Musical artist Mark Volman, renowned for hits like 'Happy Together,' passes away at 78 years old.
Mark Volman, Co-Founder of The Turtles, Passes Away at 78
Mark Volman, one of the co-founders of the iconic pop-rock band The Turtles, has passed away at the age of 78. The news was announced in a statement from his publicist, Ame Van Iden, though the cause of his death was not specified.
Volman and his high school buddy Howard Kaylan formed The Turtles in the 1960s. The band is best known for their hit songs "Happy Together," "She'd Rather Be With Me," and "Elenore." Volman was a key contributor to The Turtles' feel-good sunshine pop sound, particularly on the infectious and popular song "Happy Together."
Ray Manzarek, the keyboardist for the Doors, described "Happy Together" as having an "old-fashioned, oompah beat." Manzarek further stated that the song was like a "two-man barbershop quartet" with a "happy oompah band playing." The song "Happy Together" knocked the Beatles' "Penny Lane" from the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming The Turtles' only single to reach No. 1.
Volman was recognized for his thick, black-rimmed glasses, bushy hairdo, and wild onstage instrument swinging. Despite being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020, Volman continued to make music and perform with The Turtles.
"The oral history of Mark Volman's life, titled 'Happy Forever,' was published in 2023," according to Van Iden. However, no specific cause of death was given for Volman, despite his diagnosis with Lewy body dementia.
The Turtles' music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world. "Happy Together" remains a timeless classic that captures the spirit of the 1960s and the joy of simple pleasures.
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