Farewell to a 60s Legend: Mark Volman Dead at 77

Mark Volman, the co-founder and co-lead vocalist of the influential ’60s band The Turtles, has passed away at the age of 78. With a career that spanned over five decades, Volman was an iconic voice in rock and pop music, known for his soulful singing and his later work as part of the duo Flo & Eddie. His lasting impact on the music world remains undeniable.

Early Success with The Turtles

Born in Los Angeles in 1947, Mark Volman’s musical journey began in the early 1960s when he partnered with Howard Kaylan. Together, they formed the core of The Turtles, officially launching the band in 1965. The group quickly rose to fame with their breakout hit, a cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” which reached No. 8 on the charts. This success was just the beginning.

The Turtles went on to release a series of hits that helped define the sound of the late ’60s. Songs like “She’d Rather Be With Me,” “Elenore,” and “You Showed Me” all charted in the Top 10. However, their biggest success came in 1967 with “Happy Together,” a song that topped the Billboard charts for three consecutive weeks and became an enduring anthem of the era. The band’s blend of catchy melodies and rich vocal harmonies left a significant imprint on pop and rock music.

Reinvention as Flo & Eddie and Collaborations

After The Turtles disbanded in 1970, Volman and Kaylan reinvented themselves as Flo & Eddie, a duo that would take their careers in new and diverse directions. They joined Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, contributing to groundbreaking albums such as Chunga’s Revenge and 200 Motels. Their time with Zappa allowed them to explore more experimental and avant-garde music, broadening their artistic horizons.

Flo & Eddie also made a name for themselves as highly sought-after backing vocalists. Their harmonies enriched recordings by major artists including Blondie, Alice Cooper, Duran Duran, John Lennon, and the Ramones. Perhaps most notably, they provided backing vocals on T. Rex’s 1971 album Electric Warrior, which featured the classic “Bang a Gong (Get It On),” as well as Bruce Springsteen’s 1980 hit “Hungry Heart.” Their versatility and distinctive vocal style made them invaluable collaborators across genres and decades.

Health Challenges and Legacy

In recent years, Volman faced significant health issues. In 2015, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he successfully overcame the following year. However, in 2023, Volman revealed he had been diagnosed with dementia in 2020, a condition he had sensed developing as early as 2018. Despite these challenges, he continued to perform and tour, demonstrating resilience and dedication to his craft.

Volman passed away suddenly at his Nashville home following a brief illness. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that touched many facets of music history—from the pop anthems of The Turtles to the eclectic, boundary-pushing work with Flo & Eddie and collaborations with legendary artists.

Mark Volman’s influence on rock and pop music is vast, and his voice will continue to resonate with fans old and new for generations to come.