About Me
Musical Beginnings
Growing up in a small town, I was surrounded by a vibrant mix of sounds—from gospel hymns at the local church to the country and rockabilly music that filled the airwaves. My early years were marked by a deep curiosity about the world and a passion for music that was nurtured by my family’s love for song and performance. From the eager age of seven, I was often found with a makeshift microphone in hand, mimicking the artists I idolized and dreaming of the day he would share my own music with the world.
My Musical Legacy
I wrote my first two top ten songs in 1964 after my best-known writing partner, Tommy Boyce, and I relocated from L.A. to become part of New York’s Brill Building scene. The evergreen, “Hurt So Bad”, by Little Anthony & the Imperials, was to make the top ten two more times in successive decades: by the Lettermen in 1970 and Linda Rondstadt in 1980. Jay & the Americans’ biggest hit, “Come A Little Bit Closer”, also later became a top Country record in the seventies for Johnny Duncan.
From Radio to Television
In 1965, Boyce & I signed exclusive songwriting agreements with Screen Gems/Columbia Music and, back on the West Coast, began turning out a barrage of pop songs and television and motion picture music that would make us one of the legendary songwriting teams of the sixties. Among the memorable television theme songs we wrote that year are the “Theme from Days of Our Lives” which has played five days per week for over forty years, and “Here we come walking down the street…”, the theme from the Monkees.
Monkees Hits
Tapped by Screen Gems in 1966 to create the sound for a new made-for-television recording group, Boyce & Hart produced the Monkees first hit single, “Last Train to Clarksville” and album, The Monkees, beginning a period of unprecedented sales in which the group sold more records than the Beatles and the Rolling Stones combined. Boyce & Hart songs appeared on virtually every succeeding Monkees album and included “Words,” “Valleri,” “I Want To Be Free” and the garage-band anthem, “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone.”
Changing the US Constitution
In 1967, Boyce & Hart signed with A & M Records and began producing a string of hits for ourselves as recording artists, including the top ten records, “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight" and “Alice Long.” In between concert tours and television appearances, including I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched and The Flying Nun, we found time to spearhead the Let Us Vote campaign, lobbying Congress to lower the voting age to eighteen.
World Tour
I wrote and produced songs for Lulu, Wayne Newton, the Partridge Family and Vicky Carr with my 1970s partner, Danny Janssen. Our hits include Helen Reddy’s number one record, “Keep On Singing” and “Something’s Wrong With Me,” a top-ten hit for Austin Roberts. In 1976, Boyce & Hart re-teamed with Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, recording two albums and touring the U.S., Japan and South East Asia as Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart.
Academy Award Nomination
In 1983, I was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for “Over You” from Tender Mercies, co-written with Austin Roberts. Success continued for me and my 1980s writing partner, Dick Eastman, with hits by NewEdition, material for the Monkees 1986 platinum reunion album and the top-ten Robbie Nevil hit, “Dominoes.”
My SPiritual Journey
Duffle Bag of Dreams
I published a spiritual newsletter for church members when I was in elementary school. In high school I began questioning people about why we all didn’t feel closer to God. I came to Hollywood when I was 19 with a duffle bag of dreams and doubts about my capabilities. I only knew that I wanted my music to be appreciated and valuable.
By the time I was in my late 30’s I was one of the most successful songwriters/producers/singers in America. But not totally satisfied or happy.As Paramahansa Yogananda said: “You will come to know that God is ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new Bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda). And you will realize that to have that bliss is the purpose of life, the goal of your existence.I’ve found that living with the Niyamas as my guide is my best and only needed plan.
A Life of Color
I make time daily for reading the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and incorporating new spiritual knowledge into my daily life. MaryAnn and I take time for lunch together and then I enjoy working with my book co-writer, Glenn Ballantyne in the afternoons. I answer phone calls related to the music business and I make sure to spend time outdoors in my meditation garden.
My Story - GIving Back
Psychedelic Bubble Gum
Writing my autobiography, Psychedelic Bubble Gum, was a journey as profound and introspective as the era it represents. It was during the quiet evenings of reflection and the early mornings filled with nostalgia that I pieced together the stories of my life. This process was not just about revisiting the vibrant days of the '60s and my experiences in the music scene, but also about understanding how these moments shaped the person I have become.
As I delved into my past, I rediscovered the joys, challenges, and revelations that came with each chapter of my life. This autobiography allowed me to connect the dots between my youthful aspirations and my achievements, offering me a unique opportunity to relive my musical adventures and the personal growth that came with them.
Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power
Writing "Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power" with Glenn Ballantyne was an enlightening expedition that bridged the physical with the spiritual, deepening my understanding of how intertwined our physical practices are with our inner lives. As Glenn and I exchanged ideas and delved into the ancient wisdom of yoga, we explored its profound impact not just on bodily health but also on emotional and spiritual well-being. This collaboration was a transformative experience, allowing us to create a guide that empowers readers to unlock their latent potential through yoga. Our journey through the writing process was as much about discovering the untapped power within ourselves as it was about conveying these insights to others, making the creation of this book a profound journey of personal and collective growth.