The Turtles Co-Founder Mark Volman Dies at 78 After a ‘Brief, Unexpected Illness’

Mark Volman, Co-Founder of The Turtles, Passes Away at 78

Mark Volman, a founding member of the iconic ’60s rock band The Turtles, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. The news of his death was confirmed by his representative, who stated that Volman died in Nashville, Tenn., following a “brief, unexpected illness.”

Volman’s musical journey began back in high school in 1963 when he joined forces with his classmate Howard Kaylan to form the band, The Crossfires, later renamed as The Turtles. The band achieved their first Top 10 hit in 1965 with a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe” and continued to soar to fame with hits like “Happy Together” and “Elenore”. Volman, with his infectious grin and curly hair, became a standout member of the group.

After The Turtles disbanded in 1970, Volman and Kaylan ventured into a new chapter as the duo Flo & Eddie. Their musical journey included touring with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention and providing background vocals for renowned artists like T. Rex, Duran Duran, and Bruce Springsteen. In 2023, Volman documented these remarkable experiences, reminiscing about encounters with legends like John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix, in his memoir ‘Happy Forever’.

In more recent years, Volman pursued academic achievements by earning a master’s degree in screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University and delving into music education at Belmont University in Nashville. However, in 2020, his life took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that brought about hallucinations, tremors, and concentration difficulties.

Despite his health struggles, Volman remained resilient and continued performing on the ‘Happy Together’ tour, an annual festival celebrating ’60s music, with The Turtles. He expressed his determination to make the most out of each day, despite the obstacles he faced. His positive outlook and unwavering spirit resonated with fans and fellow musicians alike.

In a touching Instagram post earlier this year, Volman, a native of Los Angeles, urged his followers to stand united in the face of the devastating wildfires. He leaves behind a legacy in the music industry and cherished memories for those who knew and admired him. Volman is survived by his significant other Emily Volman, his ex-wife Pat Volman, their daughters Hallie Volman and Sarina Miller, and his brother Phil Volman.

The passing of Mark Volman serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of his musical contributions and his resilience in the face of adversity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of music lovers and artists to persevere through life’s challenges with grace and determination.