What Happened to The Association?

[@nealbfinn]

RIP Terry Kirkman. Died today (9-24-23). Thanks for all the great music. The Association have been pretty much forgotten.....bit I remember.

[@spudjohnsonn8122]

Terry Kirkman died? They never even said anything on the news. How did you find out?

[@joannah1477]

I saw it on FB. Not many people seemed to know who he was but I did.

[@spudjohnsonn8122]

@@joannah1477 Terry Kirkman was a very important part of that great musical group. I'm really sad to hear about that. I hope Jim Yester is still alive.

[@mariaodel125deleon4]

RIP Terry 🙏 And to Larry Ramos, and the rest who've passed, Rest in Peace 🙏 The Association is one of my best loved bands from the '60s. Cherish, Windy, Along Comes Mary, No Fair at All, Requiem..and most of their songs will always be a part of my teenage memories..and up to now is part of my playlist. Wish you'd come back to the Philippines. We love you here 💕

[@thomaspick4123]

I still sing and play, Never My Love. Too many people to pay, can’t make any money. Since they did not write their own songs, why re-record their hits with new band members? So you do not have to pay the old band members money. You hope the new stuff sells, not the old stuff. No need to pay old members royalties.

[@richardhoff1626]

Okay, I am going to say it: Cherish is easily in the top five of most perfectly romantic songs ever. Melody is perfect, lyrics are perfect. And the Association does it perfect. And it is so perfect that a guy does not have to hand in his man card to say that.

[@archcampbell8998]

No doubt The Association was the best love song of the 60's. However, if you listen to David Cassidy's version it sounds somehow better.

[@markfahey3921]

@@archcampbell8998 no, its no where near as good.

[@rebstrat]

Back when released it was huge! To me it's still one of the most beautiful soft rock songs ever! Hearing the original band sing it in person twice was a wonderful gift!

[@steveculbert4039]

Fact: Between 1969 and 1973, "Cherish" was the most often heard slow-dance song among high school and college students. When the song played at a dance, you either asked a girl to dance or knew you would never talk to her again.

[@thememelord513]

Really cool to see this. Jordan's my dad, Brian would've been my grandfather had he lived long enough, and I knew Larry throughout my childhood since he'd always be coming over to record music in my dad's basement studio. I'm glad to get the chance to learn more about the band, thanks a lot! Glad people are still talking about them even a little.

[@trevorcorkery]

I was listening to "Never My Love" in an outdoor mall last week and I hadn't heard that song since I was a young kid in the 70s. Through the magic of search engines I found it and have been reading about and watching videos of The Association for a week now. New fan as of 2023.

[@lionheartroar3104]

"Everything That Touches You" has some of the most poignant and poetic lyrics I've ever heard. My favorite Association song.

[@mvppainters911]

No Doubt!

[@BetKev13]

I've always considered that "Everything That Touches You" with the chorous, "Love, Love, Love, Everything Is Love", as the Foundation Rallying Cry for The Hippie Anti-War Movement. There is No Such Entity Being alive yet in August Of 2022, as Armageddon World War Rages On In Only Escalating Horror! "And Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing"!

[@johngraves219]

Such a lovely melody.

[@kevspicer]

I agree and was alway surprised that more people didn’t enjoy it as much as I did

[@birage9885]

That song still puts a chill up my spine when I hear it, just as Cherish does. Absolutely one of the top As songs !! What a talented crew that had a sound that was captured in time, yet timeless to listen to.

[@steveculbert4039]

I saw them live in 1970. They were totally professional and perfect in musicianship.

[@edwardanthony7283]

Saw them in 1997 @ Smith Point State Park in NY & most original members were there

[@patwatkins4757]

I've loved the Association my whole life. When my husband and I walked down the aisle together , we played "Never My Love".

[@Mr.-Wonderfull]

It's been our song for 53+ years

[@adriennerobinson1180]

We will NEVER get great Music like this again.

[@lindae2524]

We just saw them in Ramapo college. (NJ) They got a standing ovation. Well deserved.

[@thomaswolke5580]

For our senior trip in 1966, we went to Disneyland where we had the run of the park all night. The Association were playing in the Frontier Saloon where I watched them. At that time, they had the hit "Along Came Mary" but played "Cherish" during the show. That was before it was released. Later, it became "our song" with one of my girlfriends.

[@serlilive9305]

Im only 38 years young and I got goosebumps reading your comment. ❤

[@megatron8461]

The association had the best colorful harmonies of the 60’s music era.

[@nomoreturningaway1459]

Matt - I second that!!!!!!

[@stevek6518]

What color were they?

[@rvmagnum5415]

The first album I ever bought ( I was 13 at the time) was the Associations , I loved the song Cherish .

[@ferdinandfrancis9673]

Good song! but i still have a soft spot for "windy"

[@stephendrahos9000]

Funny. My first LP too

[@lightgiver7311]

Cherish is the word I use to describe...I loved them too.

[@douglasknoll3500]

"NEVER MY LOVE" RULE's

[@lindastjohn5007]

I think Brian Cole was so talented and he had a great voice. Love watching Brian in all the great videos of The Association in their early years. Rest in Peace Brian.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

I LOVED THE ASSOCIATIONS AND THIER BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

[@jaymoore2738]

They were routinely called "The Associations" which was never correct. It has always been "The Association".

[@nancyamato686]

One of my favorite memories of high school was all the beautiful songs by The Assiciation we danced to at the Y. 😊

[@archcampbell8998]

Saw them at Concordia College in Moorhead MN in 1967 I think. They were simply spectacular!

[@Goffix2009]

I had the honor of backing Jim Yester playing drums and background vocals. Jim Yester and The YesterDaze can be viewed on KZbin. He's quite the gentleman.

[@mrb4886]

Yes he is.

[@joedecker3900]

A real vocal group!

[@layneannen]

Saw them live in 1969 in Seattle. They were amazing! I still love them today

[@dianarockwell6256]

My older sisters saw them at our county fair mid to late 60s. I was too young to go, but loved them from then on. We didn’t have many albums due to finances but we had theirs.

[@joannharden8867]

I had The Greatest Hits and I played it over and over and over and over...

[@jimsteele3423]

Love this Group had great songs

[@timmotel5804]

Excellent. What a great band they were,,,,, are. Loved them and they're still at it! Thank You for this informative posting.

[@whathappenedtothem_]

No problem!

[@michaelmckenna6464]

Jim Yester, in 1995, toured as a member of The New Four Preps, along with Ed Cobb, Bruce Belland (original members of the Four Preps) and Dave Somerville (founding member of The Diamonds who joined The Four Preps in 1967).

[@wetherby6774]

Jim's brother Jerry replaced Zal Yanovsky in the Lovin' Spoonful.

[@Our__Earth]

I always loved the song “”Six Man band””… Also never my love seems deceptively simple but yet if you try to play the chords they are really difficult. Great songs.

[@nancychandler3673]

Just heard from Terry Kirkman when he made a comment on my friends post. He's so funny. 83 years young.

[@davelouis4004]

One of the best bands of the 60’s , great harmonies !

[@whathappenedtothem_]

Only the Beach Boys had better harmony than the Association.

[@sodbuster925]

i agree

[@TvDaddyAndTheTabloidArmy]

@@whathappenedtothem_ zombies?

[@ffggddss]

I was in college when these guys hit the national charts with _Along Comes Mary,_ in 1966, I believe. It was so avant garde compared to anything else on top-40 radio at the time, I was instantly hooked on their sound. Their second charting single, _Cherish,_ was good, but I was less fond of it. I recall their 3rd single as being _Pandora's Golden Heebie-Jeebies,_ another out-of-the-ordinary, low-on-the-charts tune that I liked. They were very non-formulaic, with very tight, well-sung vocals, clearly highly professional. After those, they had (in what order I can't recall), _Windy,_ _Never My Love,_ _Everything That Touches You,_ _Six Man Band,_ _Requiem for the Masses,_ and I've always loved those, too. I associate them (pun intended!) with later fusion bands, like Steely Dan. I guess they could be called pioneers of rock-jazz fusion? Another note - "Jules Alexander" was, I assume, the one I always heard being called "Gary Alexander," no? I heard him credited with being the main creative force behind their early work. Anyway, I kinda lost touch with their music after the late 60's; it's good to hear your much more extensive story of their development over the years; thanks! Fred

[@jackflack4253]

I had a couple of their albums my stepdad found in the city garbage dump. I scored a couple Beach Boys LPs as well as numerous others from the 60s.

[@budizen3104]

Saw them at The Circle Star Theatre in San Carlos CA around 1966. The original lineup. They were showmen as well as great singers. I still remember them doing 6 Man Band. Up until that point I had never seen a rock band so tight, and performed so well. Still one of my favorite bands ever.

[@billbrimmer7047]

Blinding amount of changes. Happy the guys have been to hold things together to be part of the touring reunion package of 2022.

[@daytripper9222]

Ted was a friend of mine. Last time I spoke to him was 1999 he was working at a flower shop I believe in Hollywood.

[@tcwhite0104]

Ted died in 2009

[@daytripper9222]

@@tcwhite0104 Yes I know.

[@tcwhite0104]

@@daytripper9222 I figured

[@mrb4886]

Ted Bluechel jr. is alive and well. That was some other guy.

[@Jugivadi]

Three years ago they toured the CA State Fair which featured 3 of them in the Happy Together Tour. Gary Puckett was there and the Cowsills. It was a good show. They sounded great.

[@rogersmith7396]

I saw Tommy James at a free concert in KC. He was amazing.

[@douglasknoll3500]

Here She Comes Down Now....!

[@pettytoni1955]

​@@douglasknoll3500 Mony, Mony!

[@donsemo4804]

Bruce Pictor and I attended our 50th high school reunion last summer in San Diego. We both graduated from Point Loma High in 1971.

[@gvet47]

Cherish still reminds me today of a girl I should have married and now I am 74, so for a lot of years!

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Wow

[@SidPotter-ug9fu]

Ditto my High School Sweetheart was the one I should have married. Every time I hear Charish or Never my Love I go back 60 years

[@williardbillmore5713]

What Happened to The Association? The had to dissociate.

[@jeffreysnow2640]

I the 1983 " Vintage " release and it sounds great. They also did an album for Radio Shack in 1983 called " New Memories "

[@GeraldM_inNC]

During the second half of the 1960s The Association was one of the greatest bands, insofar as recording successfully in a wide variety of styles. Great bands do that, while mediocre bands are packaged into a single style and do it to death (like The Union Gap). They recorded in the styles of psychedelic ["Along comes Mary"], sunshine-pop (I call it "flower power") ["We love us", "No fair at all"], bubblegum ["Windy"], standard rock ["Babe I'm gonna leave you"], progressive ["Requiem for the Masses" or "Pandora's Golden Heebie-jeebies"), and MOR ("adult-contemporary"), and mastered them all while at their peak. They could also rock and do high-energy: the live album (one of the very best live albums by a rock band I've ever heard) is absolutely terrific, and the arrangements are much rockier and high-energy that the original versions. (Compare especially "Dubuque Blues" and "One too many mornings".) During the '70s they evolved into a monochrome "mellow" band of no importance, and their albums are unlistenable. If you want to know "What happened to The Association" is the sense of falling out of favor, my explanation would be the drastic decline in their good material. For most songwriters, they only have so many good songs in them and compose them in their youth; then they disappear from the music scene. And once your popularity begins to decline, professional songwriters stop sending you their A-grade material. Basically, by 1970 they were no longer writing or being offered good material. The problem wasn't stylistic, they were versatile enough to adjust to changing times, but they just didn't have good material any more. That's my take on it, as one who lived through the era and played the live album about a million times.

[@kensellers4082]

Much like the version of “Dubuque Blues” on The Association’s live 1970 concert album, I thought their live version of “Kicking the Gong Around” I heard in concert in 1972 was superior to the recorded version on their “Waterbeds in Trinidad” album.

[@nomoreturningaway1459]

@@kensellers4082 Copy that!

[@nealbfinn]

Very well written. Always wondered why a band of this high level did not have a longer run. As we passed into the 70's, music moved on to something else (Chicago, B S and T and so forth) and The Association ceased to keep up. Left a strong mark on popular music, though. But you have to have lived through it to appreciate it. We did.

[@GeraldM_inNC]

@@nealbfinn They could have evolved to a more 70s sound, but it wouldn't have mattered because their good songs had dried up. This is why most bands decline.

[@RockinProfessor]

Respectfully--- what happened to The Association is getting old; happens to all the rest of us.....

[@lamper2]

without the hits!

[@pettytoni1955]

​@@lamper2 depends on what kind of "hits" you're talking about...

[@moemcgovern7345]

I just Love this group.

[@markhunter8554]

I saw them playing at the Iowa State Fair sometime in the seventies. They looked a lot more hippie than they did in their heyday in the sixties.

[@terry7907]

Well, so did everyone.

[@stuartlondon6439]

Well, I am seeing them perform in Lynn, Massachusetts on August 1. That is what happening now.😊

[@nancyaylward1176]

Everything That Touches You, is one of my favorite songs of all time. The Association is the most underrated Band of the late 20th Century.

[@56smitch]

Jules Alexander is currently living in Wimberly Tx area doing photography projects. might see him at the coffee shop now and again.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Dizzying! In short, a band which outlived it's creativity and became an "oldies" touring band. Although they could play their instruments, like the Beach Boys, they hired the best studio musicians(the Wrecking Crew) and concentrated on their signing and harmonies.

[@rogersmith7396]

I always thought their productions were excellent.

[@kensellers4082]

I’ve seen The Association four times over the years; the first time I saw the band was at the Schaffer Music Festival in Central Park in 1972. They were superb in concert. I just saw the band last month featuring Del Ramos and Paul Holland at the Happy Together Tour with Professor Mark Volman of The Turtles, Gary Puckett, The Cowsills, The Vogues and The Classics Four at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. Sadly, the great Jim Yester was ill and could not appear with his bandmates at the show. Hopefully, Jim and fellow original member Jules Alexander will be both back with The Association next year.

[@lionheartroar3104]

The recordings were made bybthe wrecking crew session players. I never had a chance to hear the group members play live.

[@nomoreturningaway1459]

@@lionheartroar3104 They we’re smack live! Heard them live several times - playing instruments - and the vocals were absolutely amazing. Yeah, one version or another of The Wrecking Crew did much of the studio work as they did for a group called The Beach Boys, one called The Byrds, and others. And later some of The Association members often had studio guys play in live shows to make it easier for the group to sing and chat with the audience. Especially Brian. He was a character. They didn’t just play instruments and sing like birds, they were a “show.” They were performers live. And those heavenly harmonies. I’m 72. I miss those guys.

[@suekuhn4090]

cheer Leading camp - national - 1970 - amazing residential camp at LeMoyne College. well, pomp pomp routine unheard of in High Schools was introduced to us. routine learned "along comes Mary" amazing when we got back and did this routine at half time. we were looked at "bubble gum" music but we did a great job. BTW Cherish is my all time fav. so this memory is so great. thanks for the music.

[@gregorycoogle7621]

Wow! Love the association growing up in the 60s I think around the mid 70s I got to meet Terry Kirkman they played in Fort Lauderdale at a club. The music is timeless! Wishing them all the best ! Greg Coogle

[@DJK3115]

My favorite Association album is the one just titled "The Association" with the name looking like Stonehenge on the cover. I was fourteen when it was released, and was just beginning to broaden my contemporary music horizons past pop music.

[@jw4321]

They sound great in concert

[@alanwilson2073]

When I was just a kid in 1970 or so, I met one of the guys of that band quite by accident. I was a friend of his kid and saw an electric guitar in one of the rooms and asked him about it. He said he was a member of The Association. I knew the name of the band and they had a few good songs on the radio. He showed me the album with his name and picture on it, I was in disbelief. This was at the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot at Lualualei on the island of Oahu. It was something I would never forget. He was in the Navy at the time. But I thought it was cooler if he was out and doing the band thing, just a thought.

[@davidrobinson4486]

Who was it?? Which guy??

[@alanwilson2073]

@@davidrobinson4486 In the video or perhaps even wikipedia there is a reference to one of the guys as to being in the Navy and THAT was the guy. I was just a kid and didn't think to remember his name. I know they made some really nice songs this group, The Association. One of my favorites was Never My Love. Something that struck me even as a kid even in that moment was that the perception of fame and fortune didn't really seem to add up. I mean, here was a guy who had reached The Commanding Heights per se of the music industry (a record deal and even his face on that record, royalties perhaps) and yet here he was, in the Navy and seemingly broke as a joke. No fanfare, no "rich cars", no chicks chasing him, just some enlisted guy in the Navy living in base housing with a kid and a wife. Or not... I don't really remember seeing one anyway but I could be wrong.

[@kensellers4082]

I believeJules Alexander was in the Navy. Jim Yester and Terry Kirkman both served in the Army.

[@alanwilson2073]

@@kensellers4082 Ok, that makes sense!

[@madelynroberts5081]

The best thing they had going for them was studio great, guitarist Al Casey who came up with all the hooks and intros for their most successful songs and never got a word of affirmation or credit for their success from the so-called Association.

[@marks.3303]

That's not true at all.

[@georgefspicka5483]

I knew Tandyn Almer, composer of Along Comes Mary, when I lived in the Washington D.C. area in the 80s. A very intelligent person, who seemed more occupied with marijuana then anything else.

[@markhunter8554]

Explains why he wrote a song about m.j. The only song by the Association that I thought was remotely hip.

[@gsjackson34]

@@markhunter8554 Hey, what about Enter the Young?

[@herbwillett8071]

and your point is ?

[@garyolshan4177]

Along Comes Mary is one of the most haunting songs ever written.

[@paulgentile1024]

@@markhunter8554 hip or not I had some great songs incredible vocals

[@shannahuffman4655]

Cherish is my favorite song

[@jordancole7385]

Thanks for the one mention of my name with no explanation.

[@rogersmith7396]

Back in the day my parents bought me an original Valiant "Along Comes Mary" album which I still have. They considered them to be a "safe" group. I like the hits. They were on network TV all the time. I always figured they had too many band members to make any money.

[@jaediccacairns4754]

Your parents weren’t aware Mary was Weed ?

[@rogersmith7396]

@@jaediccacairns4754 I haven't listened to the song for a long time but I remember the lyrics were more about a woman.

[@nomoreturningaway1459]

@@rogersmith7396 Uh … no. It’s about rockin’ reefer.

[@jeffreyramsey4538]

❤❤❤ luv all of their music but for me NEVER MY LOVE STANDS OUT, its close to my Heart

[@susanfudge1737]

My mom saw them at Georgia Southern in Statesboro. She also saw Simon and Garfunkel.

[@francestomic2772]

Loved their music

[@danielsmith699]

My 2 favorites - Along comes Mary and Windy

[@acsjr222]

The song writer of, 'Along Comes Mary', Tandyn Almer was a downstairs tennant of mine. He went on to write for the Beach Boys, like Sail on Sailor.

[@seekingwisdom8]

To all the comments criticizing the Association for not playing their instruments during recordings, nearly every single American recording artist only sang in the studio. The Wrecking Crew performed on nearly every single top 40 hit during the 1960s and into the 1970s. That wasn’t the choice of the performers, it was the choice of the record labels. Even though most bands consisted of competent musicians, the Wrecking Crew was the most efficient and best. And, “Along Comes Mary” is about marijuana! When they were still at their peak popularity, in an interview, one of them claimed they were the first psychedelic band! I had to laugh as they appeared so commercial looking. After some research, I understand what they meant, but disagree.

[@jaymiklavcic5435]

True. Recording time was expensive and labels ,footing the bill, wanted musicians that could hit the mark on the least amount of takes. As you said, a lot of musicians were competent, but the Wrecking Crew could hit the mark on a few takes only needing the vocals added. The studio could be intimidating to new artists not familiar with the procedure's and pressure of recording.

[@jaymoore2738]

I saw them live in 1970. They played their own instruments and sounded just like the records.

[@dr.jeffreyharris3765]

What happened to "The Association"? They stopped associating.

[@chrisrobertson9264]

Saw them at the Thousand Oaks senior center in the 60s Kasey Kasum would host a dance there a couple times a month He brought them there Nobody danced because we wanted to hear the harmonies great band

[@whathappenedtothem_]

Thanks for the story!

[@wetherby6774]

Just got an advertisement that they will play the Paramount in Peekskill, N.Y. (about 40 miles north of NYC) in November.

[@rickpetroske891]

When The Association signed briefly with RCA in 1975 they worked with producer Jack Richardson . Jack produced all 14 (RCA) albums for the Guess Who based out of Winnipeg , Manitoba .

[@glenkepic3208]

I'm a fan. Heck, My Dad was a fan (i was 10 in '67), buying 'Greatest Hits".

[@misterbonesm]

Love the band, the music, the history. And kudos to you for having a great idea for a channel. Please take this in the best spirit: get a little coaching or get someone else to narrate your stuff. If you don't know what 'sing-song' delivery is, well, you're the champ. Couldn't finish the video because it drove me a bit crazy. Anyway... sorry!

[@misterbonesm]

I subscribed, btw.

[@whathappenedtothem_]

Thanks for the tips!

[@davidtosh7200]

I didn’t know that The Association did broke up in 1970. There are numerous rock groups did broke up in 1970, besides The Beatles, other rock groups did broke up in 1970, and they are: The Turtles, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Box Tops, Dave Clark 5, The Rascals, and Tommy James & The Shondells.

[@alanforrester1401]

They didn't break up in 1970.

[@susanseverance9683]

"Never My Love" a great romantic slow-dance song.

[@terrancearnold8530]

I did not know that the Association was the opening act at the Monterey Music Festival. The one where Jimmy burns his axe and Janice sings with Big Brother and The Holding Company

[@WootTootZoot]

I'm going to write a song and call it "Jim Yesters Mullet".

[@patricklawrence9258]

You ask me if there will come a time that I’ll grow tired of you. Never my love. Never my love.

[@raygsbrelcik5578]

They became, 'Disassociated.' ( Sorry---couldn't resist).

[@TomokoAbe_]

Like many "oldies but goodies" singers, the remainder that are still alive all live off the laurels of their famous past.

[@aniballaboy8398]

The Associations were a significant influence to many subsequent artists of the 70-80's....Their original songs were fantastic and unique....But as the original members left and were replaced, their sound and harmony suffered, their subsequent albums lacked the magic and appeal...Although we can understand their interest to continue monetizing their old hits with multiple tours for decades , for sure the attendees to their concerts were growing in disappointment....

[@jaymoore2738]

After "The Association" (the stonehedge album), they released two more original song albums. One was "Waterbeds on Trinidad" and I thought for sure they would have at least two hits off of it.

[@terry7907]

If you change the audio to 1.25 speed, it sounds better.

[@fernansengson5799]

Correct me if I am wrong, The Association became famous with the song NEVER MY LOVE and CHERISH with Larry Ramos Guitar and Second Voice.. Never my love became hits

[@jaymoore2738]

"Windy" was on the same album as "Never My Love" and became a very big hit for them. Just as "Along Comes Mary" from the same LP as "Cherish".

[@scronx]

I can't believe it -- they're still at it after all these years! From a Wikipedia chart it appears they ceased for part of 1979? Who is that short frizzy haired player.

[@josephdugan4797]

Amazing group. Brings back memories of being a little kid in the mid sixties. That was a great time, before the sixties became weird and scary and druggie. I realize these guys were probably getting high, but everyone was talking about peace and love. Around 1968 the radicals and drug dealers highjacked the decade and it became violent.

[@larrysorenson4789]

Watching the amazing “Wrecking Crew” documentary, I was disappointed to learn ghat almost ALL the Association’s album music was created and performed by the LA Wrecking Crew.

[@johnmorgan2619]

Very interesting comment!!

[@artosullivan4509]

The Wrecking Crew played only on The Association's third and fourth album, "Insight Out" and "Birthday."

[@larrysorenson4789]

@@artosullivan4509 source please.

[@larrysorenson4789]

@@artosullivan4509 i lived in Scottsdale Arizona. I met Glenn Campbell while tubing on the Salt River. Over the years we rafted and enjoyed good times that included some very noteworthy companions of his. My information is first hand and not parroted off some google site. Regardless of any bs response that you may have, this is what he told me and my wife over the years. Specifically regarding the Association work i stand by my recollection of forgotten conversations of long ago. The last time I saw Glenn was at a private performance located at the Desert Mountain development in north Scottsdale. It was a great honor to know him even slightly.

[@artosullivan4509]

@@larrysorenson4789 Bones Howe in "The Wrecking Crew" film. Also, The Association Anthology lists of known musicians.

[@trentcoldstair8015]

Saw them recently in Durham.

[@MrSeezero]

I guess it disassociated. I'm kidding. I really like this group music.

[@Idahoguy10157]

The Association were tops at pop rock. But music changed. Changed as in artists like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix were what was on the radio

[@lindsaykelly2224]

Up up and away haven't you heard it's windy

[@lamper2]

A question came to me watching this. what well known band has had the most members pass through it in total?

[@Randy.E.R]

If I was a betting man, I would say Yes. They are a revolving door of musicians. Interesting fact; when Deep Purple originally formed, they intended for the band to be a "come and go as you please" line up. It didn't turn out that way since a few members remained in the band for many albums. In fact, drummer Ian Paice has appeared on every Deep Purple album.

[@nomoreturningaway1459]

@@Randy.E.R Good guess, buddy. Fleetwood Mac had a lot come and go, too

[@perfectfan2006]

wow as a kid i hung out at the store across the road from zappa no one saw along comes Mary as a dope tune it was more of a biblical sarcasm thing where do you kids get your info from ???

[@artosullivan4509]

Zappa and Kirkman collaborated in high school.

[@jerrybennett2853]

Did I miss "Names, Tags, Numbers, Labels"? It wasn't a big hit but didn't it make the bottom of the top 100? It was a well done record.

[@barrygaynor1025]

Excellent and innovative band!

[@whathappenedtothem_]

They are!

[@valmarsiglia]

05:55 Not even the addition of The Amazing Randi could salvage the band...

[@guymerritt4860]

I saw a documentary about "The Wrecking Crew" - a group of studio musicians in LA back in the 60's and 70's - and they laughed that The Association was one of the only bands they could recall (according to them) that never played one, single track of music on their recordings. I liked their songs, and, they were great tunes. Apparently they could handle the vocals but they couldn't play well enough to do the actual recordings. Just a weird footnote.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

😉 🎶 That great group of studio session players were on a lot of hits ! Many never know ...

[@The53rrc]

They have a live lp out. A double one that came out in their heyday. They could play but the record companies strived for the best sound back in those days. Along with writers. They just weren't total professional musicians like a lot of top 40 bands back then.

[@senior-high8976]

I knew a number of studio musicians back then. It seems over the years, the number of musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew" has grown enormously so it now encompasses almost every studio cat who ever did a session, lol! Anyway, there were a number of very well jazz musicians who also did sessions when they weren't recording their own material or playing gigs. You'd be surprised how many artists whose names you'd recognize did sessions just to pay the bills. Anyway, record labels often demanded session players play on the recordings because they would get songs laid down faster than many musicians in the bands. Studios cost money and the faster a song could be cut, the better the label liked it. So session players were used on a lot of recordings you may think were the players in the band. And a lot of session players, since they were just playing the tracks without vocals, often had no idea whose record they were playing on.

[@The53rrc]

@@senior-high8976 Jimmy Page and Glen Campbell did a lot. Campbell played on Sinatra's records.

[@The53rrc]

@@senior-high8976 I've got a documentary on The Wrecking Crew. They created the bells and whistles the original band members couldn't or couldn't think up. And some riffs to enhance the songs. The Psychedelic bands went their own way, but The Wrecking Crew played on a ton of stuff back then.

[@naturalmax8474]

Cherish is awesome BUT Never my love was thier finest piece

[@TheRmoroni]

they disassociated.

[@elijahboehlke3739]

Now my empty cup is as sweet as the punch

[@rogersmith7396]

This narrator sounds like someone from a Monty Python sketch.

[@lenpey]

'Mary' was specifically slang for marijuana, not just drugs generally.

[@richfrazier8756]

Saw them at the San Diego Community Concourse as a warmup group to the Beach Boys. They wete better than the Beach Boys

[@glennhopkins2643]

Thy belong in the Hall of Fame.

[@willattwood8303]

I went to school with Dan Cole the little boy in the picture with his dad that died from heroin Brian Cole and I believe Dan Cole is actually in the band now

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Oh wow

[@connielong8007]

Brian's son Jordan Cole was or is in the band. Not sure about "Dan".

[@willattwood8303]

I know when they came of age they both inherited a great deal of money I don't remember what the younger brother's name his but they went to Centennial High School and we sit around the house playing music and getting high

[@jordancole7385]

We didn’t inherit a great deal of money. We both got a few thousand publishing royalties. The Association split dads earnings after he died until I caught them. We would have inherited a quarter million for the three of Brian’s sons.

[@jordancole7385]

I was a special needs kid with some autism. I spent 3-6 grade living with other special needs kids in that school. I hated myself so a shortened Jordan to just Dan.