Long before there were revelations about the twisted relationship between John Phillips and his daughter Mackenzie, there was the Mamas & the Papas, one of the defining groups to deliver a West Coast sound to pop music in the 60s. They pretty much defined the hippie movement and the San Fransisco sound for many. The sound was bright and fresh, with an intelligence to the lyrics not often seen on Top 40 radio. And this song defines the music of autumn.
The Mamas & the Papas were together for just 3 years, from 1965 to 1968. They were John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, 'Mama' Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty. My favorite song of theirs was Creeque Alley, an amazing song wirtten about the folk scene in music at the time.
The Mamas and the Papas - Creeque Alley
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Cass Elliot had one of the most identifiable and gorgeous voice in music at the time. It was so very sad she died in 1974, before she could leave a greater library of music for the world. Even sadder was the rumor-turned-fact-that's-false of how she died. Cass died of heart failure, although the lies about her choking on a ham sandwich persist to this day.
Califonia Dreamin' always comes to mind at this time of year. I still mis MaMa Cass!
ReplyDeleteStephen, it does, doesn't it? I couldn't resist posting it.
ReplyDeleteCreeque Alley is a great song. My fave of theirs is 12:30 (Young Girls are Coming to the Canyon). Cass's voice just SOARS on that song!
ReplyDeleteBeth, Cass is rather special. Just love her voice!
ReplyDeleteAnd Michelle Phillips was FINE!
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