In a heartbreaking loss for music lovers everywhere, Mark Volman, one of the founding members of the iconic 1960s pop group The Turtles, has died at the age of 78. His vibrant voice graced timeless hits like "Happy Together," which became a defining anthem of the era.

Volman passed away in Nashville after a short and unexpected illness. A poignant note to his story is that he revealed his battle with Lewy body dementia in 2020 but continued to bring joy to fans through performances on the beloved "Happy Together" tours.

Beyond his work with The Turtles, Volman and his partner Howard Kaylan reinvented themselves as Flo & Eddie in 1970, known for their energetic performances, wit, and signature harmonies. Their remarkable career included collaborations with legends like Frank Zappa, contributing to T. Rex's hit "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" and even Bruce Springsteen’s "Hungry Heart." Their creativity also extended into children's television, writing for the beloved "Strawberry Shortcake" series.

Volman remained a dedicated performer, especially after Kaylan's retirement in 2018 due to health reasons, making him the last original member of The Turtles actively performing with the group.

His journey began in Los Angeles, where Volman was born on April 19, 1947. He and Kaylan formed a musical bond during their high school years, and their breakout hit came with a cover of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe." The Turtles quickly rose to fame, and "Happy Together" topped the Billboard charts just before the Summer of Love, a symbol of a vibrant moment in music history.

The Turtles enjoyed an impressive streak of success, landing nine Top 30 singles in the U.S. and four in the UK, with other memorable tracks like "She’d Rather Be with Me" and "Elenore." However, their album performance was less monumental, with only one Top 10 LP, "The Turtles! Golden Hits."

In the latter part of his life, Volman pursued academics, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees before teaching music business courses at esteemed institutions like 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," a reflection of his vibrant career.

After reuniting for annual tours in 2010 with Kaylan, Volman continued to light up stages with other 60s and 70s legends like Gary Puckett, The Monkees' Micky Dolenz, and Ron Dante of "Sugar Sugar" fame.

Mark Volman leaves behind his significant other Emily Volman, his ex-wife Pat Volman, their daughters Hallie and Sarina, and his brother Phil. His legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of fans and the world of music.