Bobby Hart, Who Co-Wrote Monkees Smashes, the ‘Days of Our Lives’ Theme and His Own Hit as a Member of Boyce and Hart, Dies at 86

Bobby Hart, the celebrated songwriter behind numerous hits for the Monkees and half of the performing duo Boyce and Hart, passed away on Wednesday after a long illness. He was 86. His wife, MaryAnn, confirmed his death. Born Robert Luke Harshman in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 18, 1939, he took the stage name Bobby Hart early in his career at the suggestion of a manager. Alongside Tommy Boyce, he co-wrote some of the most iconic pop songs of the 1960s, including the Monkees’ theme song and their first number-one single, “Last Train to Clarksville.”

Based at Screen Gems/Columbia, Hart and Boyce established themselves as one of the decade’s most dependable hitmakers. Their contributions to the Monkees’ catalog included lasting favorites like “Valleri,” “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” and “Words.” They also composed the theme for the long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” introducing their music to generations of daytime TV viewers. Beyond television, the pair crafted hits for other prominent artists—Jay and the Americans scored a major success with “Come a Little Bit Closer,” while Little Anthony and the Imperials turned “Hurt So Bad” into a soul standard later covered by Linda Ronstadt. Hart once described their songwriting method as akin to “short order cooks,” highlighting their skill at producing custom tracks under pressure for acts such as Paul Revere & the Raiders.

Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees paid tribute to Hart as “the calm within the storm” during the band’s whirlwind rise. In addition to his songwriting, Hart performed on several Monkees recordings, playing Vox organ on “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.” He and Boyce also pursued their own performing career, reaching the top 10 in 1967 with “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight” and making guest appearances on hit shows like “Bewitched.” Their work extended into social advocacy as well—the duo released a single supporting the movement to lower the voting age to 18, demonstrating their connection to the era’s cultural shifts.

In later life, Hart focused on spiritual pursuits, devoting himself to Kriya Yoga and writing two books: a 2015 memoir, “Psychedelic Bubble Gum,” and the recently published “Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power,” which shared wisdom from more than three decades of meditation practice. According to his wife, this inward journey brought a profound sense of peace to their home, balancing the dynamic energy of his earlier years. Hart is survived by his wife, two sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters. A private service will be held, with a public memorial planned in Los Angeles for spring 2026. The family has requested that donations be made to the Self-Realization Fellowship in lieu of flowers.