Michelle PHILLIPS on InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse

She was only 21 when she topped the charts with California Dreamin' along with her group "the Mama's and the Papa's" In the three short years they were together, they made their mark, coming to represent a generation and a sound that continues to resonate today. Phillips has marked her placed in history as a rock and roll hall of famer. On this episode of "InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse," our conversation with American singer, songwriter, and actress, Michelle Phillips.

[@emanuelbravo1563]

What a pleasant innerview with the beautiful Michelle Phillips. Made me almost cry at the ending. I have so much respect for Michelle and her career and she raised a beautiful daughter who loves the lord California preachin . Time sure goes by fast

[@HowardARoark]

She is such a lovely woman, such a bright star, and no affectations of fame whatsoever. A pleasure to listen to. Interviewer did a good job also.

[@elliebellie7816]

Ha! You are easily deluded.

[@judyivie4181]

He was so kind to Michelle.

[@cathygiuliana9089]

She’s gorgeous! Love Michelle Phillips! Honest and straightforward! She definitely has charisma! I grew up in the sixties and will always enjoy the music of the Mamas & Pappas!

[@stephbach3036]

Drug addict GALORE

[@jenjensen6916]

Michelle is so well spoken. Impressive ability to express in an honest manner. What a life experience! Glad she shares. I admire her sensibility as a strong fearless female. I especially love how she stood up to the double standard & prevailed, despite heartaches. She’s the real deal.

[@billwesley]

Michelle Phillips in particular sang high notes that just gives me chills, the Mamas and Papas used vocal harmony to heighten emotion in ways no one else has ever really emulated, it was as if there were many layers of different kinds of nuanced feeling rather than just one blunt mood as is usually the case.

[@erinmarie99]

She was certainly not the most natural singing talent but was perfect in the group, so beautiful and I love the mitchy parts especially in dedicated to the one I love.

[@johnzuijdveld9585]

YAY ! . . I'm 5yrs late but just what I've been saying! They complimented each other and even as Cass AND Denny had the stronger voices, the others balanced and completed the harmonics. NONE sounded as good before they got together, and then it was so relatable.

[@lorimiller4301]

Nice way to put that bill 👍

[@peternewman3487]

It was iconic music and it will stand the test of time and I will never forget growing up through this period of beautiful music.

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

I always loved Michelle Phillips. I saw the Mamas & the Papas in concert. She was wonderful then and still is.

[@MrRockaroundtheclock]

me too, bro the love of my life

[@Zenbone65]

Do you remember any details about the show? There is criminally scant information about their live shows. No recordings, bootleg or otherwise. Their Monterrey Pop performance was not their typical gig.-- it wasn't their usual tour band, they were under-rehearsed, and there were technical issues. The most noticeable was that Michelle's mike was barely working. What you do hear from her is what was picked up by the other mikes, It didn't represent the vocal prowess they could achieve, but it's that's all we have. The concert review I've found was just a blurb with little to offer, and the memories and minds of the preteen/teenagers who attended those shows are now foggy with age. I'm waiting for the holy grail. -- a bootleg recording of one of their shows in 1966 or 1967. A lot of bands from that era have bootlegs circulate among fans. But that sort of documentation eluded The Mamas & Papas.

[@FJTiernan]

very true and there are very few photos of them onstage either.

[@scarlette536]

LOL she never had her microphone on.

[@carlijnthielen4956]

George Vreeland Hill I have seen your name several times. Like me you are a real M & P fan. When I hear them on the radio my heart makes a little jump.

[@dastiffmeisterman]

Such a privilege listening to Michelle such a talented woman in so many ways.

[@tjfSIM]

Time is such a strange thing. All the craziness of 4 young people with their lives ahead of them, suddenly becoming ridiculously famous and wealthy, releasing hit album after hit album, appearing on TV, music venues and in magazines everywhere. Fast forward 50 years and only one of them is left, ironically the only one who didn't come from a music background. The others have long gone, leaving their respective stories in the history books, and the world a completely different place. The fun and colour of the 60s a distant memory and fading every day. It makes me feel quite sad to think about it, and how lonely Michelle must feel sometimes when she remembers those times, and none of her bandmates are here to share those memories with.

[@rockyfimmano7077]

Thats right! Sad thing is it happens to us all,your childhood and youth is the best part of your life,thank goodness we have the memories,No one can take that from us,😁👍

[@lorimiller4301]

For many Childhood is a painful time they don't want to remember. Others lose their memories as they age.

[@bobdavis4848]

And now Micky Dolenz, who grew up acting not in music, is the only remaining of the four Monkees.

[@Lelliott1122]

I love ALL of their music! Even now 2022🥰

[@nancykane8680]

Yes, I didn't even recognize her, lest this interview Those were the days, my fav song in high school, "California Dreamin" So grateful I grew up in the 60's, + 70's ❤

[@Bronzeone1956]

Michelle , changed my life, i was captured by her beauty at age 12, I still listen to her music. I wish i had run into her in my 20's she would have been 12 years my senior, but I didn't care 1 bit about age. Something about Michelle turns me on to this day! God i miss those songs, and wish they had made many, many more! Love Ya Michelle! Kevin Randolph of Acworth ga.

[@ysgol3]

Kevin - I totally agree, especially about MORE music... Have you seen the amazing clip of Cass and John Denver live singing Leaving On A Jet Plane ? How I wish Cass had lived long enough to record Annie's Song.

[@DC-js4gk]

I've only met a legend a few times, had a brief chat with Michael Palin, Jonny Lee Miller and a '60s musician and they were all great to chat with. Michelle has a sense of mystery that probably isn't real, probably from a childhood crush. She's funny and unpretentious

[@thedrunkenbananas1498]

I met ozzy

[@Kevin-yh9yt]

What a great interview!! The Mamas and the Papas were my obsession as a teenager. I was ready to run away from home and go to California!! Listening to her take on it all puts their fame into perspective. Thank you, Michelle, for this glimpse into your blase outlook on the whole MandP part of your fame. Stay well, madam. No salt on your tail!!

[@scottvincen]

It's nice to hear there were good memories during their time together.

[@amd0213]

Love the Mama & Papas!! Loved all of the them & music was awesome.

[@davidtuer5825]

What a lovely woman. Beautiful, intelligent and self aware.

[@fool4singing]

I'm glad they got inducted into the "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame." Now, let's get The Carpenters in there!

[@alinesodre334]

the Carpenters are not there yet? :(

[@paulm1162]

MY GOD!! they aint in there yet........WTF!!!

[@tomo0086]

Who actually is in this “hall of fame” I wanna know

[@fool4singing]

@@paulm1162 It's very political. The people who select who gets inducted think they'll look "uncool" if they put The Carpenters in there. The same reason they won't put The Osmonds in there,..although The Jackson Five, who put out music that was pretty much identical as to what the Osmonds were putting out back then, ARE in the Hall of Fame. Again,..it's politics. They were afraid if they didn't put The Jackson Five in there, the black community would be outraged and raise a fuss...

[@fool4singing]

@Tilly Divine The Mama's and the Papa's aren't technically rock, and neither is Whitney Houston, and the Jackson Five and Michael Jackson weren't rock,..Jackson Five is almost Bubblegum,..Madonna is pop, NOT rock,..there are tons who are in there who aren't technically "rock."

[@tylercarter8603]

Grab bag hell, those songs were gems! I am 40 and those songs were the best harmonies I had ever heard growing up. The sound they created was second to none. John Phillips was a genius, especially adding Mamma Cass Elliot. Marines breed greatness, when I found out he was born on Parris Island, I knew where he got the discipline. I spent four years there in the Marine Corps. My son is 9, and I love letting him listen to this astronomical group. Michelle, God Bless you for still carrying the torch and keeping the groups spirit alive. You guys were a blessing to rock music. You touched my life!

[@laurabaker9468]

She has a beautiful smile

[@strat8333]

I was and remain a fan. Something that was wonderful about the late 50's/60's was that there were so many wonderful groups who sang angelically. Mamas and Papas topped my list. Michelle was my dream...so pretty and such a voice. If you read this stuff Michelle, I live in Whitehorse, Yukon so I'm not going to drop in in a horrid way. I watched this interview on youtube. Thank you for doing that. Thanks for the tunes and the interview. best to you...p

[@montemichelbleu]

This was such a fun and engrossing interview. Ernie Manouse is a fabulous interviewer and really seems to put his guest at ease, and Michelle is absolutely charming and quite open. And yes....beautiful as ever. Thank You.

[@tomfinland9572]

Fantastic interview ..... one of the best interviewers, Ernie.. A+A+A+

[@califtom]

most beautiful woman to ever grace a rock and roll stage by a long shot.

[@tomsparks6099]

Regardless of her place in the M & Ps , with probably a lot of heartaches and abuse she does not disclose, she had resilience. You can't deny that. She is the sole survivor, that says something.

[@AlexandertheGreat99]

Well, she was younger than the rest of them, so of course she's the only one left...

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

she broke a lot of hearts herself.

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

@@AlexandertheGreat99 not much younger. 3 years younger than Cass. 4 years younger than Denny.

[@bobdavis4848]

@@AlexandertheGreat99 That is no proof it always works that way. It doesn't. The first of the Monkees to die, Davy Jones, sure wasn't the oldest. The only remaining Gibb brother of the four from the Bee Gees is the oldest.

[@Quaker-tc8ue]

@@AlexandertheGreat99 Brian Austin Green, who at 17, was one of the younger cast members on the popular TV show “Beverly Hills, 90210” is alive, well and 49 years old. Luke Perry, who was 23 when the show started, died four years ago from a massive ischemic stroke, at 52.

[@rachelaspogard6587]

She has a great life force.

[@BeatlesGirlKaren]

So glad to hear she & Cass were good friends.

[@jimgardner1569]

Very nice interview. I remember her from the Mamas And Papas and from "Knots Landing." You would never believe that the singer and actress were one and the same.

[@rusty6378]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Great to see we both loved Cass Elliot. Her solo performances will always be remembered as magical. Fortunately we can see her forever. via the net Thanks again Greg.

[@SWDetboy]

What a lovely interview. I've always liked her, more because of the Mamas & the Papas. The host is very good & classy.

[@MsElke11]

I'm watching her on daughter Chyna's California Preaching videos. Fascinating family.

[@grammichal6759]

YES!! Chynna Phillips Baldwin does a great job with her YT channel! Her husband Billy Baldwin is great as are all her interviews.

[@paulkavanaghk]

She still looked great in that interview!

[@ProfessorTime]

She's a smart, thoughtful, articulate lady. I was pleasantly surprised.

[@eugeneparra3894]

I always loved this very gorgeous Lady and she still looks really great.

[@christianward5616]

If I could take her wig off trust me there is fuck all beauty she has about thirty hairs on her head

[@Altamisal]

@@christianward5616 How do you know?

[@janezamudio4940]

@@Altamisal Probably from seeing her on Chynna Phillips' channel, California Preachin'. Without wig and make-up, she looks her full 76 years now.

[@Altamisal]

@@janezamudio4940 Ah well. We all get older.

[@runidjurhuus3937]

This is from 2005

[@hughhaefner3317]

Ernie, a great interviewer. Enjoyed this.

[@emelio7995]

I love her song "No love Today" in the 70's and I'm still listening it till now.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

I just spotted it on You Tube Music and listened to it in the last 10 minutes while watching this interview. Very nice. If only she did promote the album and possible made another, she could have been up there with Streisand, Judy Collins, etc. She has that kind of voice

[@NoRosesForMe]

YES indeed! THANK YOU ♥ LOVE Cass! SO much love and many hugs and smiles n all that goodness for yr comment! Peace~"Jen"

[@earlclark4063]

What a lovely woman. I have her autograph. A friend was a waiter and worked in a restaurant in Savannah. Michelle came in to dine and my friend knew I was a fan so he asked her to sign something for me. Me and the friend would always call each other flops as a joke, so Michelle was cool enough to call me a flop with her autograph. Lol.

[@Jamcon7]

Another great interview Ernie!

[@Abc-ho9ku]

60 years later. Still amazing.

[@deekk3936]

Wow! Less than years together? Their music defined a generation!

[@TheJerryw08]

She is a beautiful woman.

[@christianward5616]

With the wig

[@choff56]

She still sticks up for John Phillips. The guy was talented at song writing , but one of the biggest creeps that ever lived, not even including the incest charges .

[@gregghorner9107]

Yep, molesting your own daughter for 10 years certainly qualifies for the creep label.

[@Scorchy666]

Chyna was devastated. This interview wasn't taped that long after McKenzie's book was released. I think Michelle made certain topics off-limits during the pre interview so not to upset her any further.

[@Lennon6412]

Michelle and John were both terrible people.

[@leandrosl3240]

@@Lennon6412 Michelle was fine idiot

[@isynciswim7382]

She wasn’t raped. It was consensual and fueled by drugs.

[@Bananadiva1]

@HoustonPBS thanks for this brilliant upload.

[@lololomo5484]

A sweet mix of modesty and insight by the last-standing member of a musical group FOR THE AGES. At the end of this little talk, she gives credit to her father for teaching her bravery to overcome new challenges. Cute as hell "Mich" Phillips, sole surviivor of the Mamas and Papas? No way, we would have said. But look at her.

[@rebeccagutierrez3291]

LoloLomo

[@flameretardant]

she is so down to earth & lovely here. She doesn't come off as vain as she did in 1986 Regis Philbin interview.

[@edlawrence5059]

She looks like a different person.

[@123Goldhunter11]

Earth Angle was a term made for her in her youth. I was 15 when I first saw her. One of millions of smitten teenage boys in the 60's.

[@koritsi56]

Was she 45 degrees or 90 degrees? Do you mean angel 👼 not angle 📉

[@VicoPrae]

I just didn't want this interview to end

[@vcoonrod]

She is essentially saying that once you get too much money, you stop being productive to society.Likelly correct.

[@Tackytiger74]

She is beautiful, witty and funny. Good interviewer too!

[@Avidcomp]

Nice to share birthdays with you Michelle.

[@mason114932]

I love her hairstyle here . I so miss music like the 60s. LOVE the Mama & Papas so much.

[@russ5024]

It is a wig

[@paulhunter9613]

Russ doesn’t know what style is, or class for that matter

[@7evenunicorns]

Here in the U.K. there was a programme aired in 1987 to mark the 20th. anniversary of Sgt. Peppers. Michelle was interviewed and there she was beautiful, blonde and bathed in sunshine. Sipping a strange looking drink from a strange looking glass, she looked the archetypal California Girl. I haven't been able to find it anywhere but I'd recommend you all look for it. Regards all.

[@petersvan7880]

Thank you for this interview with perhaps the most attractive singer of all times (sorry ladies) :)

[@MrKevonski]

I'm a painter too, I painted my wife, she's gorgeous as well, now I'm a widower, xxxx

[@coolsweetgroovy]

Thanks I love Michelle

[@marywestwood1637]

Why is she wearing a wig???

[@Alkes777]

That was a great interview.

[@larcenyoflife8604]

Best wishes to Michelle. as for the Mamas and Papas your voices carried me up

[@johnhardin4358]

Sole survivor. She started young. I am her age. The mug in I see in the mirror is rough stretch of road. Looks like she took good care of herself. Fewer toxins? Quite the youth culture heart throb back in the day. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

[@RSEFX]

This interview, I believe, was done in 2005 or thereabouts.

[@julieshelley1243]

Such a lovely and bright gal.. beautiful gal..

[@metro-xs1mz]

In this interview she kind a looks like Lauren Tewes from Love boat.

[@nehamamama4272]

The hair

[@janezamudio4940]

It's the wig.

[@mrsmacca126]

rocket man chipmunk teeth

[@irenerichardson7108]

All those things...but right you are!

[@JudgeJulieLit]

@@janezamudio4940 But an attractive wig.

[@alanhodges8839]

As water finds its own level The Mamas And Papas found their own level right at the top of the world. It was bound to happen to such a brilliant harmonising group. Michelle is so beautiful she would be accepted in any job.

[@lemurianchick]

People are "accepted" in any job because of their looks? 🙄🤦‍♀

[@timmellin2815]

I was color commentator for some L.A. HS football a few yrs. ago; we broadcast a game w/ Marshall HS.,(The Barristers) and in my preparation study I noticed Michelle Phillips had attended Marshall HS. I couldn't resist a comment like: "The Barristers are trying to pin a guilty verdict on the Lincoln Tigers, but it's the Tigers who are going where they wanna go, and doing what they want, want to do...."

[@EM-fg2wg]

she is very diplomatic about the way she describes how the break up was but the fact of the matter is in the case of this group when fame hit them they didn't know how to handle it egos got to their head they were not able to work together and had to split

[@stonedaily7637]

Legend for sure!!

[@MrMrsilver1]

She still has her fascinating personality

[@PARADISE7670]

College kids? I was in High School and I watched Knots Landing. Always blew my 10 P.M. bedtime just because of that show. Michelle was brilliant in it, as well as the others. Terri Austin was another favourite. Michelle was a brilliant singer as well.

[@bernardovillegas8820]

Phillips was no more than eye candy CASS was the voice of the mamas and the papas

[@boffo63]

It was harmony. Cass had the best voice. It wouldn't work without Ringo, know what I mean

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

the whole group was responsible for the singing and the sound.

[@michaelgarcia2050]

Not sure about that - I've listened to those albums and I don't hear anything wrong with her singing. If you screw up singing harmonies you wreck the whole thing. I heard nothing being wrecked, and this was long before autotune.

[@LubaFan]

Cass was THE voice. Michelle did provide a solid support behind her, though. A lighter, airier contrast.

[@suzanneemery9100]

That wig really suits her,very pretty!!

[@stonedaily7637]

This is an 2005 interview. She looks just fine!!

[@anderander5662]

Not anymore....look on KZbin....she has really aged.

[@RockinRob69]

She's 77 today and looks like an old Grandma

[@anderander5662]

@THISIS XxTHEGIRLXx Got triggered didn’t you…..lol

[@lorimiller4301]

She looks like a normal Grandmother. Good for her 👏 she was incredibly beautiful but she's also strong and confident enough to be her real self. I say good on her.

[@danicafilipic3121]

You guys should quit your comments about looks. Look into the mirror yourself!!!

[@peternewman3487]

Your music is immortalised.

[@catsarereallycool]

An artistic genius and still such a beautiful woman.

[@michaelfrazia4569]

I always thought John was the brains behind the tunes. I thought she basically sang and looked pretty which would hardly make her a genius. Paul mccartney is a musician I've seen called a genius. I am not trying to be mean so I would love to know what she did that you call her a genius. Im now curious

[@cacacarlosfelipe9548]

Lovely songs, Michelle. Thank you. Charlie, from Brazil.

[@alexbacskai7347]

Loved her on Knots Landing.

[@ricardoagulilar7397]

I love Michelle

[@catherinemoore9534]

The Cass-Michelle relationship was mostly friendly. 🤔🤔 except for a time when... Nevermind, better forget it, why make a fuss now, hey? But that time between girls and boys is what has made this group so fascinating. They lived the meaning and the cost of doing relationships as an experience but Cass paid the bill in the end. Their souls are entwined for ever.

[@darkmanillinois6975]

A true beauty. She is so blessed.

[@FJTiernan]

this was 2005 when Michelle was on a promotional tour for a Mamas and Papas dvd.

[@kenhobbs9251]

She was and still is Gorgeous

[@CovidConQuitTheCensorship]

I love Michelle. She's always so honest and funny. She didn't look well here though. Credit to her for trouping on through the interview

[@andrewhoult4630]

i love Michelle Philips even though she's a little bit older but still stunningly beautiful❤

[@projektdoskonay7055]

I listen to her music in April 2020. What year was this interview done? A wonderful and interesting woman - mesmerizing.

[@judyivie4181]

So beautiful and sharp. I just think this lady had so much talent. I think her daughter doesn't respect her that much and it makes me very sad.

[@FJTiernan]

this was during Michelle's tour to promote the new dvd via NPR in 2005

[@amycrunch3812]

So genuine. 👍

[@stevekaspar1396]

One of the most beautiful women ever

[@SaxonC]

I loved Michelle when she co starred on Knots Landing. I remember one scene where she tried seducing the Character of Mack and she put on a record and it was The Mamas and the Papas hit song “Dedicated to the one I love”

[@JudgeJulieLit]

That episode was amazing.

[@bfx20018f]

What a doll.

[@tixximmi1]

She looks better than when she was 21.

[@MrMakemyday3]

she was only 21 when JOHN put her on top of the charts

[@ediekoller1144]

Great wig:)

[@sherryzumo1823]

Love Michelle

[@MrPow19]

This is 2011? wow she looks amazing! I love Michelle, have since 1967.

[@4Barbe]

This is a 2005 interview, and she does look amazing!

[@debbieclark5333]

She's still extremely beautiful... Some people are quite catty :(

[@ksteiger]

She is still hot as a pistol and she is almost 70... I think Sandra may want to take a look in her mirror...

[@judithcooper8361]

debbie Clark

[@me67226]

Look at her now

[@christianward5616]

It's amazing what a wig can do

[@arascott7339]

Still buck toothed and ugly

[@maryheffernan2627]

Mama Cass and John were the X factor in the group She just tagged along

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

I am still convinced the actress Michelle Williams was named after her, since they both have blonde hair and green eyes.

[@cultus_amuse0009]

eu amo tanto a michelle 🥺

[@Stufireman]

They just don't make music as appealing these days as it was back in the 60's and 70's ... oh for another Mama's and the Pappa's

[@sonyaedwards3311]

Stuart Walsh I agree with you there. They certainly don't. I love The Mamas and Papas The penguin image oh my god he is so cute

[@robingagan6288]

Stuart Walsh can't even dance to the music now, it has no melody

[@nellyfarnsworth7381]

Today's music is crap. Just yelling

[@sandyrose2398]

@@nellyfarnsworth7381 I'm Michelle's age --- and, YES, the best music was in the 1960s/70s. I never noticed Michelle when they sang --- Mama Cass was the one I noticed.

[@Guitar11player]

There were certain types of women in southern California in the mid-1960s who had a thing called "Class" and a natural love of life, free-spirited, singing talent, and yet be so damn good looking, and there were not that many women who have had these rare traits. When she was in the Mamas and Papas she was jaw-dropping beautiful to most guys in the 1960s including me!

[@noiui9496]

I love you Michelle and best to Ypu always!

[@7mandoblu]

It's amazing that Michelle Phillips is the only living member of MAMAS AND THE PAPAS. It's sad.

[@truespyfan]

agree