Mark Volman, a beloved figure in the music industry and cofounder of the iconic band The Turtles, passed away at the age of 78. His death occurred in his Nashville home on Friday following a sudden illness, as reported by Variety.
Mark Volman: A Musical Legacy
Throughout his illustrious five-decade career, Volman made significant contributions to music, both as a member of The Turtles and as part of the duo Flo & Eddie, alongside fellow Turtles cofounder Howard Kaylan. The duo not only released their own albums but also collaborated with renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, T. Rex, and Frank Zappa.
Health Struggles and Resilience
In 2023, Volman revealed that he had been diagnosed with dementia in 2020, although he had kept this information private while continuing to tour. Reflecting on his diagnosis, he stated, “I got hit by the knowledge that this was going to create a whole new part of my life.” He expressed a determined attitude, saying, “OK, whatever’s going to happen will happen, but I’ll go as far as I can,” despite feeling something was amiss as early as 2018.
Volman recounted experiences of confusion, such as slurring words and feeling his mind wandering, highlighting the challenges he faced during this period.
The Turtles: Chart-Topping Success
Born in Los Angeles in 1947, Volman, along with Kaylan, formed the foundation of The Turtles in 1965. Their debut single, a cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” quickly reached the Top 10, peaking at No. 8. The band followed this success with several more hits, including “She’d Rather Be With Me,” “Elenore,” and “You Showed Me.” Their most notable achievement came with “Happy Together,” which held the No. 1 spot on the charts for three weeks in 1967.
Transition to Flo & Eddie
After The Turtles disbanded in 1970, Volman and Kaylan reinvented themselves as Flo & Eddie. They joined Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, contributing to albums such as Chunga’s Revenge and 200 Motels. The duo released their first album, The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie, in 1972, but they gained particular recognition for their exceptional backing vocals.
Collaborations and Contributions
Flo & Eddie’s backing vocal work became legendary, providing harmonies for a multitude of artists across various genres. Among their notable collaborations were records for icons like Blondie, Alice Cooper, Duran Duran, John Lennon, and the Ramones. Their backing vocals on T. Rex’s “Electric Warrior” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart” remain particularly celebrated.
Health Challenges and Legacy
Volman faced additional health challenges when he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 but was declared cancer-free a year later. Meanwhile, Kaylan retired from touring in 2018 due to health issues, leaving Volman as the last original member of The Turtles still performing.
Conclusion
Mark Volman’s contributions to music, from his early days with The Turtles to his later work as Flo & Eddie, have left an indelible mark on the industry. His talent, resilience, and creativity will be remembered and celebrated by fans and musicians alike.
FAQs
What songs is Mark Volman known for?
Mark Volman is known for several hits with The Turtles, including “Happy Together,” “It Ain’t Me Babe,” “Elenore,” and “She’d Rather Be With Me.” As Flo & Eddie, he also contributed to numerous albums and provided backing vocals for many famous artists.
When was Mark Volman diagnosed with dementia?
Mark Volman was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, although he publicly shared this information in 2023.
What was Volman’s health status prior to his passing?
Before his passing, Volman had previously battled throat cancer, which he overcame in 2016. He had also been dealing with dementia since 2020.
