The Association
American (California) band formed in February 1965. They are known for their tight vocal harmony. In the 1960s the group had numerous hits at or near the top of the Billboard charts. They are predominantly known as a “sunshine pop” band (a description rejected by some of the band), but covered multiple genres.
Initially comprised of six members of a 13-piece group The Men - Terry Kirkman, Gary Alexander, Bob Page (quickly replaced by Jim Yester), Russ Giguere, Brian Cole and Ted Bluechel, Jr. - each member was a vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Alexander left in 1967 following their second album, and was replaced by Larry Ramos, before returning in 1968 (as Jules Alexander), making the group a septet.
Following their 1969 self-titled fifth album, Russ Giguere left the band and was replaced by keyboard player Richard Thompson. This lineup completed two further albums before the 1972 death of Brian Cole ended the group’s stability and any further significant success, with members gradually departing through the 1970s, eventually leaving Ted Bluechel as the sole remaining original member before a reunion of the surviving members in the early 1980s.
Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in September 2003, they continue to perform to this day, with a lineup featuring original members Jules Alexander and Jim Yester, as well as Del Ramos (brother of Larry Ramos) and Jordan Cole (son of Brian Cole).