25 September 2023 , 08:36
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Terry Kirkman, the Grammy-nominated singer who co-founded The Association, has died at the age of 83.
The tragic news was confirmed by his bandmates on Facebook. In an emotional statement, they wrote: "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. Sending hugs and lots of love to Heidi and Sasha!"
Fans were devastated by the news, with one person commenting: "Rest in Peace, Terry. Thanks for the amazing songs." Another wrote: "He was such a blessing to us all. We were so lucky to have him."
"Absolutely amazing, underrated musician. Terry composed songs that have become some of my all-time favorites. "Everything That Touches You" seems like an appropriate song to play today in his memory. Rest in peace, Terry, and condolences to your family and surviving members of one of the greatest bands in music history," a third fan added.
Terry Kirkman has died at the age of 83 (Michael Ochs Archives)
Tributes have been pouring in for the singer (Michael Ochs Archives)Terry formed The Association in Los Angeles, alongside Jules Gary Alexander, Russ Giguere, Ted Bluechel Jr, Brian Cole and Bob Page. Bob was later replaced by Jim Yester. The group rose to fame with songs such as Cherish, Windy and Never My Love.
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The Association was nominated for six Grammy Awards, including three for Cherish. Speaking about the song in a 2015 interview, Terry said: "I actually channelled it. Or I was channelled. I really don’t know what the source was. I’ve never understood the process nor do I think I will ever understand the process."
He added: "There are any number of songwriters out there, poets and writer’s writers, and artists of all kinds who will tell you that they’ve sat down to do something and the next thing you know, it’s done. And you don’t really know where it came from."
Terry's death was confirmed by The Association (Toronto Star via Getty Images)He also admitted he was "baffled" that Cherish became such a popular song at weddings. Writing for The Huffington Post, Terry said: "Couples by the thousands called it ‘their song,’ in spite of the fact it is so very much about love lost."
Over the years, Terry collaborated with some very high profile musicians, including Catholic Girls hitmaker Frank Zappa. The Association also performed on a number of TV shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Smothers Brothers.
Terry decided to leave the band in 1972. He re-joined for a reunion in 2979 before leaving for good in the mid 80s. After stepping away from the spotlight, Terry became a drug counsellor for artists in recovery. He is survived by his wife Heidi, daughter Sasha, son-in-law and two grandchildren.