The Association frontman Terry Kirkman dies, aged 83

25 September 2023, 10:39

Terry Kirkman was a founding member, frontman and key songwriter for The Association.

Terry Kirkman, former frontman of The Association, has died at the age of 83.

Terry's passing was confirmed yesterday (September 24) on the band's official Facebook page.

• Listen to the Gold 60s Live Playlist on Global Player
• Jimi Hendrix’s Star Spangled Banner remembered: Guitar icon's musical statement of the '60s

"We're saddened to report that Terry Kirkman passed away last night, RIP Terry," read the message.

"He will live on in our hearts and in the music he so brilliantly wrote. Sending hugs and lots of love to Heidi and Sasha."

Having previously played with Frank Zappa and other groups, one-time salesman Kirkman founded a group called The Inner Tubes with Jules Alexander.

A number of folk rock luminaries drifted in and out of the group – David Crosby and Cass Elliot were said to have been one-time members.

The Inner Tubes morphed into the 13-piece band The Men, which later dissolved, with six of the lineup becoming The Association.

They released the debut album And Then... Along Comes the Association in 1966, a top-ten album which featured the number one single 'Cherish', which was written by Kirkman.

The Association "Never My Love" on The Ed Sullivan Show

The following year, The Association opened the era-defining Monterey Pop Festival, and the band went on to release half a dozen further albums before Kirkman's departure in 1972.

He rejoined the band in 1979 before he left once more in 1984. The Association has continued through various lineup changes to today.

Kirkman is survived by his wife Heidi, daughter Sasha, son-in-law and two grandchildren.