Remembering Mark Volman: Celebrated Co-Founder of The Turtles and Flo & Eddie Passes Away at 78

Mark Volman, the vibrant co-founder of the iconic 1960s band the Turtles, has sadly passed away at 78. His representatives announced that he died from a “brief, unexpected illness.” Volman had been living with Lewy Body Dementia since 2020 but shared his diagnosis publicly only in 2023. In a recent interview, he reflected on the disease, saying, “I got hit by the knowledge that this was going to create a whole new part of my life.”

Volman’s journey in music started early. Born in Los Angeles, he grew up in a musical household. By high school, he was diving into the world of surf-rock with a band called the Crossfires. When they changed their name to the Turtles, they shifted from surf to folk-rock, finding significant success.

Their big hit, “Happy Together,” became an anthem of the era, topping the charts and even earning them a performance at the White House in 1970. The Turtles had a knack for blending sweet melodies with a touch of humor. Their unique style helped them resonate with a wide audience, making them favorites of both mainstream listeners and hipper crowds.

However, the band faced challenges. After a fallout with their record label, they creatively evolved into Flo & Eddie, continuing to perform and collaborate with prominent artists like Frank Zappa and Alice Cooper. Throughout their career, they proved to be shrewd business minds, especially after winning back the rights to their music catalog, allowing them to thrive in the oldies circuit well into the 2010s.

One notable moment in their history was when the song “You Showed Me” was sampled by De La Soul in their groundbreaking album, “3 Feet High and Rising.” This led to a significant lawsuit, resulting in a settlement that highlighted the importance of sample clearance in hip-hop.

In a twist, Volman also ventured into academia, becoming an associate professor of music business at Belmont University in Nashville. He aimed to pass on his vast knowledge and experience to future generations.

Volman’s contributions to music and his ability to adapt and thrive through challenges has left a lasting legacy. He is survived by his two daughters, Sarina and Hallie. His story reminds us of the vibrant spirit of an era and the complexities faced by artists in the music industry.



Source link