Mark Volman: The Iconic Turtle Who Rocked the World Until His Last Day
MARK VOLMAN, TURTLES CO-FOUNDER, DIES AT 78: A LEGENDARY LIFE OF MUSIC, LOVE, AND TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY
The music world is mourning the loss of Mark Volman, co-founder and iconic guitarist of The Turtles, who passed away on September 5 at the age of 78. The news has sent shockwaves through the industry, with fans and fellow musicians paying tribute to his unforgettable life and legacy.
Volman's passing comes after a brief, unexpected illness in Nashville, Tennessee, as confirmed by his representative in a statement to People magazine. But what's remarkable is that this extraordinary man left an indelible mark on the music world, leaving behind a trailblazing career spanning over five decades.
Born with a penchant for music and a flair for the dramatic, Volman first began playing saxophone in the surf rock band, The Nightriders (later known as The Crossfires). It was 1963, and he was just a student at Westchester High School in California. Little did he know that his life's journey would take him to unimaginable heights.
THE TURTLES: A BRIEF HISTORY OF ROCK 'N' ROLL
In the mid-1960s, Volman teamed up with fellow founding member Howard Kaylan to form The Turtles. With a lineup that included Don Murray, Al Nichol, Jim Tucker, and Chuck Portz, the band's unique sound blended folk rock and psychedelic elements. Their breakthrough single, "It Ain't Me Babe" (a cover of Bob Dylan's classic), catapulted them to fame in 1965, landing them in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This was just the beginning for The Turtles. They went on to release a string of hits, including "Let Me Be," "You Baby," and "Happy Together" (their iconic number one single in 1967). But it wasn't all smooth sailing – the band faced turmoil with the departure of founding members Murray and Portz in 1966.
A STAR IS BORN: MARK VOLMAN'S RISE TO FAME
Volman's curly locks became an instant trademark, and he was soon famous for his offbeat style. In a move that would become legendary, he even insured his hair for $100,000 – talk about being ahead of the curve! NME magazine reported on this quirky phenomenon in 1968.
As The Turtles' music evolved, so did Volman's creativity. He experimented with new sounds and styles, cementing his status as a true original. But behind the scenes, internal conflicts were brewing – the band was struggling to maintain their artistic vision amidst pressure from their record label.
POST-TURTLES: A NEW ERA OF CREATIVITY
In 1970, The Turtles disbanded, but Volman and Kaylan refused to let their musical journey end. They joined forces with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, adopting the pseudonyms Flo & Eddie (Phlorescent Leech & Eddie). Together, they created some of the most innovative music of their generation.
Their collaborations with Zappa yielded several iconic albums, including "We're Only in It for the Money" and "Absolutely Free." Volman's vocal talents also shone on T. Rex tracks like "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" and "Electric Warrior."
LATER LIFE: A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY
In 1992, at the age of 50, Volman decided to pursue higher education, enrolling in Loyola Marymount University's Fine Arts program. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1997, but his academic curiosity didn't stop there – he went on to earn a Master's degree in Screenwriting from Loyola in 1999.
Volman's newfound passion for teaching led him to become an associate professor and coordinator of the Entertainment Industry Studies Program at Belmont University. He taught music business and industry courses in the Communications and Fine Arts department, sharing his expertise with aspiring musicians.
CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS: MARK VOLMAN'S FINAL YEARS
In 2015, Volman and Kaylan reunited as "The Turtles ... Featuring Flo & Eddie" for their Happy Together Tour, marking the band's 50th anniversary. However, this celebration was bittersweet – that year, Volman was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he bravely battled.
After a full recovery in 2016, Volman faced an even greater challenge: Lewy body dementia (LBD), a progressive brain disorder affecting thinking, memory, and movement. Yet, he remained steadfast, embracing this new chapter of his life and inspiring others with his unwavering optimism.
A LEGACY OF LOVE AND RESILIENCE
Mark Volman's final Instagram post in January 2025 was a poignant expression of hope amidst adversity. He shared words of encouragement for Los Angeles during the devastating wildfires, urging people to "connect" with each other despite their struggles. This reflection on his own life's journey – from the highs and lows of music stardom to the triumphs of teaching and personal growth – is a testament to Volman's unbreakable spirit.
Mark Volman leaves behind a legacy that transcends mere musical history. He was an artist, educator, and advocate who inspired countless lives through his creativity, perseverance, and love for humanity. His passing may be a loss for the music world, but his indelible mark on our hearts will remain forever.
Volman is survived by partner Emily Volman, ex-wife Pat Volman, their daughters Hallie Volman and Sarina Miller, and brother Phil Volman.
