The Mamas & the Papas were an American folk rock vocal group that recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968, with a brief reunion in 1971. Formed in New York City, the group consisted of Americans John Phillips, Cass Elliot and Michelle Phillips, and Canadian Denny Doherty. Its sound was based on vocal harmonies arranged by John Phillips.
The original quartet is covered first, followed by the longer list of singers who later performed as the New Mamas & the Papas from 1982.
John Phillips
John Phillips, formerly of the Journeymen, formed the group with his wife Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty. He arranged the vocal harmonies that defined the group’s sound. He is also listed as a vocalist and guitarist in the New Mamas & the Papas, from 1982 to 1992 and 1995 to 1998. He died in 2001.
Michelle Phillips
Michelle Phillips was one of the three founders, along with her husband John Phillips and Denny Doherty. The Journeymen and the Mugwumps, the two earlier acts of the founders, were both folk groups active in 1964 and 1965.
Denny Doherty
Denny Doherty, a Canadian, was formerly of the Mugwumps. He is listed as a vocalist in the New Mamas & the Papas from 1982 to 1988 and 1991 to 1995. He died in 2007.
Cass Elliot
Cass Elliot was the last member to join. She had been Doherty’s bandmate in the Mugwumps. John Phillips had concerns about her joining, but her membership was formalised once the paperwork was signed, with Lou Adler, Michelle Phillips and Doherty overruling him.
The New Mamas & the Papas Members
- John Phillips – vocals, guitar (1982–1992, 1995–1998; died 2001)
- Denny Doherty – vocals (1982–1988, 1991–1995; died 2007)
- Mackenzie Phillips – vocals (1982–1986, 1987–1991)
- Spanky McFarlane – vocals (1982–1993)
- Laurie Beebe Lewis – vocals (1986–1987, interim 1988–1990, 1990–1993)
- Scott McKenzie – vocals, guitar (1986–1998; died 2012)
- Lisa Brescia – vocals (1993–1998)
- Deb Lyons – vocals (1993–1998)
- Barry McGuire – vocals (1997–1998)
- Chrissy Faith – vocals (1998–2000)
- David Baker – vocals (1998–2000)
- Janelle Sadler – vocals (1998–2000)
- Mark Williamson – vocals (1998–2000)
How the Group Formed
The group considered calling itself the Magic Cyrcle before switching to The Mamas & the Papas, inspired by the Hells Angels, whose female associates were called “mamas”. The quartet spent the period from early spring to midsummer 1965 in the Virgin Islands to rehearse. They then travelled from New York to Los Angeles to audition for Lou Adler, co-owner of Dunhill Records, in an audition arranged by Barry McGuire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the four members of The Mamas & the Papas? John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty and Cass Elliot.
When were The Mamas & the Papas active? The group recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968, with a brief reunion in 1971.
What was the New Mamas & the Papas? A later group that performed under the name from 1982, with John Phillips and Denny Doherty joined by other singers such as Mackenzie Phillips and Spanky McFarlane.
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