RIP

Singer-songwriter Terry Kirkman, founding member of the Association, dies at 83


Christi Carras
Sun, September 24, 2023 

Singer-songwriter Terry Kirkman of the Association has died. (Michael Ochs Archives)

Terry Kirkman, singer, songwriter and founding member of the 1960s folk-rock band the Association, has died. He was 83.

The musician died Saturday at his home in Montclair, his wife Heidi Berinstein Kirkman confirmed to the Los Angeles Times. He died of congestive heart failure following a long illness.

Kirkman formed the Association alongside guitarist Jules Gary Alexander and others in Los Angeles in 1965. The group comprised a large ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists who blended a variety of sounds — from pop and rock to folk and psychedelic — in perfect harmony.

In addition to lending his vocals, Kirkman penned a number of songs for the Association, including the popular tracks "Everything That Touches You" and "Cherish."

Before Kirkman departed the Association in 1972, the band was nominated for six Grammy Awards, including three — contemporary rock 'n' roll group performance, performance by a vocal group and contemporary rock 'n' roll recording — for "Cherish." Kirkman returned when the band reunited in 1979 before leaving again in 1984.

In 2003, Kirkman and other members of the Association were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Outside of his work for the Association, Kirkman was proud to serve as clinical director of the Musicians Assistance Program — now known as MusiCares — where he helped artists experiencing addiction.

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