Tommy Boyce's illustrious career in the music industry has been a defining feature of the entertainment landscape for over five decades, marked by an impressive array of solo compositions and collaborative efforts that have yielded record-breaking sales of over 85 million units worldwide.
Notably, Boyce's partnership with Bobby Hart resulted in the creation of the iconic theme song for the beloved television show "Days of Our Lives" in 1965, a testament to their remarkable songwriting prowess.
Furthermore, Boyce and Hart's talent for crafting catchy and memorable tunes has been showcased through their work with an array of renowned artists, including the legendary crooners Andy Williams and Dean Martin, the influential rock band The Animals, and the iconic singer-songwriter Del Shannon.
The dynamic duo of songwriters, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, boast an impressive repertoire that extends far beyond their work in the realm of music. In addition to their prolific output of scores and songs for television and films, the duo's talents have also been leveraged in the realm of politics. In a most unexpected turn of events, Boyce and Hart played a pivotal role in the historic effort to lower the voting age to 18 in the United States. This remarkable achievement serves as a testament to the duo's versatility and their ability to transcend the boundaries of their craft.
Their contributions to the music world are still widely recognized and celebrated today, with their songs continuing to delight audiences and garner significant airplay on oldies stations. Despite the passage of time, the music of Boyce and Hart remains a beloved and enduring part of the cultural fabric, with their legacy serving as a lasting tribute to their innovative spirit and creative genius.
The illustrious career of Boyce, a luminary of the music industry, unfolded in the late 1950s, as he asserted himself as one of the most promising young writers to arise from the revered Brill Building, a hallowed institution synonymous with the golden age of popular music.
His initial major triumph came when he penned the iconic song "Be My Guest" for the inimitable Fats Domino, a master of rock and roll. Although he received credit as a songwriter for this masterpiece, Boyce never harbored any regrets about sharing the credit, for it served as a catalyst for his entry into the industry, paving the way for a lifelong career of creative excellence.
Person Biography:
Boyce was born in the 1930s in New York City. He grew up surrounded by music, with his father being a professional musician.
Boyce relocated to New York in 1962, seeking new opportunities as a songwriter, and it was during this period that he began to collaborate with the talented Ray Peterson and Curtis Lee.
This fruitful partnership resulted in Boyce's second top ten charting success, the catchy and charming "Pretty Little Angel Eyes", a song that still resonates with listeners to this day.
Furthermore, the duo's subsequent single, "Under The Moon Of Love", has also been preserved for posterity and is now available on the comprehensive compilation CD "The Best Of Curtis Lee", a testament to the enduring legacy of Boyce's work.
Curtis Lee's biography:
Born in 1941, Curtis Lee is an American singer and songwriter best known for his 1960s hits, including "Under The Moon Of Love" and "Pretty Little Angel Eyes". Lee's smooth, soulful voice and catchy songwriting style helped him secure a spot in the hearts of many music fans during the early days of rock and roll. Despite his relatively short time in the spotlight, Lee's music has continued to be celebrated and enjoyed by new generations of music lovers.
Boyce and Hart, a dynamic duo of songwriters, embarked on a remarkable journey, their partnership continuing to thrive as they were entrusted with the esteemed task of crafting the iconic theme song for the beloved television show "Days of Our Lives". This milestone marked the commencement of a highly productive and fruitful collaboration with The Monkees, a musical group that would go on to achieve unparalleled global success and widespread acclaim during the 1960s.
The musical contributions of the Monkees, a pivotal aspect of the duo's widespread acclaim, were largely attributed to the creative efforts of Boyce and Hart, who collectively penned an impressive thirty original compositions for the group.
During the 1970s, Thomas Boyce and George Hart embarked on a notable endeavor, utilizing their collective energies to actively support the presidential aspirations of Robert F. Kennedy, a renowned figure in American politics. This notable effort culminated in the conception and execution of the "Let Us Vote" campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that would ultimately contribute to a significant milestone in the nation's democratic evolution.
Boyce's impact on the music industry extended far beyond his own impressive songwriting credentials. In addition to crafting hit songs, he took the initiative to share his expertise with others by authoring the influential book "How To Write A Hit Song And Sell It". This seminal work has had a profound and lasting effect on the lives of countless aspiring songwriters, inspiring generations to come. Furthermore, Boyce's collaborative spirit led him to team up with Melvin Powers, resulting in the creation of not one, but two country chart-topping hits: the memorable "Who Wants A Slightly Used Woman" and the equally catchy "Mr. Songwriter".
During the 1970s, Tommy Boyce reunited with Bobby Hart to form a revitalized Monkees revival, aptly titled "Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart". This musical endeavour marked a significant milestone in the group's illustrious history, tracing its roots back to a poignant and culturally significant trip to Vietnamese internment camps in the early 1970s.
Inspired by this experience, the group went on to record two studio albums for Capitol Records, showcasing their unique blend of harmonies and catchy melodies. The albums received widespread acclaim, paving the way for a highly successful world tour to commemorate the tenth anniversary of The Monkees' formation.
Notable figure in the music industry, Boyce, made a significant transition in the late 1970s by relocating to England, where he further solidified his reputation as a talented writer and producer.
During his time in the UK, Boyce left an indelible mark on the music scene, lending his expertise to a diverse range of artists, including the renowned Iggy Pop, the iconic Meat Loaf, the nostalgic The Pleasers, the energetic The Darts, and the entertaining Showaddywaddy.
Boyce's remarkable ability to craft chart-topping songs continued well into the 1980s, as his music remained a staple of the airwaves.
Eventually, Boyce made the decision to relocate to Nashville, Tennessee, where he continued to hone his craft as a songwriter and delight audiences with surprise appearances at local clubs, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as a performer.
Bobby and Tommy, two individuals who formed a lasting bond, continued to nurture their friendship until the untimely passing of Tommy in the year 1994. Prior to Tommy's demise, the duo had collaborated on the recording of three studio albums, which have since been made available on compact disc. These albums, titled "Test Patterns", "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight", and "It's All Happening On The Inside", serve as a testament to the musical talents of both Bobby and Tommy.
In addition to their joint endeavors, Tommy also embarked on a solo career, releasing two separate albums. The first of these, "Christopher Cloud - Blown Away", showcases Tommy's ability to create music outside of his partnership with Bobby. The second, a four-track EP titled "Tommy Boyce and His Rockin' Sixties Band", was released in Australia and features a unique blend of sounds that were characteristic of the rock music scene in the 1960s.
Tommy's contributions to the music world, both as a member of a duo and as a solo artist, have left a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated by fans of his work. Despite his untimely passing, Tommy's music remains a cherished part of the musical heritage of the 1960s, and his friendship with Bobby serves as a reminder of the enduring power of camaraderie and collaboration in the world of music.
