John Phillips was born.
Cass Elliot was born.
Denny Doherty was born.
Michelle Phillips was born.
John Phillips’ folk group, the Journeyman, disbands and reforms as a trio comprising Phillips, Denny Doherty and Michelle Phillips as the New Journeymen. They relocate to the Virgin Islands, where they are joined by Cass Elliot (late of the Mugwumps).
Having named themselves the Mamas and the Papas, the quartet signs to Dunhill Record.
The Mamas and the Papas’ debut single, “California Dreamin’,” reaches #4. Over time, it becomes the Mamas and the Papas’ signature song.
“Monday, Monday” hits #1, where it remains for three weeks. It is, according to ‘The Billboard Book of Number One Hits’, “the first song recorded by a fully sexually integrated group to go to Number One.”
‘If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears’—a vocal-group classic that includes “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday”—reaches #1. Its 105-week tenure on the album chart surpasses that of any Beatles album save ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.’
A remake of the Shirelles’ “Dedicated to the One I Love” stays at #2 for three weeks behind the Turtles’ “Happy Together.”
The autobiographical “Creque Alley” peaks at #5. It is the Mamas and the Papas’ sixth and final Top Ten hit.
The Mamas and the Papas close the final evening of the Monterey International Pop Festival.
Struggling with intergroup conflicts and romantic tensions, not to mention personal excesses that accompanied sudden fame and wealth, the Mamas and the Papas disband.
The Mamas and the Papas release ‘People Like Us’, an album recorded to fulfill their contractual obligations to Dunhill Records.
Mama Cass Elliot dies of a heart attack in London.
The Mamas and Papas reunion tour begins in New York. Phillips and Doherty have re-formed the group with Mackenzie Phillips and Spanky McFarlane replacing Michelle Phillips and Mama Cass.
John Phillips and Michelle Phillips each publish tell-all books about their life and times in the Mamas and the Papas.
The Mamas and the Papas are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the thirteenth annual induction dinner. Shania Twain is their presenter.
John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas dies of heart failure in Los Angeles.
Denny Doherty of the Mamas and the Papas died.
