The Association ‘Cherish’

Book excerpt: The very first full biography of The Association, one of the most successful bands to come out of the mid-1960s US folk-rock boom, with some of the most distinctive harmony sounds of the era, but one that is largely overlooked today. The group achieved two US Billboard Number One hits, a number of further Top 20 places, along with a run of successful best-selling LPs. In addition, whilst often credited as being one of the hardest working bands of the era, they are also honoured as having the second-most played song on US radio history during the 20th century! This extensive biography looks at the early foundations of the line-up, from the various group member’s struggles in an early 1960s Los Angeles, touring the folk clubs and coffee houses, through to their 1965 breakthrough and their first recording contract. Then, follow the band through the heady days of a psychedelic 1960s America, and into the confusion of the 1970’s where tragedy, disappointment and disarray left the band on the edge of breakup. The careers of each of the band members are discussed at length as they came, left and re-joined, most notably during the 1980s reunion tour, with full access to the recollections from principle members Jules Alexander, Terry Kirkman and Jim Yester. Finally, we bring the story fully up to date, with the band celebrating their 50th Anniversary and still out on the road, playing to packed venues across the country. Cherish IS indeed the word