History of the MAMAS & the PAPAS part one |

The folk rock revolution was in full swing with the Mamas and Papas appearing on the pop scene. This part one history follows the paths of John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Cass Elliot and recounts their wild ride to fame and inner-band turmoil with striking detail. Affairs, firings, and the rock star lifestyle rear their ugly heads in this story of one of the most enduring 1960s groups.
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[@travislorenz5551]

'Twelve-Thirty' Is still one of the most beautiful and melodic songs ever recorded.

[@thomascollins1739]

I Love that song, too.

[@rmelin13231]

I'm right by your side on that one. Awesome song.

[@MrKaywyn]

Twelve Thirty is my favourite song.

[@buddysteele7624]

Love that song!!!

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@travislorenz5551 it's one of their finest hours.

[@scottjones3038]

Great episode Matt, I love the track samples from each album and cover art discussions. Cass seems like such a cool person, such a shame she passed away so young.

[@vayabroder729]

Cass didn’t have the pop look but she had the pipes and how! Thank you for such a great episode, Matt!

[@klaatubob]

These first four albums are beautifully written, beautifully performed, beautifully engineered and recorded, and just overall perfection.

[@adm712]

The comparison of John Phillips in "The New Journeymen" and "The Mamas and the Papas" is astounding. Great job as always Matt!

[@thomascollins1739]

RIP to Cass Elliot, John Phillips and Denny Doherty. Your music will forever change the landscape of folk/rock.

[@robgronotte1]

Honestly I don't think Phillips deserves to rest in peace if the stories told by his daughters are true.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@robgronotte1 Yes - he should've married Gail Zappa instead - she'd have made him insane. Disillusioning to hear the musicians we all grew up listening to were creeps and assholes.

[@jake105]

Matt, that was fantastic. One of your best. Certainly my favorite. I can't imagine Denny Doherty and Jim Morrison hanging out. What a time to be alive. Anxiously waiting for part 2.

[@TheDivineFeminine16]

Glad to see that Got A Feeling is also a favorite off their first album! A beautifully delicate song.

[@simplechronology2605]

Mamas and Papas is one of those groups that I've always liked, but when I'm not playing their records, I often start thinking, "meh, maybe I overrate them". Then, I put on one of their records and again I am reminded of how special they were, and just how unique and enjoyable their music is. Not sure why this always happens with me; perhaps it is because of the relative brevity of their career and how none of the members beyond Cass had much of a viable solo career. But they definitely deserve their legend; when in doubt, just play one of their albums and the magic is really there. Another great installment, Matt.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, stay tuned for part 2!

[@mjanovec]

It’s an overused term, but I find they have become increasingly underrated as the years go by. I think it’s because very few music writers are willing to talk about them these days and we’re not hearing their music showing up in many movies or shows that will allow for new generations to discover them. This is most likely due to the allegations made against John Phillips by his daughter Mackenzie. Nobody wants to be seen promoting John Phillips’ music these days. It’s a shame that the musical legacy of Denny, Cass, and Michelle will suffer as a result.

[@CarolYannes]

Another great episode Matt. I can’t wait for Part 2. Since the group ended that means that it will probably end badly.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Carol! Working on part two now :)

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@CarolYannes You are SO right😂

[@delmofritz3964]

Nice segue from the Journymen to The Mamas and the Papas Matt. Michelle Phillips was a 60s honey and Cass Elliot had a magnificent voice!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

It was easy to choose photos of Michelle for this series!

[@robertyoung1777]

The more detail the better - thank you for researching and presenting this so well.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Robert!

[@bme1553]

Finally...a band I actually care about. Great job. Looking forward to part 2. Eventually John and Denny became roommates so they could keep an eye on each other, that the other wasn't with Michelle!

[@lawrencebrissenden]

I was quite obsessed by the song Got A Feeling. I asked Denny in an email what was the tick tock sound. He said it was a “tack piano”.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Lawrence, I didn't know that.

[@klaatubob]

Twelve-Thirty always struck me as such a beautiful song. When I later learned it was about coming out of depression it really struck me as even more beautiful.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

When I first heard the song "Creeque Alley" (and listened to the lyrics) I was shocked that it was the band singing about themselves. I still love the line.. "McGuinn & McGuire are still gettin' higher, in LA, you know where that's at. ...And no one getting fat, except Mama Cass". Got that one on a 45 (rpm record) too. (I was glad that my parents didn't listen to the lyrics of Rock&Roll bands...)

[@BillGaliette]

Something beautifully poetic that Cass passed away at the moment of her greatest triumph as a solo artist. I believe she still hold the record for the most encores at the Palladium after the end her final performance.

[@BrutusMcCrunch]

In the exact same bed that Keith Moon later passed on in

[@steve119100]

I saw Roger McGuinn's one-man show this past Saturday. Great stories from this era. His guitar still has plenty of jingle-jangle.

[@erniericardo8140]

Great Show👍 saw Roger back in April, Lots of fantastic stories.

[@dougprice8121]

Great job, Matt. Most enjoyable, as your retrospectives always are.

[@petemccarry2326]

Matt, You did a fine job on this one. Looking forward to Part Two.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Pete.

[@alanartme1]

By the way, "Gota Feelin'" is another one of those songs that immediately puts one's soul back into that 60's music period and can't be duplicated today.

[@virginiachismar8398]

Great video Matt. One of my favorite 60's group.

[@RonaldBrown59]

Great episode, you really did your homework on this one. I can't wait for the second part. Thanks for sharing.

[@DarrylRuiz-s1w]

Cass and Michelle's voices were perfect together and like a lot of 13 year old Boys I had a huge crush on Michelle

[@BeatlemadMike9]

Your band histories are top notch. There is a great version of “Go Where You Wanna Go” on the Echo in The Canyon soundtrack from a couple of years ago. Worth a listen. Also LOVE their version of “My Girl” especially the bum, bum, bum intro. “Straight Shooter” is another favorite of mine.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Mike! I'll have to check out that version of Go Where You Wanna Go.

[@BeatlemadMike9]

@@popgoesthe60s52 also check out the documentary of the same name…Jakob Dylan’s project. Great covers featuring Norah Jones, Fiona Apple among others.

[@michaelholycross2633]

Excellent work sir!

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

I would argue mama Cass’ voice was most distinct and important as she anchored the other 3 harmonies. For whatever reason romantic turbulence between band members seems to create the best albums

[@spyderlogan4992]

The first and last time I saw The Mamas and the Papas live was at The Washington Coliseum on 10/15/66. The opening acts were ? and the Mysterians and The Left Banke. This is the same venue where The Beatles played after Ed Sullivan. Thanks Matt~!

[@Pharoset]

I saw Michelle Phillips on her daughter's website. Even though she is 80 years old, you can still see the extraordinarily beautiful woman of the 1960's.

[@jody8526937]

Great stuff again.. the Jill Gibson period is very interesting.. always wondered about this thanks..

[@michaelrochester48]

Interesting how you mention the dimensions of Cass and Michelle’s voices. In the group ABBA, Agnetha and Frida were soprano and mezzo soprano and they blended well. So I am glad you caught how contrasting vocals could really fill out a sound.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Michael!

[@thecoolestdad]

Excellent Matt. The Mamas and The Papas are one of my all time favorite groups to come out of the 60s. I don't know every song they ever recorded, but I have to say, of the many songs that I am familiar with, my favorite Mamas and Papas song is California Dreaming. It's the harmonies that I am really impressed with. I also love the chord progression in the song as well. I am looking forward to part two sir.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks! Yes, their harmonies are some of the best of the decade.

[@buzzawuzza3743]

Excellent video, well done.

[@Chiggerticky]

Thanks, Matt. Great stuff. You know, for some reason, one of my favorite of their songs is "Twelve Thirty." It always takes me to a place of reverie. The harmonies are absolutely killer. I look forward to part 2. Thanks for all you do!

[@nathananthony7517]

I agree. That's their best song/recording.

[@broncodeviltexas]

Was a kid when they broke out. Loved seeing them on Sullivan. Great harmonies and great songs. So lucky to have been around to hear this era of music. Great job on this 👍

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Another superb episode, although I never did buy their music. My favorite song was Monday Monday. I loved Mama Cass's first solo album but it's hard to get on CD these days.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Larry!

[@geldofpunk32]

I'm only in my 30s but I have to say Michelle is my celebrity crush and she was easily one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Like, damn!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

It was very easy to make photo selections of her for this series!

[@Joe67343]

Same could be said for Grace Slick in the 60s and Stevie Nicks in the 70s. Easy on the eyes, and helps so much with popularity.

[@steelerspittsburgh875]

She was a model in New York when John met her ,iirc.

[@erniericardo8140]

Beautiful work Matt on these videos of The Mamas & Papas👌 wonderful presentation of photos and clips 👍 and Great storytelling especially about Denny Doherty Turning On John Phillips to The Beatles on Acid 😵‍💫- What a way to Meet The Beatles 😆

[@dadaveda]

Great episode, looking forward to the next one.

[@martinsplichal1581]

Good one Matt. Ron Howard said every project will break your heart and though he was speaking about film, it fits this situation. What remains is the beautiful music. Rest in peace Mama Cass. Cheers and thanks. Nice job Matt.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Martin!

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

Cass and Denny were always my favorites.

[@markearnestfromreno613]

Definitely a band I’ve never delved into, apart from those great hits, so thanks, as you always do, for pointing out those deep cuts, Matt.

[@bobburroughs6241]

A succession of memorable songs back then - even in '67 cool to walk around humming them!

[@thomasguild8675]

Love the band and love your videos! Great job Matt!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Tom!

[@ernestoborrego5102]

Perfect ending to my night! Thank you!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Ernesto!

[@dadaveda]

That first album is amazing.

[@mark7304]

Great synopsis of the early years of the Mama’s and Papa’s. I have been looking forward to you covering one of the great folk rock and vocal groups pf mid to kate 60s. Can’t wait for part 2. You are killin’ it!!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Mark!

[@rogertemple7193]

the Mamas and the Papas were the best folk pop rock group and I have heard them on AM radio many times over the years have a great week and Thank You.🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶

[@donrumgay5200]

Got a Feelin’ sounds so simple…. until you try to sing it….then you realize the complexity of John’s arrangement….

[@lyndarosborough869]

Fantastic!!!!! 🎶

[@vincognito]

I'm so glad you're covering the Mamas & the Papas. Too bad about their crazy history. That's what you get when you put two young, healthy men together with two healthy young women at a time of sexual experimentation and freedom. I absolutely adore the compositions of John Phillips when he was 'trying to sound like the Beatles.' The Beatles lifted the bar so high that you had to be incredibly creative, sensitive and have tremendous taste in melodies and harmonies to match their level. One day I'm going to do a deconstruction of Monday, Monday. It's a remarkable piece of work that goes head to head with Lennon/McCartney, no problem. Quite a few of their songs do. I just love I Saw Her Again, as well. Btw, back around 2010, (just to brag a bit), I got a call from Lou Adler to teach guitar to one of his sons. While I did know of Lou, I hadn't realized at the time how important he was in sculpting the musical wave of the 60's. At first I turned down the offer because he wanted me to teach his kid on Sundays. I hate, hate, hate L.A traffic and on Sundays the drive up PCH was a miles long traffic jam both ways. (Sunday, Sunday...can't trust that day!) In order to sour the milk, I doubled my rate and told him I'd only drive to his place for that price. Without a second thought, I was hired! Honestly, I did indeed hate driving up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu in the middle of summer but it was cool to show up at the house of a legend. I met Lou a few times but only said 'hi Lou' and didn't badger him whatsoever.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Vin, that is a cool story about Adler. Those opportunities are few and far between in Wisconsin! Was his kid any good? Great point about the Beatles setting the bar high. Everyone had to raise their game and Phillips had a great 3 year run before it fell apart.

[@duesenberger]

Love The Mapas & The Papas. Great first part, thx for that. Looking forward to the next part.

[@bruceink9]

Wonderful assessment, Matt. Never knew all that Jill stuff. What a time.

[@ediblehorse]

Another great vid. Thanks Matt!

[@WhizzRichardThompson]

Some of the best harmony vocals ever commited to vinyl come from this band. 👍

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Lots of different parts of the story never told the same way twice with these folks. But...their music was ALWAYS great.

[@uhoh007]

That first album got burned into my 10 year old brain.....how much I didn't realise till this perceptive part one review of one killer group Hacking away on piano years later (got one in 1984) I was drawn to many of the songs...not realising why they seemed so familar, like "the in crowd" and "Spanish Harlem". "Strtaight Shooter" I didn't play but it raisees my 67 year old hairs...today! The toilet information...priceless...great touch. Even your graphics are leveling right up, sir, thank you! Can't wait for the next release! Deliver!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, I appreciate the comments.

[@jasontheoldmillennial7197]

It was great getting to know more about this group. I didn’t know they almost replaced Michelle Phillips. That was interesting.

[@harrysmusicroom]

Great band, great songs. I love your mock up album covers!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Harry!

[@1208bug]

Great Matt, well done!

[@deirdremccarthy7366]

Cass was such a love-bomb…she was everybody’s friend!

[@applecorpse]

Agreed! And size is no obstacle to beauty. She was and is, a beautiful woman.

[@anthonykimball7463]

Including Charlie Manson's and Billy Doyle's (the latter was a partner in Voytek Frykowski's drug ring). That's something that, still to this day, nobody in "the business " wants to talk about or admit. Not a word of it is mentioned in the recent M&P biography.

[@josephblue4135]

Excellent video Matt, i loved their hits. A number of years ago i got a 2 CD set with 52 tracks on it.

[@luizamorim1626]

I fell in love with the Mamas & Papas since I first heard 'California dreamin' in 1966. I bought the album and learned all their individual parts even though I hardly understood English. By the time I migrated to the US in late 1971, I was surprised to see their lastest album (People like us) but times had changed and so did I... By the way 'Got a feelin' is my favourite song of the group.

[@DocDoccus]

Jill Gibson?!?! I didn't know of this phase of the M&Ps at all! I learn things!

[@abbdabs67]

great vocal group had their hit singles in the 60s now a greatest hits cd

[@2ridiculous41]

you don't say.

[@SaintRose2024]

Great video Matt. Always enjoyed the group, but didn't know the history.

[@kellstud]

This was great Matt. I learned a lot but what stood out was Barry McGuire putting out the first version of CD, and Ray Manzarek playing session keys on the 2nd album. I had the yellow sticker version of the first album hanging in my bathroom for years BTW.

[@barriobajaj]

A truly enjoyable episode Matt! Looking forward to Part II. I was born in 1961 so these songs bring back so many childhood memories for me and I still enjoy them to this day. Off topic, have you ever considered doing an episode on Canadian psych/pop group, The Poppy Family especially their debut album, Which Way You Goin' Billy? ?. The album cuts are completely different than their world wide hit of the same name. The group disbanded after this album and only Terry and Susan Jacks remained.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I do have a couple of Canadian groups on my list. I have heard some of the Poppy Family's early stuff and its very good.

[@dougmorris9317]

Matt, was away from your channel for awhile, my bad. This was so outstanding I had to watch it twice. THANK YOU, cannot wait for Part 2. 😊❤❤❤❤🎉

[@popgoesthe60s52]

That is a high compliment, Doug! Thank you. I'll be working on part 2 this week!

[@antoniodalfonso]

Thank you for the exploration of a unique moment in rock!! The presence of women... which will be silenced... pity! fine analysis, Matt!!!

[@jerrypotente872]

Great deep dive into the mamas and the Papas! Coincidentally this past weekend, I pulled out my greatest hits of the mamas and Papas CD and listen to it on three simultaneous nights. I guess great minds think alike Matt great.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Matt: Are drinking gin or vodka there tonight? When I saw the title of this one I knew we'd be in for a bumpy ride! And this is another in the weeds piece of research worthy of the Encyclopedia Britannica. LOVE how you pulled in the Jan & Dean connection! I lived in Hawthorne briefly about 10 years after that whole insanely cool scene with the Beach Boys, et. al. I remember the liner notes on the back of one of J&D's albums being pretty hilarious, including something about, "...You mean sing real high? Like a girl? Like Brian Wilson?" As an 11 year-old I SO wished I was part of that scene;-). This was a goody, and I look forward to part 2.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Joey! I was just drinking water this time!

[@timothyflyte9443]

I really enjoy your " History of " series. I'd love to see the Dave Clark Five and The Animals someday.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Both are on my very long list!

[@Nazz1967]

very cool,thanks.

[@ianharwell7500]

Good presentation Matt. For many years I've regarded the blending of their four complimentary vocals the best in popular music. Great credit to Lou Adler and to John's songwriting skills. PS In Keith Richards' "Life" autobiography, Keith notes that he never witneses anybody get so out of control so quickly on drugs as John. LIke a "duck to water" and then he couldn't swim.

[@jonathanruehle3501]

Yay I have been waiting for the Mammas and Pappas video thank you!!!! I cant wait to see part two there is no information about their forth album The Pappas and the Mammas from summer of 1068 I love that album I love all the songs off the first four albums I am not that big on People like us the magic is basically all gone in that one

[@ministerofdarkness]

Fantastic review! I grew up on the Deliver album. My Mom swears we had the first album with the toilet but I don't think we did. Nevertheless looking forward to Part 2. Cheers🍺

[@kz.m4251]

Yessssss! Was hoping you'd continue on from the Journeymen video. Btw. Totally agree. That Deliver LP is really f***ing solid. Gotta say. Thanks again, Matt!

[@johnpendarvis7885]

Cass had a heavenly voice.

[@deirdre108]

Thanks Matt! This filled in some of the blanks in their song “Creeque Alley”.

[@samp.8099]

I've always found sunshine pop to be a fairly insipid music genre, but The Mamas and The Papas are one of the few exceptions. Always loved 'em. The be-all end-all of the genre in my opinion.

[@JimPigMuseumOfSound]

Great video, as usual. Mamas and Papas were far out. I heard you mention The Mothers of Invention in this episode… they are my favorite band, maybe you could do a history on the original Mothers in a future vid

[@jonvought700]

There must be a great story there! Maybe focusing on the original Mothers...

[@johnyarusso4953]

Very enjoyable Matt. They had such a dominant sound in 66 + 67 but soon faded and became uncool much in the way the Beach Boys did at the time. They were frequently on TV but always syncing because it was hard for them to duplicate their wall of sound vocals live.

[@austake]

Great video Matt!....Still waiting for the video on The Move!😉😁

[@terryprill2510]

Thier first album was the first album I ever own that my Dad let me choose from out of a gift catalog. I was 12 years old at the time. .But much like the other super groups of '65 / '66 their success was short lived and they faded from the scene shortly after Deliver. Thanks for sharing the group's background to start up.

[@patrickmoreau7592]

This is a great video Matt I was thinking about buying their albums but I did not know where to begin. Thanks 😊

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Patrick.

[@EricSchultz-zs8hz]

Hey, this is really a good video, and I'm glad to have seen it. I look forward to part 2.

[@nickwebb9290]

This is brilliant Matt, many thanks 🙏

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you Nick!

[@thomasschiller404]

Superb! Although their history is even more convoluted than I realized. If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears was one of the first albums I owned.

[@DaveWBuf]

I recommend the book All the Leaves are Brown by Scott Shea. It includes the story how McKenzie Phillips had to panhandle in the street because her parents were too stoned to take care of her when they were in the tropics.

[@BenjaminNavillus]

Ah, I’ve been looking forward to this. Certainly one of the best, standout bands of the 60s. Perhaps even slightly underrated. Great work, Matt. I always learn something new from your ‘History Of…’ series, no matter how many documentaries I’ve watched on various bands.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Benjamin!

[@tedgeldberg6498]

I remember buying California Dreamin' when it came out. The Mamas and Papas were great but as you mentioned the Byrds changed everything and are still my favorite group nearly 60 years later.

[@JammyGit]

I always enjoy watching your videos mate....haven't long finished watching the Byrds and Lovin Spoonful videos so these Mamas and Papas videos will be welcome. Good job mate 👍✌️

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Jammy!

[@yes_head]

Glad to get this series, although I've never personally been a fan. Still, I'll admit that there's no denying that -- along with the Beach Boys -- the Mamas and the Papas were *the American sound of the 60's*. I guess I've just always been more attracted to the British sound of the 60's. 😎

[@Sopmylo]

26:57 The vocal on String Man made me immediately think of the B-52's

[@deirdre108]

Damn! I can hear that!

[@edwardmulholland7912]

Theirs is a great story, I like some of their songs. Thanks Matt.

[@denisrodrigues1455]

Great video, my friend. There are, for me, two favorites songs of this wonderful vocal group. The first, shows like an introduction, the John's voice saying "And now singing this lovely ballad, here is, Mama Cass". It's "Dream a little dream of me" (the group's version). The second, composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is called "Glad to be unhappy". All the best, Matt.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you Denis!

[@frugalseverin2282]

A great group, thanks for these videos. I've never owned any of their original albums, just the 2-disc compilation "Creeque Alley - The History of The Mamas And The Papas". I made a 3rd disc of other songs to complement it.

[@1rwjwith]

What a soap opera! I just liked the hits really. I remember seeing that photo on the album with Michelle Phillips sprawled across the others on that bathtub when I was 13…my adolescence began! She broke some hearts. John Phillips was a pretty screwed up person…he wrote a couple of classics though. Great video.

[@joelgoldenberg1100]

1. BTW, I Saw Her Again (my favorite Mamas and Papas song) went to #1 in Canada. 2. The middle poster at 25:00 could make one think someone was planning a Beatles-like animated TV series about the group.