VERY SAD NEWS — Micky Dolenz Mourns the Passing of Mark Volman of The Turtles
Just now in Los Angeles, California, music fans around the world were struck with heartbreak as Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, confirmed the passing of his close friend Mark Volman, co-founder of The Turtles.
Fighting back tears, Dolenz shared memories of Mark’s humor, warmth, and the voice that became a cornerstone of 1960s pop music. “Mark had a gift,” Dolenz said. “That humor, that kindness, that energy — it came through every note he ever sang. He wasn’t just my friend. He was a friend to the world.”
Volman, who alongside Howard Kaylan formed the backbone of The Turtles, gave the world hits that defined an era. None more famous than the immortal “Happy Together” — a song so universally loved that it became more than a chart-topper; it became a soundtrack to countless weddings, dances, and moments of pure joy. With its buoyant harmonies and irresistible chorus, “Happy Together” remains one of the most recognizable songs of the 20th century.
Dolenz paid tribute by posting rare, never-before-seen photos from the 1970s — snapshots that captured the camaraderie and culture of a golden age in rock history. Among them were candid moments featuring Olivia Newton-John, Keith Moon of The Who, and members of the Hollywood Vampires softball team, a group of musicians and celebrities who found fellowship offstage in a way that was just as legendary as their performances on it.
For fans, the images were both a celebration and a heartbreak — a reminder of the laughter, the community, and the once-in-a-lifetime spirit of that era. One fan commented, “Seeing those photos feels like stepping back into the days when music was pure magic. To lose Mark is to lose a piece of that magic forever.”
Mark Volman’s influence stretched far beyond The Turtles. After the band’s heyday, he and Kaylan continued as Flo & Eddie, collaborating with iconic acts like Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. Volman also carved out a career as a respected educator, teaching music business and inspiring the next generation of artists. His life, as Dolenz reflected, was not just about fame but about giving back.
“He always had time for people,” Dolenz recalled. “He never lost that joy, that twinkle in his eye. Mark reminded us that music isn’t just about notes. It’s about people, about making someone else’s day a little brighter.”
The news of Volman’s passing has sent waves of mourning across the music world. Fellow musicians, historians, and lifelong fans have taken to social media to share their grief, their favorite memories, and, of course, to play “Happy Together” in his honor.
For Dolenz, the loss feels especially heavy. Having already said goodbye to his Monkees brothers — Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith — he now finds himself once again the voice left standing, carrying the weight of memory. “I will always be grateful for Mark,” he wrote. “For his friendship, his laughter, and the songs that will never die.”
As the tributes pour in, one truth remains unshakable: though Mark Volman may be gone, his music will continue to unite generations. With every chorus of “Happy Together,” his voice lives on — echoing joy, harmony, and the enduring power of song.