The Association’s Co-founder Terry Kirkman Passed Away At 83
via The Association - Topic / Youtube
Terry Kirkman, a key member of the folk-rock group The Association from the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 83. His family confirmed that he died due to congestive heart failure after a long period of illness.
A statement posted on the group’s Facebook page expressed their sadness, saying:
“We’re saddened to report that Terry Kirkman passed away last night, RIP Terry. He will live on in our hearts and in the music he so brilliantly wrote.”
Kirkman, originally from Kansas, was raised in Southern California and began his music journey in the early 1960s. He briefly worked with Frank Zappa before teaming up with Jules Alexander to form the Inner Tubes.
The Inner Tubes went through several lineup changes and even had notable musicians like David Crosby and Cass Elliott at one point. After the Inner Tubes disbanded in 1965, Kirkman and Alexander created their new band, which eventually became known as The Association.
His work will be cherished and remembered by both music lovers and fans for his contributions to the world of music through the group.
A Look at the Band’s Debut Album
The Association’s debut album, And Then… Along Comes the Association, was released in 1966. With its upbeat pop songs and stunning vocal harmonies, the album quickly won over listeners. Both “Along Comes Mary” and “Cherish” became radio hits, with Terry Kirkman’s “Cherish” becoming the band’s first No. 1 single.
In addition to holding a special position in history as the first performer at the famed Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, The Association continued to record music throughout the 1960s and the early 1970s, with singles like Windy, Never My Love, and Everything That Touches You.
The band’s roster changed frequently despite their popularity. For many years, Kirkman was an important band member; nonetheless, he quit in 1972. The Association broke up in 1978 but reformed in late 1979 with Kirkman joining the organization. He stayed until 1984, at which point he left once more.
After retiring from music, Kirkman focused on his career as an addictions counselor. In 2003, he and other members of The Association were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his musical legacy.
