Mark Volman, the co-founder and harmony singer of the influential 1960s pop-rock band The Turtles, known for their timeless hit “Happy Together,” died on Friday in Nashville at the age of 78. His publicist, Ame Van Iden, confirmed his passing, stating he died in a hospital from a blood disease. Mr. Volman had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020, a condition that progressively affects mental and physical abilities.
Volman, alongside his high school friend Howard Kaylan, embodied the feel-good sound that defined The Turtles, catapulting them to stardom with a string of hits in the 1960s. Their musical journey continued beyond The Turtles, as the duo reinvented themselves as Flo & Eddie, finding new fame through satirical songs, extensive session work, and touring with renowned artists.
Mr. Volman’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with musical innovation, academic pursuits, and an enduring resilience that saw him perform even while battling a debilitating illness. His career left an indelible mark on pop culture, characterized by an upbeat demeanor, comedic style, and a profound dedication to music. This article delves into the significant chapters of his remarkable life and career.
1. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Mark Randall Volman was born on April 19, 1947, in Los Angeles to Joe and Bea Volman. His childhood home was filled with music, particularly the traditional jazz records his father collected, featuring artists such as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Bessie Smith, and King Oliver. This early exposure to diverse musical styles likely influenced his later versatility.
As a boy, Volman was known for his playful and prankish nature. He recalled in his oral history, *Happy Forever* (2023), “I realized very early how to get attention, and I loved making my family laugh. The words ‘Oh, Mark, stop’ were used a lot in our house.” His aunt Ann Becker later reminisced that her mother would shake her head, commenting, “That boy is so smart — he shouldn’t be so silly,” highlighting his early inclination towards irreverence.
His musical path began to solidify at Westchester High School, where he sang tenor in the a cappella choir. Among his classmates were future Manson Family member Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme and future “Saturday Night Live” cast member Phil Hartman. It was in this choir that he met Howard Kaylan, another tenor who would become his lifelong creative partner.
Kaylan already had a surf-rock band called the Crossfires, and Volman expressed a desire to join. Kaylan humorously recalled asking Volman what he did, to which Volman replied, “Nothing.” Initially, Volman served as a roadie for the band. Kaylan shared an anecdote about Volman literally dropping all the equipment down a flight of stairs and falling with it, laughing the entire way down.
Despite his initial clumsiness as a roadie, Volman soon began singing alongside Kaylan. He quickly became an instant crowd pleaser, known for his bushy hair, beautiful voice, and his developing skill with the tambourine. Kaylan noted that Volman became “very proficient, not in the playing of the tambourine particularly, but in the spinning of the tambourine, and the tossing it over his shoulders, and even the dropping of the tambourine, which I believe even back then he was perfecting to an art form.”
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2. Founding The Turtles and Early Success
The surf-rock band, originally known as The Crossfires, eventually signed with White Whale Records. During this period, the group underwent a significant transformation, abandoning their surf sound for folk-rock. With this change, they also adopted a new name, becoming The Turtles, after rejecting the stylized spelling of “The Turtles” suggested by their new label.
Their debut single under the new name was a cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me, Babe.” Released in 1965, the song squarely hit the prevailing zeitgeist, taking a cue from The Byrds’ successful rendition of Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.” The Turtles’ “revved-up cover” quickly climbed into the Billboard Top 10 in the summer of 1965.
This immediate success occurred in the same year Mr. Volman graduated from Westchester High School. Reflecting on this rapid ascent, he stated in an interview with ClassicBands.com, “We were immediately pulled out of high school and flung into an entirely different world.” He also told *People* magazine, “I graduated from high school in February 1965 and was on tour in June with a Top 10 record and on the Dick Clark Show.”
This early chart success kicked off what would become a five-year run for the band, marking their official entry into the mainstream music scene. Following “It Ain’t Me, Babe,” two spirited sequels, “Let Me Be” and “You Baby,” further solidified their presence in the Top 40 charts into 1966, establishing The Turtles as significant contenders in the pop landscape of the era.
3. “Happy Together” – The Iconic Hit
Despite early successes, The Turtles’ initial hot streak began to cool, with a series of singles barely scraping the charts. However, their fortunes were dramatically revived with the release of “Happy Together” in 1967. This song, which had been rejected by a number of other pop groups, became the pivotal turning point in their career.
“Happy Together,” written by Gary Bonner and Alan Gordon, distinguished itself with a “sterling arrangement” masterminded by the band’s new bassist, Chip Douglas. This arrangement, coupled with the song’s infectious melody and optimistic lyrics, resonated deeply with audiences, propelling it to unprecedented success.
The song achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming The Turtles’ only single to top the chart. In a significant moment for the band and for pop music history, “Happy Together” knocked The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” from the top spot, cementing its place as an iconic anthem of its era.
Ray Manzarek, the keyboardist for The Doors, eloquently described the song’s appeal in Mr. Volman’s oral history, *Happy Forever*: “‘Happy Together’ has a little bit of an old-fashioned, oompah beat… They’re like a two-man barbershop quartet, with a happy oompah band playing. And the song was just such a natural, it just exploded.” The Houston Press further hailed it as an “anthem of love and positivity.”
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4. The Turtles’ Peak Popularity and Cultural Impact
Following the immense success of “Happy Together,” The Turtles entered a period of peak popularity. They performed their chart-topping hit on major television programs, including “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Smothers Brothers Show,” exposing their music to millions of viewers across the nation. This exposure further solidified their status as a leading pop act of the 1960s.
Their commercial success continued with several other hits that broke into the Top 40. These included “She’d Rather Be With Me” in 1967, “Elenore” in 1968, and “You Showed Me” in 1969. These tracks, along with “Happy Together,” kept The Turtles in the upper echelons of the charts through the late 1960s.
Beyond television appearances, The Turtles also performed at unique venues, including a White House party. Hosted by President Richard M. Nixon’s daughter Tricia, this event placed the pop-rock band in an incongruous political setting. Mr. Volman shared his initial apprehension about the invitation, telling *Parade* magazine in 1969, “After all, we don’t look like strictly Republican types — Strom Thurmond, Roman Hruska, George Murphy.”
Despite their concerns about fitting in, Volman recounted the surprisingly courteous reception they received. “Frankly,” he told *Parade*, “we expected to be treated like outcasts, or at least defensively. But everyone handled us with courtesy and gentleness, especially the Secret Service guys. They didn’t react one bit to our clothes, our looks, our jargon.” He also shared a more candid observation with *Rolling Stone* at the time: “Lot of congressmen’s sons were there… and boy, were they wrecked!”
As the biggest act on the small-scale White Whale label, The Turtles faced considerable pressure from their record company to record more commercial material. However, Volman and Kaylan consistently pushed the band to create “hip music.” This creative tension led to their innovative concept album, *The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands* (1968), where the group adopted different guises and musical styles for each track, marking it as the first album released after the success of “Happy Together.” Their final album, *Turtle Soup*, released in 1969, was produced by Ray Davies of The Kinks, his first production outside his own band.
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5. Personality and Stage Presence
Mark Volman was celebrated for his vibrant and engaging stage presence, which perfectly embodied the Turtles’ “feel-good sunshine pop sound.” He was instantly recognizable for his distinctive look, characterized by thick, black-rimmed glasses and a bushy hairdo. His performances were marked by a playful exuberance, often involving him swinging instruments wildly onstage.
USA TODAY highlighted his iconic “coke-bottle glasses and wild, frizzy hair,” noting that the British entertainment outlet NME had infamously reported in 1968 that his hair was insured for $100,000 against fire, theft, or loss due to illness. This detail underscores the unique and memorable image Volman projected to his audience.
Beyond his visual appeal, Mr. Volman’s personality was a cornerstone of his appeal. His lawyer, Evan Cohen, described him in a Facebook post as “Always funny, always upbeat, and a spirited and inventive performer.” Emily Volman, his significant other at the time of his death, affectionately characterized him as a “magical man” who was “goofy and happy and funny and smart and generous and kind and talented and gentle and creative and thoughtful and hardworking and tough and unique.”
One memorable instance of his on-stage antics was captured in a 1967 performance of “Happy Together” available on YouTube. In this video, Volman is seen wearing bright orange and dancing around with a French horn that he does not appear to play, culminating in him playfully placing it on bandmate Howard Kaylan’s head. Such moments epitomized his comedic style and ability to entertain.
From his early days as a prankster who loved making his family laugh, as noted in his memoir, to his later career, Volman consistently gravitated toward irreverence. His aunt Ann Becker’s observation that he was “so smart — he shouldn’t be so silly” perfectly encapsulated the blend of intellect and playful spirit that defined his public persona and endeared him to generations of fans.
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6. ‘The Turtles’ Disbandment and Initial Challenges
Despite their significant commercial and critical success, The Turtles’ fame proved to be fleeting. The band ultimately broke up in 1970, a decision largely driven by an acrimonious dispute over money and creative freedom with their record label, White Whale. Tensions between the band and the label had escalated over time, leading to an irreparable rift.
After the group disbanded, the record label exercised a stringent clause in the band’s recording contract. This clause legally prevented the members from performing either “individually or collectively,” effectively barring Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan from continuing to work together under their own names or as The Turtles. This contractual restriction forced the duo into a period of creative and legal uncertainty.
The situation presented a significant challenge, compelling Volman and Kaylan to completely reinvent their musical identities. They embarked on what was described as a “quixotic musical journey,” needing to find a new name and a new artistic direction to circumvent the legal constraints imposed by White Whale Records.
It was during this period of necessity that Volman and Kaylan conceived of their new identity: The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie, a name that would soon be more commonly shortened to Flo & Eddie. This reinvention marked the end of The Turtles’ original run and the beginning of a new, distinctly different chapter in their musical careers, one born out of contractual adversity and a relentless desire to continue performing.
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7. The Genesis of Flo & Eddie and Zappa Connection
The contractual limitations imposed by White Whale Records, which prohibited Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan from performing under their own names or as The Turtles, led to their ingenious reinvention as Flo & Eddie. This period marked a significant departure from their previous pop-rock image, ushering in a new era characterized by humor and versatility.
Their musical journey took an unexpected turn when Frank Zappa extended an invitation for them to join his Mothers of Invention ensemble. This collaboration was pivotal, providing Volman and Kaylan with a new platform and artistic direction. They quickly assimilated much of Zappa’s “often cynical humor,” influencing their evolving musical style and satirical repertoire.
Their tenure with The Mothers of Invention was eventful, including a concert in Montreux, Switzerland, that ended with the venue engulfed in fire. This dramatic incident was famously memorialized by Deep Purple in their song “Smoke on the Water.” Volman and Kaylan’s involvement in such a notable event further underscored their immersion in the counter-cultural music scene of the time.
Zappa’s invitation provided a crucial boost to the duo, laying the groundwork for what would become an enduring career as Flo & Eddie. After touring with Zappa’s band and adopting elements of his comedic approach, Volman (as “Flo”) and Kaylan (as “Eddie”) began performing and recording as a duo. Their repertoire increasingly leaned towards satirical songs, showcasing their wit and musical dexterity in a new light. This period firmly established their reputation as talented and humorous performers, distinct from their Turtles’ past.
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8. **The Flo & Eddie Persona and Recording Career**Following their time with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan fully embraced their new identity as Flo & Eddie, shedding their previous pop-rock image. This reinvention was a direct response to the stringent contractual clauses from their former label, White Whale Records, which legally barred them from performing as The Turtles or even under their own names. The duo adapted Zappa’s “often cynical humor,” integrating it into a repertoire that became increasingly characterized by satirical songs.
Following their time with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan fully embraced their new identity as Flo & Eddie, shedding their previous pop-rock image. This reinvention was a direct response to the stringent contractual clauses from their former label, White Whale Records, which legally barred them from performing as The Turtles or even under their own names. The duo adapted Zappa’s “often cynical humor,” integrating it into a repertoire that became increasingly characterized by satirical songs.
Their initial venture as Flo & Eddie culminated in the 1972 album, *The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie*. This release marked the beginning of a series of “increasingly facetious albums” that they would put out throughout the 1970s. Their work as a duo showcased a different facet of their musical talent, emphasizing their wit and versatility beyond the sunshine pop sound of The Turtles.
While their solo recordings as Flo & Eddie garnered critical attention for their humor and innovation, their commercial success as a standalone recording act was not as profound as their earlier triumphs with The Turtles. However, this period allowed them to explore new creative avenues and solidify their reputation as talented and humorous performers in the evolving music landscape of the 1970s.
Read more about: Mark Volman, Co-Founder of The Turtles and Flo & Eddie, A Celebrated Voice Who Shaped Pop and Advocated for Artists, Dies at 78
9. Prolific Session Work and Collaborations
Beyond their own projects, Volman and Kaylan, as Flo & Eddie, became highly sought-after background vocalists, lending their distinctive harmonies to a diverse array of prominent artists. Their versatility made them attractive collaborators for musicians across various genres, including glam rock, hard rock, and mainstream pop. Alice Cooper, for instance, spoke highly of their contributions, stating, “Truly, two of the most talented guys I’ve ever worked with.”
Their session work included significant contributions to several iconic recordings. They sang backup for Alice Cooper on multiple albums, enriching his theatrical rock sound. They also famously collaborated with T. Rex, providing harmonies on the landmark glam album *Electric Warrior*, which featured the hit “Bang a Gong (Get It On).” Their ability to seamlessly adapt their vocal style made them invaluable additions to these projects.
One of their most notable collaborations was with Bruce Springsteen on his 1980 hit single “Hungry Heart.” Springsteen was reportedly seeking Beach Boys-like harmonies for the track, and Volman and Kaylan delivered the perfect vocal texture. This collaboration served as a “curtain call” for this prolific period of Flo & Eddie’s session career, further solidifying their reputation as esteemed industry vocalists.
In addition to their work with rock and pop artists, Flo & Eddie also contributed original music to animated television shows. Their talent extended to creating soundtracks and special material for children’s series, including popular specials focusing on “Strawberry Shortcake” and “The Care Bears” series. This demonstrated their broad appeal and ability to contribute across different media formats, showcasing their enduring creativity.
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10. Return to Education and Influential Teaching Career
In a significant pivot later in his life, Mark Volman embarked on an academic journey, returning to school in 1992 at the age of 45. He enrolled at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in communications. His dedication to his studies was evident, as he earned his degree with several honors, graduating magna cum laude in 1997.
Volman continued his educational pursuits at Loyola Marymount, obtaining a master’s degree in screenwriting in 1999. This academic achievement underscored his intellectual curiosity and desire to engage with the entertainment industry from multiple perspectives, moving beyond his established career as a performer. His screenwriting degree provided him with new tools for creative expression.
Following his graduate studies, Volman transitioned into an impactful teaching career, eventually becoming a professor at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. There, he taught classes focused on the music business, sharing his extensive real-world experience with aspiring industry professionals. He also served as an associate professor and the coordinator of the Entertainment Industry Studies Program at Belmont.
His role as an educator was unique because he continued to perform actively while teaching. As he told the newsweekly *Nashville Scene* in 2005, “I’m touring while I’m teaching, so I’m a living part of this class.” He added, “My students get to visualize it firsthand,” highlighting the invaluable practical insight he offered, directly connecting academic theory with contemporary industry practices. This blend of active performance and academic instruction made him a particularly effective and inspiring mentor.
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11. The Happy Together Tour and The Turtles’ Reunion
After a protracted legal battle that began in 1974, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan successfully regained the rights to The Turtles’ master recordings and, eventually, the use of their band name. This legal victory allowed them to once again perform as The Turtles, albeit often billed as “The Turtles… featuring Flo & Eddie” into the 2010s. This marked a significant chapter in their enduring career, allowing them to reclaim their legacy.
With the name re-established, the duo became central figures in the “Happy Together Tour,” an annual ’60s music fest that brought together other popular acts from the era. This tour became a beloved institution, allowing audiences to relive the golden age of pop-rock with the original artists. Volman and Kaylan celebrated 50 years of playing and performing together on this tour in 2015, demonstrating their remarkable longevity and continued appeal.
The tour continued even as health challenges affected the duo. Howard Kaylan retired from the road in 2018 due to health problems. However, Mark Volman, with Ron Dante filling in for Kaylan, continued performing as The Turtles as part of the regular Happy Together package tours. This commitment ensured the tour’s continuation, bringing their classic hits to new generations and dedicated fans alike.
Singer Sandy Yaguda of Jay and the Americans, who toured with Volman in 2024, observed his dedication. He told TMZ that Volman traveled with the tour for several months that year, noting, “He fought long and hard, and part of the joy of his life was performing.” Volman’s presence on stage, even amidst personal health struggles, was a testament to his passion for music and connection with his audience.
12. Battling Lewy Body Dementia with Resilience
In 2020, Mark Volman received a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, a neurological disorder characterized by a progressive decline in mental and physical abilities, similar to Alzheimer’s disease. This condition presented significant personal challenges, impacting his thinking, memory, and movement. Despite the debilitating nature of his illness, Volman initially kept his diagnosis private, continuing to perform.
He publicly disclosed his battle with Lewy body dementia in 2023, while promoting his memoir. In an interview with *People* magazine, Volman shared his perspective on the diagnosis, stating, “I got hit by the knowledge that this was going to create a whole new part of my life. And I said, ‘OK, whatever’s going to happen will happen, but I’ll go as far as I can.’” This demonstrated his acceptance and determination.
Volman actively managed his symptoms, using medications to control hallucinations and tremors, which enabled him to continue touring. His ability to perform on the Happy Together Tour despite these challenges underscored his profound dedication to his craft and his fans. He expressed gratitude for his continuing ability to connect with people through music.
In June 2023, Volman reflected on his journey, saying, “The challenges of this world affect everybody, and it’s been kind of fun being on the other side of a challenge like this and saying, ‘I feel good.’ My friends are here. I’m still here. And I want people to connect with me.” His resilience and positive outlook in the face of a severe illness inspired many, showcasing his enduring spirit.
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13. Authoring “Happy Forever”
In 2023, Mark Volman offered a deeply personal look into his life and career with the publication of his memoir, *Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures With The Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, Flo & Eddie, and More*. Described as an oral history, the book provided an intimate account of his journey through the music industry, from his early days to his collaborations with legendary artists.
The memoir served as a platform for Volman to share his unique insights and reflections on the many experiences that shaped his life. It covered his musical evolution, the highs and lows of fame, and the personal philosophy that guided him. The title itself, *Happy Forever*, echoed the sentiment of The Turtles’ iconic hit, suggesting a continuous thread of positivity throughout his life.
Volman used the book to look back on his extraordinary career, sharing anecdotes and perspectives. In an interview with *People* magazine in 2023, he remarked, “It all sounds like a dream now.” He also affectionately added a candid self-assessment, saying, “I’m just a groupie at heart,” which captured his lifelong passion and humble appreciation for music and its creators. The memoir cemented his narrative as a key figure in rock history.
14. Impact on Music Law: The Sampling Precedent
Mark Volman, alongside Howard Kaylan, became an unlikely pioneer in music copyright law due to their vigilant protection of The Turtles’ catalog. This business acumen was forged in the aftermath of their acrimonious split with White Whale Records, leading them to acquire their master tapes when the label’s assets were auctioned. Their efforts to license their catalog to reissue labels demonstrated a keen awareness of their intellectual property.
A pivotal moment occurred when the duo realized that The Turtles’ song “You Showed Me” had been sampled without clearance on De La Soul’s 1989 debut album, *3 Feet High and Rising*, specifically on the track “Transmitting Live From Mars.” Volman and Kaylan subsequently sued the rap pioneers for $2.5 million in exemplary and punitive damages. This legal action brought the issue of unauthorized sampling to the forefront of the music industry.
The lawsuit was ultimately settled out of court in favor of Volman and Kaylan. While the exact terms were not publicly disclosed, they reportedly received $1.7 million in damages. This landmark case established a crucial precedent for sample clearance in hip-hop, effectively ending what had been considered the “golden age of sampling” without prior permission, and reshaping how artists approached incorporating existing music into new works.
15. Advocating for Artists’ Rights: The Sirius XM Battle
Volman and Kaylan continued their advocacy for artists’ rights by launching another significant lawsuit in 2013 against Sirius XM. This legal challenge concerned the failure to pay sound recording royalties in California, New York, and Florida. Their action highlighted a long-standing issue in the music industry regarding compensation for older sound recordings, particularly those made before 1972, which were often not protected by federal copyright law for public performance.
The legal proceedings saw mixed results. A California judge ruled in the duo’s favor in 2014, recognizing their right to royalties in that state. However, a Florida judge ruled for Sirius XM in 2015, demonstrating the complexity and jurisdictional differences in copyright law. This ongoing legal battle underscored the challenges faced by musicians in securing fair compensation for their work in the digital age.
Despite the varying state-level rulings, a settlement was ultimately reached in 2016. Nevertheless, Sirius XM would later win subsequent legal appeals in Florida and California, indicating the evolving and often contentious nature of music copyright and royalty disputes. Volman and Kaylan’s perseverance in these cases demonstrated their commitment to ensuring artists received due compensation for their creative output, leaving a lasting impact on how performance rights are understood and enforced.
Mark Volman’s life was a testament to his boundless energy, innovative spirit, and unwavering dedication to music. From his early days as a playful prankster to his later years as an esteemed professor and staunch advocate for artists’ rights, he navigated the ever-changing tides of the music industry with both wit and wisdom. His legacy extends far beyond the joyous harmonies of “Happy Together,” encompassing a career rich in creative reinvention, collaborative artistry, and a courageous battle against illness. Volman’s indelible mark on pop culture, characterized by his upbeat demeanor and profound musical contributions, ensures that his spirit will continue to resonate, truly making him “Happy Forever.”
