Songwriter Bob Montgomery Dies at 77

'Misty Blue' hitmaker Bob Montgomery has died at the age of 77.

Montgomery was known for his longtime friendship and musical partnership with Buddy Holly, as well as for his songwriting, publishing and production work. He passed away Dec. 4 at his home in Kansas, Mo., after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Montgomery was born in Lampasas, Texas, and met legendary musician Holly during junior high school in Lubbock, Texas. They combined to form a duo in the 1950s, called Buddy and Bob, and began covering Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs songs.

"Buddy played banjo and mandolin for a while," Montgomery said. "There were a lot of duet harmony records we liked, bluegrass stuff. We started playing in school talent shows, and we eventually had our own little radio show on KDAV [in Lubbock] through Pappy David Stone. Pappy featured local talent every Sunday afternoon, and Buddy and I ended up with our own 30-minute radio show every week.”

The two co-wrote hits 'Wishing,' 'Heartbeat' and 'Love's Made a Fool of You' before Montgomery moved to Nashville in 1959 to pursue songwriting. After relocating, he formed House of Gold Music, a publishing house that was involved with hits from stars Alabama, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Dottie West, the Judds and others.

Montgomery was instrumental in the careers of Vern Gosdin, Janie Frickie and Joe Diffie and notably published Charlie Rich's 'Behind Closed Doors' and 'Wind Beneath My Wings' by Gary Morris. He also produced records by artists including B.J. Thomas, Waylon Jennings, Shelby Lynne and Merle Haggard.

Montgomery is survived by his wife and publishing partner, Cathy, and a son Kevin. Condolences to the family from The Boot.

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