Terry Kirkman, the Association singer and founding member, dies at 83

Name: Terry Kirkman, the Association singer and founding member, dies at 83
Uploaded: 2023-09-25T19:12:00+03:00
Channel: Radio Flora TM
Description: Terry Kirkman - (Michael Ochs Archives) Terry Kirkman, co-founder of the 60s vocal group The Association, has died aged 83. The American singer and songwriter passed away on Saturday (23.09.2023) from congestive heart failure after a long illness. A statement on the group's official Facebook page read: “We’re

September 25, 2023 104

Terry Kirkman, co-founder of the 60s vocal group The Association, has died aged 83.

The American singer and songwriter passed away on Saturday (23.09.2023) from congestive heart failure after a long illness.

A statement on the group’s official Facebook page read: “We’re saddened to report that Terry Kirkman passed away last night, RIP Terry. He will live on in our hearts and in the music he so brilliantly wrote.”

Terry was not only a vocalist in the group but penned several of their hits, including ‘Cherish’, ‘Everything That Touches You’, and ‘Six Man Band’.

Kirkman was born on Dec. 12, 1939, in Salina, Kan. In 1965, he formed the Association in L.A. alongside Jules Gary Alexander, Russ Giguere, Ted Bluechel Jr., Brian Cole and Bob Page, who was quickly replaced by Jim Yester. The group consisted of a large ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists known for their intricate vocal harmonies.

The Association released their debut album “And Then… Along Comes the Association” in 1966, featuring such hits as “Cherish” and “Along Comes Mary.” Other albums include “Renaissance,” “Insight Out,” “Birthday” and “Stop Your Motor.”

Kirkman wrote a number of songs for the Association, including “Cherish,” Everything That Touches You,” “Requiem for the Masses” and “Six Man Band.” The band was nominated for six Grammy Awards, including three for “Cherish”: contemporary rock and roll group performance, performance by a vocal group and contemporary rock and roll recording.

He left The Association in 1972. They reformed in 1979 before he left again in 1984.

After quitting the music business, Terry worked in California as an addiction counselor.

Terry and his bandmates were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.

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