When Mark Volman of Flo & Eddie and The Turtles passed away at the age of 78 on September 5, 2025, it was a true gut punch. Not only was Volman the last Turtle standing by being the final original Turtle still touring (lead singer Howard Kaylan retired in 2018), he also personified what The Turtles were about.
Losing Mark Volman was like saying goodbye to your rock & roll uncle, always there to bring a smile and a song, always there to entertain his family, which was his audience. This meant great singing with a sense of humor & fun, with Volman regularly performing such antics as tossing a tambourine high into the air (and usually catching it), or spoofing his music contemporaries. He also entertained us with some fine guitar work.
When we were putting together our "TURTLES A-Z: AM RADIO to ZAPPA" book (www.NotJustHappyTogether.com), we wanted it to be the most comprehensive (and enjoyable) work on the band. Since we were including interviews by as many principals connected to The Turles as possible. Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan were musts, but Howard was retired and reclusive, while Mark wasn't his healthiest. We miraculously got Kaylan to agree to a great interview (and we don't believe he's granted one since), but we didn't want to pressure or disturb Volman. Instead, by permission, we included an interview conducted by a colleague.
We hope that Ron Dante (The Archies) decides to continue the legacy of The Turtles' songs, but it will never be the same without Mark. It's a shame he wasn't able to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Let's hope that happens while Howard is still with us. The era of “Happy Together” will never truly be over, but without Mark, the world of The Turtles will be a lot less happy.
by MARK ARNOLD and CHARLES F. ROSENAY!!!
(photo below Charles F. Rosenay!!! with Mark Volman)
Mark Volman. Founder of the "Turtles." Later, member of Frank Zappa's "Mothers of Invention." And then "Flo and Eddie." Consummate songwriter and performer, a major influence in the evolution of pop music.
Mark Volman. Founder of the "Turtles." Later, member of Frank Zappa's "Mothers of Invention." And then "Flo and Eddie." Consummate songwriter and performer, a major influence in the evolution of pop music.