Co-founder of Turtles and Flo & Eddie, Mark Volman, dies at 78
Mark Volman, one of the founding members of the popular 1960s band The Turtles and the comedic musical duo Flo & Eddie, passed away at the age of 78. His representatives confirmed his death, attributing it to a sudden illness following his diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia in 2020, a condition affecting cognitive abilities, memory, and movement. Volman bravely continued touring despite his diagnosis and revealed his health challenges in 2023 when promoting his memoir, “Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures with the Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, Flo & Eddie, and More.”
In a touching interview with People magazine, Mark Volman candidly accepted his fate, 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.'” His long-time creative partner in The Turtles and Flo & Eddie, Howard Kaylan, played an essential role in their musical journey. With a shared love for catchy melodies, quirky trends, and playful humor, Volman and Kaylan successfully navigated the shifting cultural landscape of the 1960s.
Initially known for their surf-rock sound, The Turtles transitioned into psychedelic music, producing hits like “Happy Together,” “She’d Rather Be With Me,” “Elenore,” and “You Showed Me” that appealed to a broad audience. Notably, they even performed for Tricia Nixon, daughter of President Richard Nixon, at the White House in 1970, showcasing their mainstream appeal while maintaining their cool factor with more trendsetting listeners. Demonstrating their intellect and creativity, The Turtles released innovative albums like “The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands” in 1968, featuring diverse musical styles in a conceptual format.
Amidst legal challenges that prevented them from using their band name or individual names, Volman and Kaylan revamped themselves as Flo & Eddie, an alias bestowed upon them during this turbulent period. Renowned musician Frank Zappa invited the duo to collaborate with him, further cementing their reputation as versatile and resilient artists. Throughout their career, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan demonstrated unwavering dedication to their craft and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, earning them a cherished place in music history.
The legacy of Mark Volman lives on through his timeless music, enduring creativity, and unwavering spirit. His contributions to the music industry, both with The Turtles and Flo & Eddie, have left an indelible mark on generations of listeners and fellow musicians alike. As fans mourn the loss of this talented artist, they celebrate his remarkable career and the joy he brought to countless hearts through his unforgettable melodies and infectious humor. Mark Volman’s musical influence will continue to resonate for years to come, ensuring that his legacy remains eternally cherished.