop Stardom
Born Robert Luke Harshman in Phoenix, Arizona, Hart was a minister’s son who discovered his passion for music early on. He recalled a shy childhood fueled by a “strong desire to distinguish” himself, finding his outlet through piano, guitar, and the Hammond B-3 organ.He even operated his own amateur radio station, building a makeshift studio with turntables and microphones.
After a stint in the Army Reserves, Hart moved to los Angeles in the late 1950s, initially aiming for a career as a disc jockey. He quickly transitioned into songwriting and session work, shortening his name to Bobby Hart along the way. He toured with Teddy Randazzo and the Dazzlers and co-wrote the hit “Hurt So Bad” with Randazzo, a song later covered by Linda Ronstadt.
The Boyce & Hart Partnership
Hart’s career truly took off when he met Tommy Boyce, a singer and songwriter from Virginia. Their creative synergy was immediate and potent. Boyce, described as “spontaneous and extroverted, yet very cool,” perfectly complemented Hart’s musical sensibilities.
Together, they penned hits like “Come a Little Bit closer” for Jay and the Americans. This success led to a pivotal opportunity: Don Kirshner recruited them to write for The Monkees, a made-for-TV band modeled after The Beatles.
Crafting the Monkees Sound
Assigned to write songs for the manufactured quartet, Boyce & Hart delivered some of the Monkees’ most enduring classics. They drew inspiration from the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” to create the twangy guitar line for “Last Train to Clarksville,” which soared to the top of the charts in 1966.
When Kirshner requested a song featuring a girl’s name, they responded with “Valleri,” another top-five hit. Perhaps most famously, they wrote the instantly recognizable theme song for The Monkees television show. Hart recounted the song’s simple origins:
“Boyce began strumming his guitar and I joined in by snapping my fingers & making noises with my mouth that simulated an open & closed hi-hat cymbal. We had created the perfect recipe for inspiration and started singing about just what we where doing: ‘Walkin’ down the street.'”
Beyond the monkees: A Diverse Career
Boyce & Hart’s success extended beyond The Monkees. They toured with Dolenz and Davy Jones in the 1970s, releasing the album Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart.They also continued to write for other artists, including contributing to the soundtrack of tender Mercies with the Oscar-nominated ballad “Over You” (performed by Betty Buckley) and penning “My Secret (Didja gitit Yet?)” for New Edition.
Hart continued to work in music after Boyce’s death in 1994. He was the subject of a 2014 documentary, The guys Who wrote ‘Em, alongside Boyce, celebrating their songwriting achievements. He was also a practicing minister and is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Hart, and two children from a previous marriage.
Bobby Hart’s contributions to popular music are undeniable. He leaves behind a catalog of songs that continue to resonate with audiences today, a testament to his talent and the enduring power of a great melody. You can revisit the magic of Boyce & hart and their incredible songwriting legacy by listening to The Monkees and exploring their other collaborations.