The Mamas & The Papas

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New York, United States (1965 – 1968, 1971 – 1972)

The Mamas & the Papas (credited as The Mama’s and the Papa’s on the debut album cover) were a leading vocal group of the 1960s. The group recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968; releasing five albums and charting ten hit singles; while relatively a short time in the realm of popular music, some group members have pointed to their short time in the spotlight as a reason why they still have loyal fans today.

Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, John Phillips, and Michelle Phillips formed the group in New York after previous folk groups (The Mugwumps, The New Journeymen) failed. The foursome hit it big immediately after forming The Mamas & the Papas with California Dreamin’, still their most recognizable and enduring song (The group’s early history is amusingly chronicled in the song Creeque Alley).

The name of the band was inspired by a daytime television talk show. Before the group recorded their debut album If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears, the band was known for a short time as The Magic Circle. Wanting an easier name to remember, they were sitting around their house (which all four band members initially shared) brainstorming on a new name. Someone switched on the TV and a talk show was on with a Hells Angel. The first thing they heard was: “Now hold on there, Hoss. Some people call our women cheap, but we just call them our Mamas.

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Popular tags: classic rock, 60s, oldies, rock, pop  See more

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• If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears
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• Greatest Hits
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• California Dreamin' - The Best of The Mamas & The…
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• Universal Masters Collection
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1		California Dreamin'			5,786
2		Dream A Little Dream Of Me			1,314
3		Monday, Monday			1,209
4		Dedicated To The One I Love			568
5		Go Where You Wanna Go			424
6		California Dreamin' - Single Version			413
7		I Call Your Name			364
8		Straight Shooter			274
8		Dancing In The Street			274
10		Spanish Harlem			250
10		Creeque Alley			250
12		Do You Wanna Dance			249
13		Got A Feelin'			217
14		My Girl			214
15		Words Of Love			209

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