Mark Volman, Co-Founder of The Turtles, Dead at 78 After “Brief, Unexpected Illness”
Mark Volman, co-founding member of the 1960s rock band The Turtles, has died at age 78 after a brief, unexpected illness, his representatives confirmed. Los Angeles Times+3EW.com+3People.com+3
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Volman was born on April 19, 1947, in Los Angeles, California. Wikipedia+2EW.com+2 He first gained recognition during his high school years when he joined Howard Kaylan’s band, initially called The Crossfires. The group later became The Turtles.
The Turtles achieved commercial success in the mid-1960s with several hit songs, including a cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe” (1965), then later “Happy Together” (1967), “Elenore”, “You Baby”, and “She’d Rather Be with Me”. “Happy Together” became their biggest hit.
Later Career: Flo & Eddie, Collaborations, Academia
After The Turtles broke up in 1970, Volman and Kaylan formed the duo Flo & Eddie. They remained active in the music world, touring and collaborating with various artists. Among their notable associations were with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, and they contributed backing vocals for artists like T. Rex, Bruce Springsteen, and others.
In addition to performing, Volman pursued academic interests. He earned a master’s degree in screenwriting and taught music business at Belmont University in Nashville.
In 2023, he published his memoir Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures With The Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, Flo & Eddie, and More, in which he reflected on his long career.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Volman was diagnosed in 2020 with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder affecting memory, thinking, and movement.
Despite the diagnosis, he continued performing, including participating in the annual Happy Together tours. He publicly revealed his diagnosis in 2023.
His passing came on September 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, following a “brief, unexpected illness”. People.com+2EW.com+2 He is survived by his partner Emily Volman; his ex-wife, Pat; their two daughters, Hallie and Sarina; and his brother Phil.
Legacy
Volman leaves behind a legacy as one of the voices of 1960s pop-rock. The Turtles’ songs—especially Happy Together—remain widely known and have been repeatedly used in films, commercials, and popular culture. His work with Flo & Eddie also demonstrated a creative restlessness, moving between comedy, collaboration, and activism (especially around musicians’ rights to their recordings).
With his passing, the music community has lost a performer who combined humor, passion, and integrity. Even in his later years, despite his health challenges, Volman was remembered for his upbeat spirit and commitment to doing what he loved.
