The Turtles with Jay and the Americans, The Association, and more

The Turtles, formed in LA by Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, are best known for their 1967 chart-topping hit "Happy Together." Their sound evolved from Byrds-inspired folk-rock to pop, achieving several Top 10 hits. After disbanding in the late '60s, Kaylan and Volman joined Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention as Flo & Eddie, later reuniting as the Turtles for oldies tours. They released several albums and contributed to soundtracks and radio shows. Known for their harmonious vocals, they regained rights to their music, leading to various reissues.

The Association, formed in 1965, became known for smooth harmonies and pop/rock hits like "Cherish," "Windy," and "Never My Love." Kansas-born Terry Kirkman and Jules Alexander from Tennessee led the group, which achieved chart-topping success in the late '60s. Their dynamic sound occasionally ventured into psychedelia and garage-punk. Albums like *And Then...Along Comes the Association* and singles like "Along Comes Mary" solidified their place in pop history, despite struggles with label issues and personnel changes. They played an iconic set at the Monterey Pop Festival, further showcasing their musical prowess.

Formed in Turtle Creek, PA as the Val-Aires, the Vogues hit fame with singles like "You're the One" & "Five O’Clock World." Known for a refined pop style, they scored multiple Top 40 hits & continued touring in various lineups.

The Cowsills, a family band from Newport, Rhode Island, inspired The Partridge Family TV series. Known for their angelic harmonies and pop hits like "The Rain, the Park and Other Things" and "Hair," they were a top act in the late '60s. The group, consisting of siblings and their mother, had a clean-cut image with strong songwriting and production skills. They reunited in the '90s, suffered family tragedies, but made a comeback in 2022 with the album "Rhythm of the World." The group also featured in the documentary "Family Band: The Cowsills Story."

Swansea-based Badfinger, mentored by the Beatles, brought power pop to the '70s with hits like "Come and Get It." Known for Pete Ham's and Joey Molland's rock guitar edge, they achieved success with albums like "No Dice" and "Straight Up." Despite collaborating with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they faced financial turmoil, leading to tragedies within the band. Notable covers of their song "Without You" by Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey cemented their legacy.