Back in the 1960s, one of the most popular rock groups was called The Association. The founding members of the band were previously part of another band called The Men, which was previously called The Inner Tubes.
Terry Kirkman was a founding member of The Inner Tubes, and he was also a founding member of The Association, which is best known for hit songs including “Windy,” “Never My Love” and “Cherish.” The band was nominated for a total of six Grammys. Three of those nominations were for the song “Cherish.”
On September 24, 2023, the Facebook page for The Association shared the sad news that Kirkman has died at the age of 83 years old. They did not include a cause of death or any details at all about the circumstances surrounding his death.
In the post, The Association shared a throwback picture of Kirkman and 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!”
Kirkman is survived by his wife, Heidi, and his daughter, Sasha.
Back in 2015, Kirkman reflected on how he came to write the song “Cherish.” He said the song “came in one fell swoop,” and he almost seemed baffled about how he came to write it so easily. He said, “I actually channeled it. Or I was channeled. 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 continued by explaining that he’s far from the only creative person who has had a similar experience. He said, “And 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.”
Kirkman also once told the Huffington Post that he is “baffled” by the fact that many couples choose “Cherish” as their wedding song considering the song “is so very much about love lost, not victorious love.”
In honor of Kirkman, enjoy the song “Cherish” in the video below.
