Bobby Hart, the songwriter who co-wrote many of the Monkees' biggest hits including 'Last Train to Clarksville', has died at the age of 86. He passed away at his home in Los Angeles after a period of poor health, according to his friend and co-author Glenn Ballantyne.
Hart formed a prolific partnership with Tommy Boyce in the 1960s, writing the Monkees' theme song and their first number one, 'Last Train to Clarksville'. Their songs featured heavily on the band's debut album, and they also produced the records using their own backing musicians.
Micky Dolenz of the Monkees paid tribute to Hart and Boyce, crediting them with creating the unique Monkee sound. The duo later pursued their own careers, releasing albums and appearing on television shows. They were also politically active, campaigning for Robert F Kennedy and writing the song 'LUV (Let Us Vote)' in support of lowering the voting age.
Hart wrote for other acts including the Partridge Family, and co-wrote the Oscar-nominated ballad 'Over You'. He also toured with Dolenz and Davy Jones in the 1970s. Hart is survived by his wife MaryAnn Hart and two children from his first marriage.
