Flo & Eddie: The Versatile Legacy of Rock's Favorite Duo
In the landscape of American rock and pop, few pairings possess the versatility and longevity of Flo & Eddie. Comprising Mark Volman (Flo) and Howard Kaylan (Eddie), this Los Angeles-based duo carved out a unique niche by blending pop sensibilities with comedy rock, transitioning from 1960s stardom to becoming some of the most sought-after session vocalists in the industry.
Their journey is one of adaptation. Originally founding members of the hit-making band the Turtles, Volman and Kaylan found themselves navigating complex contractual restrictions after the group dissolved in 1970. These legal hurdles prevented them from using their own names or the Turtles' brand in a musical context, leading to the birth of their colorful alter egos.
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Key Facts
- Members: Mark Volman ("Flo") and Howard Kaylan ("Eddie").
- Origins: Spun off from the Turtles and the Mothers of Invention.
- Genres: Specialised in pop rock and comedy rock.
- Active Years: 1971–2018.
- Notable Collaborations: Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, and Bruce Springsteen.
- Legal Milestone: Won a significant royalty battle against SiriusXM for pre-1972 recordings.
The Zappa Era and Early Career
Following the end of the Turtles, Kaylan and Volman joined Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention under the moniker "Phlorescent Leech & Eddie." This partnership marked a shift toward the avant-garde and satirical.
In 1971, while Zappa was recovering from an injury sustained during a London concert, the duo took the initiative to record The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie on Reprise Records. While this initial effort didn't chart, it paved the way for a series of more successful albums, including Flo & Eddie, Illegal, Immoral and Fattening, Moving Targets, and Rock Steady with Flo & Eddie.
The Ultimate Session Men
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Flo & Eddie became legendary as backing vocalists. Their ability to deliver precise, high-energy harmonies made them favorites for a wide array of artists.
Rock and Roll Collaborations
The duo maintained a close friendship with Marc Bolan of T. Rex, contributing vocals to early albums and the 1971 hit "Get It On." They also formed a strong bond with Alice Cooper, serving as the opening act for the "School's Out" show in Munich (1972) and the "Billion Dollar Babies Tour" (1973), while providing vocals for albums such as From the Inside and Zipper Catches Skin.
Diverse Projects
Their reach extended beyond rock. They served as the house band for the Canadian talk show 90 Minutes Live with Peter Gzowski and contributed to Bruce Springsteen's first top-ten hit, "Hungry Heart," in 1980. In 1982, they briefly explored the synth-pop and new wave sounds of the era under the name Checkpoint Charlie, releasing a whimsical EP on Rhino Records.
The Happy Together Era and Legal Battles
In the mid-1980s, the duo returned to their pop roots as "The Turtles... featuring Flo & Eddie." They joined forces with other 60s acts like the Association and Gary Puckett for the Happy Together Tour. This venture was a massive commercial success, consistently ranking as one of the top 10 grossing tours in the U.S. and Canada during its run.
Later in their career, the duo became pivotal figures in music copyright law. In 2013, they sued SiriusXM for unpaid royalties on pre-1972 sound recordings. This legal battle resulted in a landmark California ruling in 2014, eventually contributing to a $210 million settlement for major labels and payments ranging from $25 to $99 million for pre-1972 song owners.
Film, Television, and Final Years
Flo & Eddie's creativity extended to animation. Collaborating with Murakami-Wolf-Swenson, they provided music and voice work for projects including Down and Dirty Duck, The Adventures of the American Rabbit, and television specials for Strawberry Shortcake and The Care Bears.
The duo's touring era came to a close in 2018 when Howard Kaylan retired to undergo heart and back surgery. Mark Volman, who battled Lewy body dementia (a progressive brain disorder), passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 78.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Roles | Singers, Session Musicians, Producers |
| Key Affiliations | The Turtles, Mothers of Invention |
| Major Tours | Happy Together Tour |
| Notable Labels | Reprise, Warner Bros., Columbia, Rhino |
| Key Legal Win | SiriusXM pre-1972 royalty settlement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Flo & Eddie?
Flo & Eddie were Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, former members of the 1960s band the Turtles who later became a comedy-rock duo and prolific session singers.
Why did they use the names Flo and Eddie?
Due to contractual restrictions early in their careers, they were legally barred from using their own names or the name "the Turtles" in a musical context, leading them to adopt these pseudonyms.
Which famous artists did they work with?
They collaborated with a vast array of legends, including Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, T. Rex, Bruce Springsteen, and John Lennon & Yoko Ono.
What was the significance of their lawsuit against SiriusXM?
The lawsuit fought for the payment of royalties for sound recordings made before 1972, resulting in a major legal victory in California and significant financial settlements for pre-1972 recording owners.
What happened to the duo in their later years?
Howard Kaylan retired from touring in 2018 for health reasons. Mark Volman passed away on September 5, 2025, at age 78 after suffering from Lewy body dementia.