The 1960s and 1970s were a pivotal time for music, with the rise of iconic bands and artists that continue to influence the industry today. One such band that left a lasting impact on the music scene was The Turtles, a group known for their catchy tunes and harmonious vocals. Among the most recognizable members of the band was its lead singer, Howard Kaylan. But what happened to the lead singer of The Turtles? In this article, we’ll delve into the life and career of Howard Kaylan, exploring his journey with The Turtles and beyond.
A Brief History of The Turtles
The Turtles were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965. The group consisted of Howard Kaylan (lead vocals), Mark Volman (backing vocals, guitar), Al Nichol (guitar), Jim Pons (bass), and John Barley (drums). They gained popularity with their unique blend of folk rock, pop, and psychedelic music, producing hits like “Happy Together” and “She’d Rather Be with Me.”
The Rise to Fame
The Turtles’ music quickly gained traction, and they soon found themselves performing on popular TV shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “American Bandstand.” Their music was a staple on the radio, with songs like “You Baby” and “It Ain’t Me Babe” becoming instant hits. The band’s popularity peaked in the late 1960s, with their music often being played alongside other iconic acts of the time, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
What Happened to Howard Kaylan?
After The Turtles disbanded in the early 1970s, Howard Kaylan went on to pursue a solo career, releasing several albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He also worked as a session musician, contributing to recordings by other artists. In the 1980s, Kaylan reunited with his former Turtles bandmate Mark Volman, forming the band Flo & Eddie, which enjoyed moderate success.
Later Life and Legacy
Howard Kaylan’s later years were marked by a renewed interest in his work with The Turtles. In the 1990s, he and Volman began performing as Flo & Eddie once again, touring and releasing new music. Kaylan’s legacy as the lead singer of The Turtles continues to be celebrated, with his music remaining a beloved part of the 1960s and 1970s nostalgia.
What Happened to the Lead Singer of the Turtles?
The Turtles, an American rock band, were formed in the 1960s and gained popularity with their unique blend of rock, pop, and surf music. The band’s lead singer, Howard Kaylan, was an integral part of their success, and his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence helped to define their sound. But what happened to Howard Kaylan after the Turtles disbanded?
Early Life and Career
Howard Kaylan was born on June 22, 1946, in New York City. He began his music career in the early 1960s, singing with various bands and performing in local clubs and bars. In 1965, he joined the Turtles, along with his friend and fellow musician, Mark Volman. The band’s original name was The Crossfires, but they later changed it to The Turtles. (See Also: What Type Of Turtles Are The Tmnt)
With Kaylan’s powerful vocals and Volman’s harmonies, the Turtles quickly gained popularity, releasing their debut single, “It Ain’t Me Babe,” in 1965. The song became a moderate success, but it was their follow-up single, “Surfer Dan,” that brought them to the attention of the music industry. The song’s catchy melody and lyrics, combined with Kaylan’s energetic vocals, made it a hit, and it reached the top 20 on the Billboard charts.
The Turtles’ Success
The Turtles’ success continued throughout the late 1960s, with hits like “Happy Together,” “She’d Rather Be with Me,” and “You Baby.” Their music was a unique blend of rock, pop, and surf, with lyrics that often focused on themes of love, relationships, and social issues. Kaylan’s distinctive voice and stage presence helped to define the band’s sound, and he became known for his energetic performances and charismatic stage presence.
The Turtles’ success was not limited to their music. They also appeared in several films, including “The Turtles” (1967) and “Head” (1968), a psychedelic musical comedy starring the Monkees. The band’s music was also featured in several films and television shows, including “The Brady Bunch” and “The Partridge Family.”
The Decline of the Turtles
Despite their success, the Turtles’ popularity began to decline in the early 1970s. The band’s music had become more experimental, and their albums were not as commercially successful as their earlier work. The band’s lineup also changed several times, with Kaylan and Volman being the only constant members.
In 1970, the Turtles released their final album, “Turtles, Vol. 7,” which was a commercial failure. The band’s popularity continued to decline, and they eventually disbanded in 1970. Kaylan and Volman went on to pursue solo careers, with Kaylan releasing several albums and Volman working as a producer and songwriter.
Post-Turtles Career
After the Turtles disbanded, Kaylan pursued a solo career, releasing several albums and singles. He also worked as a producer and songwriter, collaborating with other artists and bands. In the 1980s, he formed a new band, the First Edition, which released several albums and singles.
In the 1990s, Kaylan began to focus on his work as a producer and songwriter, working with artists such as the Beach Boys and the Byrds. He also released several solo albums, including “The Howard Kaylan Album” (1996) and “The Turtles’ Lead Singer” (2001).
Legacy
Howard Kaylan’s legacy as the lead singer of the Turtles is still celebrated today. The band’s music has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and their songs continue to be played on classic rock radio stations around the world. Kaylan’s distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence helped to define the band’s sound, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in rock music.
Key Points
- Howard Kaylan was born on June 22, 1946, in New York City.
- He joined the Turtles in 1965 and became the band’s lead singer.
- The Turtles released several hit singles, including “Happy Together” and “She’d Rather Be with Me.”
- The band’s popularity declined in the early 1970s, and they disbanded in 1970.
- Kaylan pursued a solo career, releasing several albums and singles.
- He also worked as a producer and songwriter, collaborating with other artists and bands.
- Kaylan’s legacy as the lead singer of the Turtles is still celebrated today.
Recap
Howard Kaylan’s career as the lead singer of the Turtles spanned over a decade, during which the band released several hit singles and albums. Despite the band’s decline in popularity, Kaylan’s legacy as a rock musician remains strong, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
What Happened To The Lead Singer Of The Turtles
Who was the lead singer of The Turtles?
The lead singer of The Turtles was Howard Kaylan, also known as “Howie” Kaylan. He was the primary vocalist and one of the founding members of the band.
What happened to Howard Kaylan after The Turtles disbanded?
After The Turtles disbanded in the 1970s, Howard Kaylan pursued a solo career and released several albums. He also worked as a session musician and collaborated with other artists. In the 1980s, he joined the rock band Flo & Eddie, alongside fellow Turtles member Mark Volman, and they released several albums together.
Is Howard Kaylan still active in the music industry?
Yes, Howard Kaylan is still active in the music industry, although not as a lead singer. He has continued to work as a session musician and has made appearances with various bands and artists. He has also been involved in various music-related projects and has released music with his current band, The Phlorescent Leech.
Has Howard Kaylan written any books or memoirs?
Yes, Howard Kaylan has written a memoir titled “Shell Shocked: My Life in Rock & Roll” which was published in 2013. The book chronicles his life and career with The Turtles and his experiences in the music industry.
Is Howard Kaylan still involved with The Turtles?
Although The Turtles disbanded in the 1970s, Howard Kaylan has reunited with his former bandmates on several occasions for one-off performances and tours. He has also been involved in various Turtles-related projects and has performed with other artists who have covered their songs.