The Mamas And The Papas consists of Cass Elliot, Denny Doherty, John Phillips, Michelle Phillips.
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. They were one of the few American groups to maintain widespread success during the British Invasion (others being The Beach Boys and The Lovin' Spoonful). 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.
John Phillips, Cass Elliot, Denny Doherty and Michelle Phillips formed the group after several previous folk groups failed. They hit it big immediately after forming The Mamas & the Papas with California Dreamin', still their most recognizable and enduring song.
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 a name easier 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 Hell's 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." Cass jumped up and exclaimed, "Yeah! I want to be a Mama!" Michelle chimed in that she wanted to be a "Mama" too. John and Denny looked at each other and John said, "Papas? Okay, problem solved." And the band had a new name.
