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November 29, 1941
Denny Doherty, the Canadian member and vocalist in the famed mid-60’s folk-rock quartet The Mamas and The Papas was born on this date in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Born Dennis Gerrard Stephen Doherty, he, along with three friends, started their first band called The Hepsters and were playing club gigs in and around the Halifax area in 1956 when Denny was only 15 years old.
Two years later, with two other friends, he put together a new trio named The Colonials and moved to Los Angeles, where they managed to score a record deal with Columbia Records, who proceeded to change their name to The Halifax Three.
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In 1963 that group disbanded, but when they toured, Doherty had met future “Papa” John Phillips and future “Mamas” Cass Elliot and Michelle Gilliam (later John’s wife) who had a band called The Big 3.
Doherty and another Canadian musician friend named Zal Yanovsky were then recruited by the trio to join their group, who shortly after changed their name to The Mugwumps (future Lovin’ Spoonful co-founder John Sebastian was also a member).
This convoluted story ends with the breakup of The Mugwumps – who evolved into The Mamas and The Papas.
The Mamas And The Papas
(Clockwise from top): Cass Elliot, John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty
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Meanwhile, Yanovsky moved on with Sebastian to form The Lovin’ Spoonful (Do You Believe In Magic?, You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice, Summer In The City) in New York’s Greenwich Village.
[Note] Much of this tale is recounted in the M&P’s 1967 Top 5-er Creeque Alley, but I hope you’ve paid attention to all of this – because there will be a quiz at the end…JK!
Doherty sang either lead or co-lead vocals on most of the group’s hits. Featured here are the first two (and biggest) chart hits – and their only million-selling singles on the Billboard Hot 100 – the longing of California Dreamin’ and the wistful Monday, Monday.
[NOTE]
Due to copyright issues, some audio song files may not play on smartphones, tablets and connected devices. A PC, Mac or laptop may be required.
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CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’
The Mamas and The Papas
[1966]
(Album Version)
Denny Doherty is heard throughout this song but is most prominent during his solo vocal on verse two, just prior to the flute bridge.
California Dreamin’ reached #4 in early 1966 and is ranked at #89 on the ‘Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time’ compiled by Rolling Stone magazine.
https://youtu.be/BnxREFA_Sfg
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MONDAY, MONDAY
The Mamas and The Papas
[1966]
(Album Version)
Doherty’s wonderful lead tenor is featured throughout the vocal melody of Monday, Monday, which became their only chart topper (3 weeks) in the spring of 1966.
https://youtu.be/AqUm5pVkBWc
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Denny Doherty passed away in Toronto, Ontario on January 19, 2007 at the age of 66, as have two other members of The Mamas and The Papas – Mama Cass on July 29, 1974 (32) and Papa on July 18, 2001 (65) – leaving Michelle Phillips as the lone survivor. John and Michelle are the parents of Chynna Phillips of the trio Wilson Phillips.
Zal Yanovsky also died in his native Canada (Kingston, Ontario) on December 13, 2002.
VIDEO
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HERE I AM: DENNY DOHERTY; THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS
(Trailer)
[2015]
A documentary on the life and incredible career of Denny Doherty – told in first person – will debut on February 21, 2016 on TV’s Bravo channel. Here’s an early look it.
https://youtu.be/zklNvJKPMCw
• You May Like: BOB DYLAN & THE BYRDS: The Birth of Mid-60’s Folk Rock
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Produced & Written By: Rick Murray Hunter / HouseoftheHits.com
Songs Source: The Music Vault of HouseoftheHits Inc.
Billboard® Chart Data: Joel Whitburn’s Record Research (eBook Editions)
References:
• The Billboard Book Of Number One Hits (5th Edition) by Fred Bronson
• The Archives of RollingStone.com
Record Sleeve & Label Graphics: Courtesy of 45cat
