Untold story behind 60s music icon's remarkable journey: 'I'll go as far as I can'
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The music world is mourning the loss of co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the iconic 1960s band The Turtles.
He passed away on 5 September at the age of 78 in Nashville, Tennessee, following what his representatives described as a 'brief, unexpected illness.'
His death closes a chapter on a band whose sunny harmonies and infectious melodies helped shape the sound of a generation.
Mark Volman’s musical journey began in the most classic of ways: as a high school student with a dream.
Alongside his friend Howard Kaylan, Volman formed The Turtles in 1963 while attending Westchester High School in Los Angeles.
Initially dabbling in surf music—a genre that was all the rage at the time—the band soon pivoted to folk rock, a move that would set them on the path to stardom.
The original Turtles lineup included Volman, Kaylan, Don Murray, Al Nichol, Jim Tucker, and Chuck Portz.
Over the years, the band saw a rotating cast of talented musicians, including bassists Chip Douglas and Jim Pons, and drummers Joel Larson, Johnny Barbata, and John Seiter.
But it was always Volman and Kaylan at the heart of the group, their voices blending in a way that became instantly recognisable.
The Turtles’ big break came in 1965 with their cover of Bob Dylan’s 'It Ain’t Me Babe,' which soared into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
But it was their 1967 smash hit 'Happy Together' that truly cemented their place in music history.
The song, with its irresistible chorus and feel-good vibe, shot to number one and remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
Other hits like 'Elenore' (1968) showcased the band’s knack for catchy, clever songwriting.
Despite their early success, The Turtles’ time in the spotlight was relatively brief. Their final original album, Turtle Soup, was released in 1969.
Yet, their influence has endured, with their songs featuring in countless films, TV shows, and commercials, and their sound inspiring generations of musicians.
Unlike many rock stars, Mark Volman didn’t fade away after his band’s heyday. Instead, he reinvented himself—first as a member of the satirical duo Flo & Eddie (with Kaylan), and later as an educator.
In the 1990s, Volman returned to university, earning a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University in 1997 and a Master of Fine Arts in 1999.
He went on to teach music business and industry studies, sharing his wealth of experience with a new generation of aspiring artists.
In 2020, Volman was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD), a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and movement.
Despite the challenges, Volman faced his diagnosis with remarkable courage and optimism. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, he reflected: '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.’'
He continued to find joy in life, surrounded by friends and family, and encouraged others to connect with him and with each other.
'The challenges of this world affect everybody, and it’s been kind of fun being on the other side of a challenge like this and saying, ‘I feel good.’ My friends are here. I’m still here. And I want people to connect with me.'
Mark Volman is survived by his partner Emily Volman, ex-wife Pat Volman, daughters Hallie Volman and Sarina Miller, and his brother Phil Volman.
His legacy lives on not just in the music he made, but in the lives he touched—whether through his songs, his teaching, or his inspiring attitude in the face of adversity.
For many of us, The Turtles’ music is woven into the fabric of our memories—soundtracking first loves, road trips, and lazy summer afternoons.
Volman’s voice and spirit will continue to echo through the decades, reminding us all to find happiness together, no matter what life throws our way.
Were you a fan of The Turtles? Do you have a favourite memory or song? We’d love to hear your stories and tributes to Mark Volman in the comments below.
Read more: ‘Spinal Tap’ actor David Kaff dies at 79, just before sequel release
He passed away on 5 September at the age of 78 in Nashville, Tennessee, following what his representatives described as a 'brief, unexpected illness.'
His death closes a chapter on a band whose sunny harmonies and infectious melodies helped shape the sound of a generation.
Mark Volman’s musical journey began in the most classic of ways: as a high school student with a dream.
Alongside his friend Howard Kaylan, Volman formed The Turtles in 1963 while attending Westchester High School in Los Angeles.
Initially dabbling in surf music—a genre that was all the rage at the time—the band soon pivoted to folk rock, a move that would set them on the path to stardom.
Mark Volman, co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of The Turtles, has died at 78 following a brief, unexpected illness in Nashville, Tennessee. Credit: Facebook
The original Turtles lineup included Volman, Kaylan, Don Murray, Al Nichol, Jim Tucker, and Chuck Portz.
Over the years, the band saw a rotating cast of talented musicians, including bassists Chip Douglas and Jim Pons, and drummers Joel Larson, Johnny Barbata, and John Seiter.
But it was always Volman and Kaylan at the heart of the group, their voices blending in a way that became instantly recognisable.
The Turtles’ big break came in 1965 with their cover of Bob Dylan’s 'It Ain’t Me Babe,' which soared into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
But it was their 1967 smash hit 'Happy Together' that truly cemented their place in music history.
The song, with its irresistible chorus and feel-good vibe, shot to number one and remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
Other hits like 'Elenore' (1968) showcased the band’s knack for catchy, clever songwriting.
Despite their early success, The Turtles’ time in the spotlight was relatively brief. Their final original album, Turtle Soup, was released in 1969.
Yet, their influence has endured, with their songs featuring in countless films, TV shows, and commercials, and their sound inspiring generations of musicians.
Unlike many rock stars, Mark Volman didn’t fade away after his band’s heyday. Instead, he reinvented himself—first as a member of the satirical duo Flo & Eddie (with Kaylan), and later as an educator.
In the 1990s, Volman returned to university, earning a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University in 1997 and a Master of Fine Arts in 1999.
He went on to teach music business and industry studies, sharing his wealth of experience with a new generation of aspiring artists.
In 2020, Volman was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD), a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and movement.
Despite the challenges, Volman faced his diagnosis with remarkable courage and optimism. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, he reflected: '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.’'
'The challenges of this world affect everybody, and it’s been kind of fun being on the other side of a challenge like this and saying, ‘I feel good.’ My friends are here. I’m still here. And I want people to connect with me.'
Mark Volman is survived by his partner Emily Volman, ex-wife Pat Volman, daughters Hallie Volman and Sarina Miller, and his brother Phil Volman.
His legacy lives on not just in the music he made, but in the lives he touched—whether through his songs, his teaching, or his inspiring attitude in the face of adversity.
For many of us, The Turtles’ music is woven into the fabric of our memories—soundtracking first loves, road trips, and lazy summer afternoons.
Volman’s voice and spirit will continue to echo through the decades, reminding us all to find happiness together, no matter what life throws our way.
Read more: ‘Spinal Tap’ actor David Kaff dies at 79, just before sequel release
