Noted songwriter, producer and music publisher Bob Montgomery has passed away at the age of 77.

The Associated Press reports Montgomery died on Thursday (Dec. 4) in Lee's Summit, Mo. after battling Parkinson's disease.

Born in Lampasas, Texas on May 12, 1937, Montgomery began his music career by teaming up with Buddy Holly in a rockabilly duo in the '50s, but soon found his real calling writing songs for Holly and his band the Crickets, including 'Heartbeat,' 'Wishing' and 'Love’s Made a Fool of You.'

According to Saving Country Music, Montgomery moved to Nashville in 1959 and wrote a string of hits, including 'Back in Baby’s Arms' by Patsy Cline and 'Misty Blue' for Eddy Arnold. His songs were also recorded by Roy Orbison, Cliff Richard, Mel Tillis and many more.

In 1966 he became a staff producer at United Artists, and he later founded House of Gold Music, a publishing house that charted hits with artists including Alabama, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Dottie West and the Judds, among others.

Montgomery also produced the Bobby Goldsboro hit 'Honey,' as well as the final album collaboration between Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, 'Clean Shirt,' in 1991.

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