Terry Kirkman Death and Obituary, Who was Terry Kirkman? What Happened to the Association Singer and Founding Member Terry Kirkman? How Did Terry Kirkman Die?

Terry Kirkman Death and Obituary: American musician and songwriter Terry Kirkman died at the age of 83, discover the life and legacy of Terry Kirkman here. 

by Aishwarya R | Updated Sep 26, 2023

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Terry Kirkman Death

Singer-songwriter Terry Kirkman, a pivotal founding member of the influential 1960s folk-rock band, the Association, has passed away at the age of 83. The sad news of Kirkman's death was officially confirmed through a statement posted on the Association's official Facebook page. The statement expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to the musician's enduring legacy.

Terry Kirkman's contributions to the world of music, both as a vocalist and songwriter, have left an indelible mark on the industry. His talents helped shape the distinctive sound of the Association and were instrumental in the creation of timeless classics that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

As his passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, his music will undoubtedly continue to live on, serving as a testament to his enduring influence and artistry. Terry Kirkman's memory will be forever cherished, and his songs will remain a cherished part of the musical tapestry of the 1960s and beyond.

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How did Terry Kirkman Die?

Terry Kirkman's passing was a result of congestive heart failure, a fact confirmed by his wife, Heidi Berinstein Kirkman. This tragic news sheds light on the cause of his demise. Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is compromised, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and body. It's a challenging and often life-threatening condition, and Terry Kirkman's battle with it came to a sorrowful end. His wife's disclosure paints a poignant picture of his final moments, highlighting the difficulty he faced due to this serious cardiac ailment.

Who was Terry Kirkman?

Terry Robert Kirkman was an accomplished American musician and songwriter who achieved fame as a prominent vocalist for the renowned pop group, the Association. He left an indelible mark on the music industry as both a performer and a songwriter.

Kirkman's contributions to the Association's success cannot be overstated, as he penned several of the band's most beloved and enduring hits, including the timeless classics "Cherish," "Everything That Touches You," and "Six Man Band." His lyrical prowess and melodic sensibilities played a pivotal role in shaping the group's signature sound, which resonated with audiences across generations.

In recognition of his remarkable career and influence on the world of music, Terry Kirkman, as a member of the Association, received the esteemed honor of induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003. This accolade not only underscored his exceptional talent but also cemented his legacy as an integral part of one of the most iconic vocal groups in American music history. Terry Kirkman's enduring contributions continue to be cherished by fans, ensuring that his musical legacy lives on for generations to come.

Full name

Terry Robert Kirkman

Born

December 12, 1939

Born Place

Salina, Kansas, U.S.

Origin

Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Death day

September 23, 2023

Death place

Montclair, California, U.S.

Age at Death

83

Genres

Folk rock, sunshine pop

Occupation(s)

Singer-songwriter

Instrument(s)

Vocals, woodwind

Years active

1960s–1984

Formerly of

The Association

Marital Status

Married

Spouse

Heidi

Children

Sasha

Terry Kirkman Early Life

Terry Robert Kirkman's early life was rooted in Salina, Kansas, where he was born, and later in Chino, California, where he was raised. His musical journey began at a young age, during the turbulent times of the Second World War, when he learned to play brass instruments. This early exposure to music set the stage for his future in the industry.

As he pursued his passion, Kirkman continued his education as a music major at Chaffey College. This period in his life laid the foundation for his musical talents to blossom, ultimately leading him to become a vital figure in the world of music as a founding member of the folk-rock band, the Association. Terry Kirkman's early life experiences and dedication to music played a significant role in shaping his remarkable career. 

Terry Kirkman Career

Terry Kirkman's career in music is a fascinating journey marked by serendipitous encounters and creative collaborations. It all began in 1962 when he, as a salesman visiting Hawaii, crossed paths with Jules Alexander, who was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time. They made a pact to reunite after Alexander's military service. In 1963, Kirkman relocated to Los Angeles with Alexander, where they both pursued their musical aspirations.

Before Frank Zappa formed the Mothers of Invention, Kirkman had the opportunity to play with him. Alongside Alexander, Kirkman co-founded the folk group known as the Inner Tubes, which included notable musicians such as Cass Elliott and David Crosby. This musical project evolved into a 13-piece band called The Men, but it disbanded in February 1965.

Kirkman, along with five other former members of the Men, formed their own band and sought a name by perusing a dictionary. They settled on "the Association," a name suggested by Kirkman's fiancée. The Association rapidly rose to fame, propelled by hit songs like "Cherish" and "Along Comes Mary" from their debut album "And Then... Along Comes the Association" in 1966.

Throughout his tenure with the Association, Kirkman made significant contributions as a vocalist, leaving his mark on songs like "Never My Love," "Cherish," and "Everything That Touches You." His participation with the group included a memorable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Additionally, Kirkman's songwriting extended to "Requiem for the Masses," a poignant reflection on the Vietnam War.

The Association received recognition with six Grammy Award nominations, three each in the 9th (1967) and 10th Annual Grammy Awards (1968). Beyond music, the band showcased their artistic side by collectively authoring a book of poems titled "Crank Your Spreaders" in August 1969.

Kirkman's career with the Association saw periods of departure and reunion. He initially left the band at the end of 1972 but returned when it was reformed in 1979, only to part ways again in 1984 due to touring fatigue. He occasionally made guest appearances with the band, and his enduring connection with the group was evident when they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003 and received the Rock Justice Awards in 2019.

In 2023, a series of interviews conducted by Kirkman and Jules Alexander was released, offering insights into their remarkable journey in music. Tragically, Terry Kirkman passed away shortly after these interviews, leaving behind a legacy of influential music and a career filled with memorable moments in the world of folk-rock and pop.

Terry Kirkman Wife

Heidi Kirkman is the wife of Terry Kirkman, the co-founder of the musical group The Association. While there may be limited information available about Heidi Kirkman, it is known that the couple shared a long and enduring marriage. Their partnership was marked by a beautiful and shared life together.

Terry and Heidi Kirkman resided in Montclair, California until the time of Terry's passing. Their years together in Montclair likely witnessed the joys and challenges of married life, as well as the continued presence of music in their world due to Terry's musical legacy. Although specific details about Heidi Kirkman may be scarce, her role as Terry Kirkman's life partner undoubtedly played an essential part in his personal and professional journey.

Terry Kirkman Children

Terry Kirkman had one child, a daughter named Sasha Kirkland. Sasha was born to Terry and his wife Heidi Kirkman. While specific details about Sasha Kirkland's life and personal history are limited, it is known that she is the only child of Terry and Heidi. Sasha Kirkland is married and has a family of her own, adding to the Kirkman family's legacy.

In addition to Sasha, Terry Kirkman is survived by his wife, Heidi Kirkman, and his two grandchildren. While the information about Terry Kirkman's children is not extensive, it is clear that family played an important role in his life and that he left behind a loving family.

Terry Kirkman Net Worth

Terry Kirkman's net worth is estimated between $1 Million – $5 Million. His source of income primarily came from his career in the music industry during his time with the Association. He earned money as a singer, songwriter, and musician, contributing his talents to the band's success, which included hit songs like "Cherish" and "Never My Love."

However, after his departure from the Association, he shifted his career and worked as an addictions counselor in California. This change in profession marked a different source of income for him, focusing on helping individuals with addiction issues and mental health concerns.

Terry Kirkman Age

Terry Kirkman died at the age of 83. His ability to transition from a career in music to working as an addictions counselor also demonstrates his versatility and commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives. While his work in this field may not be as widely recognized as his musical achievements, it underscores his dedication to helping individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. His contributions continue to be celebrated and appreciated by those who have been influenced by his work.

Terry Kirkman Obituary

Terry Kirkman, a musical visionary and co-founder of the iconic band, the Association, leaves behind a legacy that resonates through the ages. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies touched the hearts of countless listeners, giving life to timeless classics like "Cherish" and "Never My Love." Beyond the stage, his dedication to helping others as an addictions counselor showcased a profound commitment to making a positive impact on individuals' lives.

With each note and every word, Terry Kirkman's artistry enriched the tapestry of music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His versatile career and enduring contributions serve as an inspiration, reminding us that true talent transcends generations. As we bid farewell to this musical maestro, his melodies will forever echo, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who cherish his music.

What Happened to the Association Singer and Founding Member Terry Kirkman? 

Terry Kirkman, a celebrated singer-songwriter and a founding member of the 1960s folk-rock band The Association, has sadly passed away. As a co-founder of the influential 1960s folk-rock band, the Association, he played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound and contributed to the creation of several timeless songs, including hits like "Cherish" and "Never My Love." His songwriting and vocal talents left a lasting impact on the music industry.

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Terry Kirkman Death - FAQs

1. Who was Terry Kirkman?

Terry Kirkman was a prominent singer-songwriter and founding member of the 1960s folk-rock band, the Association. He was known for his significant contributions to the band's music, including hit songs like "Cherish" and "Never My Love." 

2. What happened to the Association singer and founding member Terry Kirkman?

Terry Kirkman, a founding member of the Association, passed away at the age of 83. His death was confirmed through an official statement on the Association's Facebook page, announcing the sad news of his passing and paying tribute to his musical legacy.

3.  How did Terry Kirkman die?

Terry Kirkman's death was attributed to congestive heart failure, following a long illness. He passed away on September 23, 2023, at the age of 83. Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is compromised.

4. What were some of Terry Kirkman's notable contributions to music?

Terry Kirkman's notable contributions to music included co-writing and performing hit songs like "Cherish" and "Never My Love" with the Association. His songwriting and vocal talents left a lasting impact on the folk-rock genre.

 

5.  How will Terry Kirkman be remembered?  

Terry Kirkman will be remembered as a talented musician and songwriter who played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the Association and leaving behind a legacy of timeless music. His songs continue to be cherished by fans, ensuring that his memory lives on in the world of music.