Mark Volman, the co-founder and guitarist of the iconic 1960s rock band The Turtles, has died at the age of 78 after a brief illness, metro.com reports.
Born in Los Angeles, Volman formed the band, originally known as the Crossfires, in 1963 with his high school friend Howard Kaylan. The band’s classic lineup, which included Al Nichol, Jim Tucker, Chuck Portz and Don Murray, would go on to define a generation with timeless hits like “Happy Together,” “It Ain’t Me Babe” and “Elenore.”
After The Turtles disbanded in 1970, Volman and Kaylan continued their musical journey as the duo Flo & Eddie. They collaborated with legendary artistes such as Frank Zappa and Bruce Springsteen, and even wrote music for the beloved children’s TV show Strawberry Shortcake.
In his later years, Volman returned to his academic roots, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree before teaching music business. He was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020 but continued to perform and shared his story in his 2023 memoir, Happy Forever.
Volman is survived by his wife Emily, former wife Pat, their two daughters, and his brother.
•Featured image: Mark Volman/Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
