The Mamas & The Papas

The leading California-based vocal group of the '60s, the Mamas & the Papas epitomized the ethos of the mid- to late-'60s pop culture: live free, play free, and love free. Their music, built around radiant harmonies and a solid electric folk foundation, was gorgeous on its own terms, but a major part of its appeal lay in the easygoing southern California lifestyle it endorsed. The group's success was as extraordinary as it was brief, and onlookers may well wonder what went wrong with a performing group that seemed to have the world at its feet for all of two years. The irony behind the Mamas & the Papas' story is that the same forces that made it possible for them to create extraordinary music together also made it impossible for them to stay together for more than a short time. The group's founder and de facto leader, John Phillips born in 1935, was actually quite a bit older than most of the figures who emerged as rock stars during the middle and late 1960s. The product of a chaotic home life, Phillips’ first marriage ended, as did the Journeymen, but his attempts at musical success continued. He formed the New Journeymen with future screenwriter Marshall Brickman and a young model and singer named Michelle Gilliam. Cass Elliot, who had been singing on Broadway was the last and perhaps most unlikely member to join the group both because her musical background and her sheer size. The group was formed in late 1965 and headed to California. The auditioned for Lou Adler at Dunhill Records -- their audition consisted of several songs including "California Dreamin'," "Monday, Monday," and many of the other songs that ended up comprising their debut album. Adler signed them on the spot and their debut single, "California Dreamin'," was out by the start of 1966 and shooting up the charts, with their album “If You Can Believe Yours Eyes And Ears” coming up behind it. By 1969, the Mamas & the Papas were history, victims of changing times, emotional exhaustion, and an excess of sexual, chemical, and alcoholic pleasures. Perhaps the most notable event surrounding the group, after their demise, was the tragic death of Cass Elliot on July 29, 1974.

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