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Mark Randall Volman (April 19, 1947 – September 5, 2025) was an American vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who was best known as a founding member of the 1960s rock band the Turtles. With his bandmate and friend Howard Kaylan, he was a member of the 1970s rock duo Flo & Eddie, in which he used the pseudonym Flo (short for The Phlorescent Leech). Volman later joined Frank Zappa's band The Mothers of Invention.

Early life

[edit]

Volman was born in Los Angeles, California, on April 19, 1947[1] to a Jewish father, Joe Yarnatinski, who changed his name to Volman, and a Catholic mother, Bea (nee Campillo).[2] He grew up in Westchester, a suburb of Los Angeles, where he performed in his mid-teens with Kaylan in a proto-Turtles band called The Crossfires. He graduated from Westchester High School in 1965.

Career

[edit]

Music and film

[edit]

Volman and Howard Kaylan were founding members of the Turtles, a popular band of the late 1960s. In 1965, shortly after leaving school, they were touring with Herman's Hermits and playing to audiences of 50,000.[3] Their cover of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" gave them a Top Ten hit. They had another US Top 20 hit in 1966 with "You Baby". "Happy Together" replaced the Beatles at Number One in early 1967 and they sang it on the Ed Sullivan Show.[4] Volman and Kaylan had sung together in their school choir, and further hits, characterised by their "pristine Beach Boys-style harmony vocals", included "She'd Rather Be With Me" and "Elenore".[5]

In December 1968, NME magazine reported that Volman had insured his distinctive frizzy hair for US$100,000 against fire, theft or loss due to illness.[6] The band folded in 1970. Volman and Kaylan planned to continue working together, but discovered that the terms of their contract forbade them to use not only the name 'The Turtles' but also their own names.[7] They reinvented themselves as the Phlorescent Leech & Eddie, which was shortened to Flo and Eddie when they were recruited by Frank Zappa[8] to join the Mothers of Invention. They worked together as Flo & Eddie in music, providing backing vocals for T.Rex and Bruce Springsteen and touring with Alice Cooper; in film (they provided music and voices for animated films like Down and Dirty Duck); and in radio broadcasting. Alice Cooper was quoted as saying "They had such pure voices. Everybody wanted to work with Mark and Howard."[9] They made several albums of sardonic songs under the Flo & Eddie name.[10] In 1971 Volman appeared in and on the soundtrack to Zappa's humorous pseudo-documentary film, 200 Motels.[11] In the mid-1980's they regained possession of their naming rights after a "long legal battle".[12]

In 2015, Kaylan and Volman celebrated their 50th year, touring and performing more than 60 concerts a year, billed as "The Turtles ... Featuring Flo & Eddie" with their Happy Together Tour, a classic revue-format show featuring some popular bands of the mid-to-late 1960s musical era. During this tour in 2015, Volman was diagnosed with throat cancer, but was declared cancer-free in 2016.[13] Kaylan retired in 2018 because of ill health.[14]

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Volman and Kaylan had been "leading the charge against the uncompensated use of their music, and using state-based misappropriation, conversation [sic] and unfair competition claims because sound recordings only began falling under federal copyright protection in 1972."[15]

In 2023, Volman co-wrote his biography with John Cody and several other former bandmates and colleagues, titled Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures With The Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, Flo & Eddie, And More.[16]

Academia

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In 1992, at age 45, Volman started his bachelor's degree at Loyola Marymount University. He was an active undergraduate member of the choir and a Founding Father of the California Chi chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Volman graduated with a B.A. degree in 1997 magna cum laude and was the class valedictorian speaker. During the speech he led the graduates in a chorus of "Happy Together". CBS Evening News covered Volman's graduation and interviewed his parents, who were perplexed at their son's academic accomplishments.[17][failed verification]

Volman earned a Master's degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in communications and screenwriting in 1999, also from Loyola. Since that time, he had taught Music Business & Industry courses in the Communications and Fine Arts department at Loyola. He had also taught courses in the Commercial Music Program at Los Angeles Valley College. He later became an associate professor and coordinator of the Entertainment Industry Studies Program at Belmont University,[18] in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and conducted seminars about the music industry. He became a professor at Belmont University in Nashville, lecturing on the music business for various academic institutions from junior high school to university level. In addition, he offered consulting on music business and entertainment through the website Ask Professor Flo.[19]

Personal life and death

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Volman married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Lee Hickey, in January 1967 and they were married for 25 years. The couple had two daughters, Sarina Marie and Hallie Rae Volman. Volman married his second wife, Emily, in 2000.[20][better source needed][21] They were divorced in 2015.[22]

In June 2023, Volman disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.[23][24][25] He died on September 5, 2025, at the age of 78, from complications of a blood disease.[26][27][28]

Discography

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With The Turtles

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Main article: The Turtles discography

Studio albums

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Year Album Label
1965 It Ain't Me Babe White Whale
1966 You Baby
1967 Happy Together
1968 The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands
1969 Turtle Soup

Singles

[edit]
Year Title (A-side / B-side)

Both sides from same album except where indicated

Album Label
1965 "It Ain't Me Babe" / "Almost There" (from You, Baby) It Ain't Me, Babe [21]
"Let Me Be" / "Your Maw Said You Cried (In Your Sleep Last Night)"
1966 "You Baby" / "Wanderin' Kind" (from It Ain't Me, Babe) You, Baby
"It Was a Very Good Year" / "Let the Cold Winds Blow" It Ain't Me, Babe
"Grim Reaper of Love" / "Come Back" (from Wooden Head) Golden Hits
"We'll Meet Again" / "Outside Chance" (from Golden Hits) Wooden Head
"Making My Mind Up" / "Outside Chance" (from Golden Hits) Happy Together
"Can I Get to Know You Better?" / "Like the Seasons" (from Happy Together) Golden Hits
1967 "Happy Together" / "Like the Seasons" Happy Together
"She'd Rather Be with Me" / "The Walking Song"
"Guide for the Married Man" / "Think I'll Run Away"
"You Know What I Mean" / "Rugs of Woods & Flowers" (from Happy Together) Golden Hits
"She's My Girl" / "Chicken Little Was Right" (Non-LP track. A re-recording of this song later appeared on The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands) More Golden Hits
1968 "Sound Asleep" / "Umbassa the Dragon" (Non-LP track)
"The Story of Rock and Roll" / "Can You Hear the Cows" (Non-LP track)
"Elenore" / "Surfer Dan" The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands
1969 "You Showed Me" / "Buzzsaw"
"House on the Hill" / "Come Over" Turtle Soup
"You Don't Have to Walk in the Rain" / "Come Over"
"Love in the City" / "Bachelor Mother"
"Lady-O" / "Somewhere Friday Night" (From "Turtle Soup") More Golden Hits
1970 "Teardrops" / "Gas Money" Non-LP track (released under the alias: "The Dedications")
"Who Would Ever Think That I Would Marry Margaret?" / "We Ain't Gonna Party No More" More Golden Hits
"Is It Any Wonder?" / "Wanderin' Kind" (from Wooden Head) Golden Hits
"Eve of Destruction" / "Wanderin' Kind" (from Wooden Head) It Ain't Me, Babe
"Me About You" / "Think I'll Run Away" Happy Together
1978 "To See the Sun" /"The Owl" /"Surfer Dan" (Alternate Version)/"The Last Thing I Remember" (Alternate Version) Rhino Records 12″ EP Picture Disc (1968 Outtakes)

With The Mothers of Invention

[edit]
Main article: Frank Zappa discography
Volman (and Frank Zappa in background); December 1971, Hamburg

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Year
Chunga's Revenge 1970
Fillmore East – June 1971 1971
200 Motels
Just Another Band from L.A. 1972

Singles

[edit]
Single (A-side, B-side)

Both sides from same album except where indicated

Album Year
"Tell Me You Love Me"

b/w "Will You Go All the Way for the U.S.A.?" [sic]

Chunga's Revenge 1970
"Tears Began to Fall" (remix)

b/w "Junier Mintz Boogie" (non-album track)

Fillmore East – June 1971 1971
"Magic Fingers"

b/w "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy"

200 Motels
"What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning"

b/w "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy"

With Flo & Eddie

[edit]
Main article: Flo & Eddie § Discography

Albums

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mark Volman

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from Grokipedia
Mark Volman (April 19, 1947 – September 5, 2025) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and educator, best known as a co-founding member and of the , with whom he recorded the international No. 1 hit "Happy Together" and other Top 10 singles including "," "You Baby," "," and "Elenore." Born in to a Jewish father and Catholic mother, Volman co-founded in 1965 alongside while still in high school, rising from folk-rock origins to pop stardom before the band's breakup in 1970 amid legal disputes with their record label. Following the dissolution, he and Kaylan—billed as Flo and Eddie due to contractual restrictions—formed a vocal duo that released four albums in the and provided backing vocals for artists such as T. Rex on "Bang a Gong (Get It On)," on "," , and . Volman gained further prominence as a member of Frank Zappa's from 1970 to 1971, contributing to albums like and , where his energetic stage antics and distinctive became hallmarks of his performances. In later decades, he co-organized the annual Happy Together Tour starting in 2010, reuniting '60s acts and continuing to perform despite health challenges, including a of throat in 2015 from which he recovered in 2016 and a 2020 of . In his later career, Volman pursued education, earning a B.A. from Loyola Marymount University in 1997 and an M.F.A. in 1999, before teaching music business courses at Belmont University in Nashville. He published the memoir Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures with the Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, and Beyond in 2023, reflecting on his eclectic path in rock music. Volman died in Nashville at age 78 from a sudden blood disease, survived by his partner Emily Volman, ex-wife Pat Volman, daughters Hallie and Sarina, and brother Phil.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Mark Volman was born on April 19, 1947, in , . His father, Joe, originally named Yarnatinski, changed the family surname to Volman and came from a Jewish background, while his mother was Catholic, creating a mixed-faith household that influenced Volman's early cultural environment. Volman had one brother, , with whom he grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of . The family home provided an early exposure to music, situated in a musical household amid the vibrant local scene of during the mid-20th century.

Schooling and early influences

Mark Volman attended Westchester High School in , where he graduated in 1965. During his time there, Volman developed a strong interest in music, prioritizing it over other teenage pursuits amid the burgeoning rock scene in . This period was marked by the popularity of surf and , which captured his attention and shaped his early creative direction. At Westchester High, Volman met , a classmate who would become his lifelong musical partner. The two bonded over shared enthusiasm for performing and began collaborating on live shows during their high school years, laying the groundwork for their future endeavors. Volman's outgoing personality often positioned him as the group's comic relief, complementing Kaylan's leadership. Volman's initial foray into music came through early bands formed with school friends, starting with the Nightriders, a short-lived group. This evolved into the Crossfires, an surf-rock outfit influenced by late-1950s acts like and . The Crossfires provided Volman with his first platform for performance, honing his skills in a vibrant local scene that emphasized energetic, guitar-driven sounds.

Musical career

The Turtles

The Turtles formed in 1965 in Los Angeles when the surf-rock band the Crossfires, which included Mark Volman and his longtime friend Howard Kaylan, transitioned to a folk-rock sound amid the British Invasion's influence. Volman served as a key vocalist and percussionist, providing harmonies and rhythmic support that complemented Kaylan's lead vocals and helped define the group's harmonious, upbeat style. The band's early releases, such as their debut album It Ain't Me Babe in 1965, established them in the pop scene, but it was their shift toward more polished productions that propelled their success. The Turtles achieved their breakthrough with the 1967 single "Happy Together," which topped the for three weeks and became their signature hit, showcasing Volman's prominent backing vocals in the infectious chorus. This was followed by the album Happy Together later that year, which captured the band's playful energy through tracks blending pop hooks and light . Subsequent hits included "Elenore" in 1968, peaking at number six on the and highlighting the duo's vocal interplay, and "You Showed Me" in 1969, also reaching number six, which demonstrated their evolving songwriting with Byrds-inspired arrangements. Volman's contributions extended beyond singing, as his percussion work added texture to live performances and recordings, enhancing the band's dynamic stage presence during their peak touring years. By 1969, the release of marked a more experimental phase, with Volman co-writing and performing on tracks that pushed toward elements while retaining pop accessibility. However, internal tensions escalated, fueled by creative differences and disputes with management over finances and artistic control, leading to the band's dissolution in 1970. Volman's role as a unifying yet comedic force in the group could not prevent the fractures, ending ' run after a string of Top 10 successes that solidified their place in pop history.

Flo & Eddie

Following the Turtles' breakup in 1970 amid ongoing contractual disputes with their record label, Mark Volman and launched their independent duo career as . The pair adopted these stage names—"Flo" for Volman and "Eddie" for Kaylan—to circumvent legal restrictions that barred them from performing under their real names or moniker. This rebranding allowed them to pursue an eclectic, rock-oriented sound infused with pop harmonies and irreverent humor, distinct from their earlier structured hits. Flo & Eddie's debut album, The Phlorescent Leech and Eddie, arrived in 1972 on , showcasing their vocal interplay alongside session musicians on tracks blending rock, novelty songs, and satirical lyrics. Their self-titled follow-up, Flo & Eddie, released in 1973 and produced by , leaned into a more polished production while retaining their whimsical style; it was created in conjunction with their role as for Alice Cooper's tour. The duo continued with Illegal, Immoral and Fattening in 1975 and Moving Targets in 1976, further exploring their creative range. These early releases highlighted the duo's shift toward independent creativity, emphasizing live energy and vocal experimentation over commercial pop formulas. In 1972 and 1973, served as for T. Rex's U.S. tours, exposing them to larger audiences and fostering a close creative alliance with . They contributed distinctive backing vocals to Bolan's productions, including albums like (1971) and (1972), adding their signature high harmonies to tracks such as "Get It On" and "." These collaborations underscored their versatility as session vocalists while amplifying their profile in the scene. The duo's humorous stage persona emerged prominently through appearances and live performances in the early , featuring exaggerated antics, audience interaction, and sketches that poked fun at rock stardom. They became the house band for the Canadian television 90 Minutes Live, hosted by , appearing in multiple episodes from 1977 to 1978 to perform and engage in comedic segments. This exposure solidified their reputation for blending music with lighthearted , setting them apart in an era of more serious rock acts.

Mothers of Invention and collaborations

In 1970, Mark Volman joined Frank Zappa's as a lead vocalist alongside his former Turtles bandmate , adopting the stage persona "The Phlorescent Leech." Their tenure with the band lasted from June 1970 to December 1971, during which they infused Zappa's rock with theatrical vocal harmonies and comedic , marking a sharp departure from Volman's earlier pop-oriented work with . This period emphasized experimental improvisation and satirical narratives, contrasting the straightforward harmonies of Volman's prior career. Volman contributed prominent vocals to Zappa's 1970 album , appearing on tracks such as "Road Ladies" and "Would You Go All the Way?" where his high-energy delivery complemented the album's fusion of , rock, and elements. The following year, he featured on the live recording , delivering lead vocals and engaging in scripted banter on songs like "The Mud Shark" and "What Kind of Girl Do You Think We Are?", capturing the band's chaotic stage presence during performances at New York's venue. These recordings highlighted Volman's role in elevating the Mothers' shows into multimedia spectacles blending music, humor, and . Volman also played a key role in Zappa's 1971 film , starring as a fictionalized version of himself and providing special material for the project, which satirized the excesses of rock touring life. On the accompanying , he provided vocals for several tracks, including "Magic Fingers" and "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy," enhancing the film's operatic absurdity with his expressive range. The production, filmed in , showcased Volman's improvisational talents in a narrative that mixed , live action, and orchestral segments. Beyond the Mothers, Volman made notable guest appearances in the early 1970s, including backing vocals on John Lennon's 1972 live album Some Time in New York City, specifically on tracks from a joint concert with Zappa's band, such as "Well ()" and "Jamrag." He also collaborated with , performing in seven live shows with the during their early tours, adding harmonic depth to Springsteen's emerging rock sound. These high-profile sessions underscored Volman's versatility in bridging pop accessibility with experimental ensembles.

Later performances and projects

In the 1980s, Volman reunited with his longtime musical partner as to revive for live performances, headlining the inaugural Happy Together Tour in 1984 alongside acts like and . This multi-artist revue celebrated '60s hits, including ' signature track "Happy Together," and marked a return to the stage for Volman after years focused on session work and collaborations. The tour's success led to additional runs in 1985, fostering a nostalgic appeal that sustained Volman's career through periodic revivals. The Happy Together Tour resumed annually starting in 2010, with Volman leading alongside Kaylan until the latter's retirement in 2018 due to health issues, after which Volman continued with vocalist and other musicians while incorporating occasional appearances by original members like bassist Chuck Portz. These tours emphasized high-energy renditions of classics such as "Happy Together" and "Elenore," drawing large audiences to venues across and establishing the revue as a staple of '60s rock nostalgia. By the 2020s, the production had expanded to include diverse lineups featuring artists like and , with Volman often serving as the charismatic emcee. Throughout the and , Volman contributed vocals and songwriting to various film and television soundtracks, notably co-composing original music with Kaylan for animated specials featuring , including the 1983 TV movie Strawberry Shortcake in City and related series episodes. These efforts extended to other children's programming, such as productions, where their upbeat, harmonious style provided thematic songs that aligned with the era's family-oriented media. Additionally, Volman participated in updated recordings and live versions of "Happy Together" for promotional singles and compilations, including a 1991 concert video release that captured refreshed arrangements of the hit for contemporary audiences. In 2023, Volman co-authored the oral history memoir Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures with The Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, Flo & Eddie, and More with writer John Cody, which drew on interviews with over 100 collaborators to chronicle his career highlights and personal reflections. The book also publicly disclosed Volman's 2020 diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, a progressive condition that began affecting his memory and mobility around that time, though he emphasized its minimal impact on his performances to that point. Volman maintained an active touring schedule into 2024, performing with on the Happy Together Tour, including shows in the summer where he delivered energetic sets alongside original band elements like surviving members and faithful recreations of their '60s sound. These appearances, often featuring crowd-pleasing encores of "Happy Together," showcased Volman's enduring stage presence despite emerging health challenges. He was unable to participate in the 2025 tour due to the progression of his before his death that September.

Other professional activities

Academia

In the early 2000s, Mark Volman pursued higher education later in life, earning a in and from (LMU) in 1999, following a from the same institution in 1997. His academic journey began after transferring from in his mid-40s, where he demonstrated strong involvement in campus activities, including the concert choir and producing a holiday CD. Volman began his teaching career at LMU, serving as an where he instructed courses on business and the history of pop music. He drew directly from his extensive professional background in the entertainment industry, sharing anecdotes from his time with and collaborations with artists like to provide students with practical, real-world insights into the music landscape. This approach emphasized , helping mentees navigate career challenges through his firsthand knowledge of industry dynamics. Following his move to Nashville in the early 2000s, Volman joined Belmont University in 2005 as an adjunct professor and Coordinator of the Entertainment Industry Studies program, a position he held until 2019. Known affectionately as "Professor Flo" by students and colleagues, he developed and taught classes focused on music business, copyright law, and broader entertainment industry practices within the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Throughout his tenure at Belmont, Volman prioritized mentorship, integrating his personal career experiences—such as the successes and legal battles of —into the curriculum to foster and enthusiasm for creative professions. He offered students hands-on opportunities, including invitations to join the production team for the annual Happy Together Tour, enabling them to gain direct exposure to operations. This blend of storytelling and practical guidance left a lasting impact on aspiring professionals, positioning Volman as a bridge between rock history and modern entertainment education.

Film and television appearances

Volman made his film debut in Frank Zappa's 1971 satirical rock opera 200 Motels, where he appeared on-screen as a member of the Mothers of Invention alongside bandmate Howard Kaylan, contributing to the ensemble performances that depicted the chaotic life of touring musicians. He also provided vocals for the film's soundtrack, including tracks like "What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning?" that highlighted Flo & Eddie's vocal harmonies within Zappa's experimental ensemble. In 1974, Volman took on voice acting roles in the adult-oriented animated feature Down and Dirty Duck (also known as Dirty Duck), voicing the titular character —a wisecracking anthropomorphic bird navigating absurd adventures—as well as the Side Hack Rider in a motorcycle sequence. Working with Kaylan, he co-composed the film's music and contributed to the screenplay, blending his rock background with raunchy humor in this cult X-rated cartoon produced by Murakami-Wolf. During the late 1970s and 1980s, Volman and Kaylan as Flo & Eddie expanded into children's animation, providing voice work and original songs for several television specials and series. They lent voices to characters in the Strawberry Shortcake franchise, including the 1980 special The World of Strawberry Shortcake and subsequent episodes through 1982, where their playful harmonies underscored the whimsical berry-themed narratives. Similarly, they contributed voices and composed songs for The Care Bears Family animated series (1986–1988) and related projects like the 1985 film The Care Bears Movie, helping to define the upbeat, moralistic tone of these family-oriented productions. Volman's later television work included a on the sitcom in the 1999 episode "Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut," where he reprised his Flo persona alongside Kaylan as Eddie, performing a comedic musical bit at a that nodded to their Turtles-era hits. Beyond acting and voice roles, Volman contributed to in various films, often through Flo & Eddie's vocal style or The Turtles' catalog; for instance, he wrote additional lyrics for the 1984 spy comedy Top Secret!, featuring . The Turtles' "Happy Together" appeared in (2009), and Flo & Eddie's "Keep It Warm" was featured in the (2023).

Personal life

Family and marriages

Mark Volman married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Lee Hickey, in January 1967. The couple remained together for 25 years until their divorce in 1992. From this marriage, Volman and Hickey had two daughters, Sarina Marie Miller and Hallie Rae Volman. In 2000, Volman married , his second wife. Their marriage ended in in 2015. Despite the separation, the two maintained a close and ongoing partnership, with described as his significant other in later years.

Later years in Nashville

In the mid-2000s, Mark Volman relocated to , to take on a role at , marking a significant shift toward a more settled life in the city's vibrant community. This move allowed him to immerse himself in Nashville's renowned ecosystem, where he contributed to educational initiatives while drawing on his extensive industry experience to connect with local artists and institutions. Volman and his then-wife Emily Ector-Volman (married 2000–2015), became active participants in Nashville's faith-based community, particularly at Harpeth Presbyterian Church in Brentwood, where they sang in the choir and served as advisors to the . Their involvement reflected Volman's deepening commitment to , which he had embraced in the late , and provided a sense of purpose beyond his professional endeavors. He balanced this community engagement with ongoing family life in , maintaining close relationships with his two daughters from his first marriage. Throughout his Nashville years, Volman continued to tour extensively with as part of the annual Happy Together Tour, performing dozens of shows each summer while rooted in , a schedule that allowed him to blend his enduring stage presence with home-based stability. Leading up to 2023, he remained active in promotional efforts, including the release and touring support for his memoir Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures with The Turtles, , T. Rex, , and More, published in June 2023 by Jawbone Press, which featured contributions from over 100 industry figures and coincided with that year's tour dates.

Death

Illness

In June 2023, Mark Volman publicly disclosed his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, which he had received in April 2020 following symptoms including hallucinations, tremors, and difficulties with concentration. The revelation came during promotional interviews for his memoir Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures with , where he described the condition as a progressive but emphasized his determination to maximize each day through , exercise, and a positive outlook. The diagnosis initially did not halt Volman's performing career; he continued to tour with on the annual Happy Together package tour into 2024, traveling by bus for safety and managing symptoms with daily routines such as visits to the in . However, by 2025, the progression of his dementia led him to step away from live performances, with bandmate and substitute Godfrey Townsend filling in during that year's tour dates. Throughout his health challenges, Volman received substantial support from his in the Nashville area, including two ex-wives and two grown daughters who lived nearby and assisted with daily management. His ex-wife , with whom he maintained a close partnership, highlighted his resilient "live for today" approach during this period.

Passing and tributes

Mark Volman died on September 5, 2025, at a hospital in , at the age of 78, from a blood disease amid complications related to his previously diagnosed . He had publicly disclosed the diagnosis in 2023, noting its impact on his performances while continuing to tour. Volman is survived by his partner Volman, ex-wife Pat Volman, daughters Hallie Volman and Sarina Miller, and brother Phil Volman. Immediate tributes from peers and family emphasized Volman's enduring joyful and exuberant persona, known for his wild onstage energy and irreverent humor. His partner Emily Volman recounted that he "had this big old smile even at the end," underscoring his playfulness despite his illness. Surviving co-founder , Volman's longtime musical partner, shared a heartfelt farewell, reflecting on their decades of collaboration. Statements from representatives and close associates highlighted his role as a "forever performer" who brought positivity to those around him.

Legacy

Musical influence

Mark Volman's contributions to harmony vocals significantly shaped the sound of 1960s through his work with , where he and delivered layered, melodic harmonies that became emblematic of the era's style. Their vocal interplay on tracks like "Happy Together" exemplified a polished, buoyant approach that influenced subsequent pop and rock acts seeking rich, accessible vocal arrangements. In the , as part of , Volman extended this influence into rock by providing high-profile backing vocals that infused artists' recordings with Beach Boys-inspired harmonies, such as on T. Rex's and Bruce Springsteen's "." This role helped popularize sophisticated vocal stacking in harder-edged rock contexts, bridging the gap between pop's melodic accessibility and rock's raw energy. Volman's legal advocacy further impacted music by establishing key precedents in and sampling practices. Alongside Kaylan, he spearheaded a 1989 lawsuit against for unauthorized sampling of ' "" on their album , filed in July 1989 and settled out of court in 1991 for $1.7 million, which underscored the need for clearance permissions and reshaped hip-hop production norms. Subsequent suits, including the 2013 lawsuit against Sirius XM, which culminated in a 2016 settlement, contributed to the 2018 , extending federal protections to legacy sound recordings and benefiting countless artists. The enduring recognition of Volman's work is evident in the 2007 induction of "Happy Together" into the , honoring its historical and qualitative significance as a cornerstone of . Throughout his career, Volman bridged diverse musical scenes, from ' chart-topping pop to experimental ventures with Frank Zappa's —where his vocals added satirical flair to compositions—and later revival performances that kept hits alive in contemporary contexts. This versatility not only expanded his personal legacy but also facilitated cross-pollination between pop's commercial appeal, experimental rock's innovation, and revival rock's nostalgic endurance. Volman served as a and coordinator of the Entertainment Industry Studies Program at Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business from 2005 to 2019, where he mentored countless students aspiring to careers in the music industry. His teaching emphasized practical aspects of the music business, drawing on his extensive professional experiences to illustrate key concepts in , , and . In his courses, Volman integrated real-world anecdotes from his career, such as the Turtles' challenges with multiple managers and lost publishing rights, to educate students on navigating contracts and avoiding common pitfalls like exploitation by labels or agents. He stressed ethical considerations, encouraging students to prioritize independence, informed decision-making, and finding joy in the creative process amid the industry's demands. This hands-on approach often included opportunities for students to gain practical experience, such as traveling with him on tour to observe production and business operations firsthand. Volman's legal impact stemmed from his pivotal role in landmark copyright cases that advanced artist royalties and performer rights. In 1989, as a member of , he co-filed a lawsuit against for unauthorized sampling of the band's 1969 track "" on the album , seeking $1.7 million in damages; the case, filed in July 1989 and settled out of court in 1991 for $1.7 million, established early precedents for mandatory sampling clearances and compensation, influencing industry standards for hip-hop production and artist protections. His advocacy extended to broader performer rights through multiple lawsuits against digital platforms for unpaid royalties on pre-1972 recordings, including actions against SiriusXM that culminated in a $99 million settlement in 2016 and contributed to the CLASSICS Act within the 2018 , granting federal copyright protections to legacy sound recordings. In recognition of these efforts, the awarded Volman a gold record in 2019 for his testimony and leadership in securing royalties for performers.

Discography

With the Turtles

Mark Volman's recording career with spanned from 1965 to 1969, during which he contributed harmony and backing vocals across all five studio albums, often layering harmonies and special vocal effects that complemented lead singer Howard Kaylan's style and added a distinctive pop flair to the band's sound. His vocal work helped define the group's harmonious, upbeat aesthetic, particularly in their breakthrough hits. , formed in , released their music primarily through White Whale Records, evolving from folk-rock influences to . The band's debut album, (1965), featured Volman's early harmony vocals on tracks like the title song and "Let Me Be," marking his role in the group's initial covers and original material. Followed by You Baby (1966), where Volman provided backing vocals and tambourine on upbeat singles such as the title track, the album showcased the band's shift toward more commercial pop arrangements produced by . Their third release, Happy Together (1967), highlighted Volman's layered harmonies on the iconic title single and songs like "," contributing to the album's polished, radio-friendly production under Joe Wissert. In 1968, The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands allowed Volman greater vocal experimentation, including special effects and co-lead moments on tracks like "Elenore," as the band adopted pseudonyms for a conceptual "battle" theme produced by Chip Douglas. The final studio album, Turtle Soup (1969), produced by Ray Davies of The Kinks, featured Volman's prominent backing vocals on psychedelic-leaning songs such as "You Showed Me" and "House of Cards," reflecting the group's maturing sound before their disbandment. Key singles from these albums underscored Volman's vocal impact. "It Ain't Me Babe" (1965) peaked at #8 on the , with Volman's harmonies enhancing the folk-rock arrangement. "Happy Together" (1970) reached #1, where his backing created the song's buoyant, infectious chorus. "Elenore" (1968) climbed to #6, featuring Volman's playful vocal ad-libs as a satirical nod to fan requests for love songs. Finally, "You Showed Me" (1969) hit #6, with Volman's harmonies adding texture to the Byrds-inspired psych-pop vibe. These releases solidified ' commercial success, with Volman's contributions integral to their harmonious identity.

With Flo & Eddie

After adopting the stage names Flo and Eddie due to contractual restrictions on using their real names, Mark Volman and pursued their duo career in the . Their debut album, The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie (1972), released on and produced by Volman, Kaylan, and , featured a mix of rock and humorous tracks such as "Flo & Eddie Theme" and "Thoughts Have Turned," showcasing their vocal interplay and satirical style. Followed by their eponymous album Flo & Eddie, released in 1973 on and produced by , showcased a blend of rock, pop, and humorous elements with tracks like "" and "Thank You for Hurting Me." The duo followed with Illegal, Immoral and Fattening in 1975, also on , which featured session musicians including on bass and a more polished production style emphasizing their vocal harmonies. From this album, the single "Let Me Make Love to You" / "Come to My Rescue" was issued in 1974, highlighting their Turtles-era pop influences. In 1976, they released Moving Targets on , marking a shift toward new wave and punk influences with songs like "Hot Love" and collaborations from emerging artists. The duo's final studio album, Rock Steady With Flo & Eddie (1981), released on Epiphany Records, explored and styles with tracks including "Prisoner of Love" and "Swing and Dine." During this period, earned credits as backing vocalists on T. Rex's (1971) and subsequent albums like (1972), contributing their distinctive harmonies to hits such as "Get It On (Bang a Gong)." Although the duo performed extensively live in the 1970s, including tours supporting , no official live recordings from this era were released as duo-specific albums.

With the Mothers of Invention

Mark Volman joined Frank Zappa's in 1970, alongside former bandmate (collectively known as during this period), contributing distinctive vocal harmonies to several Zappa compositions. Their addition marked a shift toward more pop-inflected and humorous elements in the band's sound, with Volman providing lead and backing vocals on key tracks. Volman's first recording with the Mothers appeared on Zappa's 1970 album , where he supplied vocals on multiple tracks, including the satirical "Would You Go All the Way?" which featured his interplay with Kaylan and bassist Jeff Simmons. His contributions emphasized layered harmonies and comedic delivery, enhancing Zappa's blend of rock and experimental elements on songs like "Road Ladies" and "Rudy Wants to Buy Yez a Drink." The following year, Volman featured prominently on the live album , recorded during performances at New York's venue, delivering lead vocals and dialogue on tracks such as "What Kind of Girl Do You Think She Is?" and "Do You Like My New Car?". His energetic stage presence and harmonic interplay with Kaylan captured the band's improvisational live dynamic, with Volman often engaging in spoken-word banter integral to the album's theatrical style. Volman also appeared on the live album Just Another Band from L.A. (1972), recorded at UCLA's in August 1971, providing lead vocals on tracks like "Eddie, Are You Kidding?" and engaging in comedic routines that highlighted the band's satirical performances. Volman's final Mothers recording credit came on the 1971 soundtrack album for Zappa's film , where he provided vocals and special material, including the playful track "Magic Fingers," which highlighted his and Kaylan's signature groupie-themed harmonies. The album's mix of rock, orchestral, and dialogue elements showcased Volman's versatility in supporting Zappa's multimedia vision. Volman and Kaylan departed the band by the end of 1971 to pursue their duo project.

Other recordings

Throughout his career, Mark Volman frequently contributed backing vocals to recordings by prominent rock artists, often alongside as . Notable examples include their harmonies on T. Rex's "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" from the 1971 album , which reached No. 10 on the , and Bruce Springsteen's "" from the 1980 album The River, peaking at No. 5 on the same chart. Other significant appearances feature their distinctive layered vocals on ' "Love My Way" from the 1982 album Forever Now (No. 44 on ), the Ramones' "" from the 1992 album (No. 6 on Alternative Airplay), and Alice Cooper's (1973). Volman also provided vocals for John Lennon's Some Time in (1972) with the . In the 1970s and 1980s, Volman and Kaylan expanded into film and voice work, including providing music, voices, and songs for the adult animated feature Down and Dirty Duck (1974), where Volman voiced the lead character, the Duck, and contributed to tracks like "Kama Sutra" and "The Devil Made Me Do It." Their partnership later extended to children's media, where they produced and performed on several Strawberry Shortcake albums for Kid Stuff Records between 1980 and 1983, including The World of Strawberry Shortcake (1980–1981), Strawberry Shortcake in Big Apple City, and Let's Dance with Strawberry Shortcake (1982, featuring the track "I Was Born to Disco"). These releases, tied to American Greetings' characters, sold an estimated 5–6 million copies collectively. Similarly, they created music and provided sped-up voices for Care Bears records and TV specials in the mid-1980s, voicing characters and composing songs that supported the franchise's animated series.

References

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