The Association

The Association is a 1960’s pop band from California.  They are known for several top 40 hits throughout the mid to late 60’s.  The formation of the band actually took place in Hawaii.  Two men by the names of Jules Alexander and Terry Kirkman met up in Hawaii and on occasion would jam together.  Alexander, who was in the Navy, was discharged and the two left for California and joined a 13 member folk band called The Men.  The Men wouldn’t last long and 6 members continued on with their own band, naming themselves The Association.  The band spent the next couple years playing at local clubs, and desperately tried to land a record deal.  They eventually caught a break when they recorded their first big hit “Along comes Mary”; this led to a record contract and a number one single, “Cherish.”  In 1967, only after two albums were released, co-founder Jules Alexander had split and a replacement was brought into the mix.  The band then scored their next hit, “Windy”, and that same year were the opening act at the infamous Monterey Pop Festival.  The band would record a couple more albums, before Jules Alexander rejoined the group.  The Association began to have a lot of hit and miss singles, but they still stuck together, and at one point expanding to nine members.  Tragedy struck in 1972 when original band member Brian Cole died of a drug overdose.  After that I would say the band jumped the shark.  Several new members came and went, with original members joining for short periods, and then leaving again.  The Association still tours, with Brian Cole’s son as a member, and two original members.

And then… Along comes The Association  – 1966     Renaissance – 1997     

  Inside out – 1967        Birthday – 1968     The Association – 1969

    The Association live – 1970     Stop your motor – 1971       Waterbeds in Trinidad – 1972    

   Stop your motor – 1971       Waterbeds in Trinidad – 1972       Ideal compilation – SG

*I do not own Greatest Hits, The Association 95: A little bit more, Just the right sound, and The Essentials, due to owning all these tracks on other albums.*

Scott's Music Library