Terry Kirkman, the singer and songwriter best known for his work with the 1960s folk outfit the Association, has died, the Los Angeles Times reports. He was 83 years old.
Kirkman was reared in Chino, California, after being born in Salina, Kansas, on December 12, 1939. In 1963, he and his buddy Jules Gary Alexander relocated to Los Angeles, where he temporarily collaborated on music with Frank Zappa. Kirkman and Alexander started a band named the Inner Tubes, which later grew to include Cass Elliott and David Crosby and also became a 13-piece band called the Men.
After the Men dissolved in 1965, Kirkman and Alexander formed the Association with Russ Giguere, Ted Bluechel Jr., Brian Cole and Bob Page. Page would soon leave the group to be replaced by Jim Yester. The group became known for intricate harmonies with multiple singers.
And Then… Along Comes the Association, the Association’s debut album, was released in 1966. The hits “Along Comes Mary” and “Cherish,” both written by Kirkman and nominated for three Grammy Awards, were included on it. The trio was inducted into the Vocal trio Hall of Fame in 2003.
Kirkman left the band in 1972, returning when the Association reformed in 1979. He would leave again in 1984, retiring from the music industry and working as an addiction counselor. He also served as the clinical director of the Musicians Assistance Program, now known as MusiCares.
When the Association reconstituted in 1979, Kirkman returned after leaving the group in 1972. In 1984, he would depart once more, quitting from the music business and starting a career as an addictions counselor. Additionally, he held the position of clinical director for MusiCares, the new name for the Musicians Assistance Program.
Feel free to drop condolences messages and prayers for the family and friends of the deceased as it will go a very long way at this difficult time of theirs. Feel free to drop condolences messages and prayers for the family and friends of the deceased as it will go a very long way at this difficult time of theirs.
