The Mamas & the Papas, Denny Doherty Dies at the Age of 66

Denny Doherty passed away on Friday, January 19, 2007 in Mississauga, Ontario (outside of Toronto). Denny Doherty was most well-known as a member of The Mamas and The Papas, the 1960s hit folk music group. He was only sixty-six years old. According to his sister he passed away at home after a brief illness.

Doherty's musical career started at the age of twenty in 1960 when he founded the group, "The Colonials". This group was short lived though his musical career continued when in 1965 The Mamas and The Papas were formed, they signed a recording contract, and their musical legend began. The Mamas and The Papas were made up of: Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, John Phillips, and Michelle Phillips.

The Mamas and The Papas had their first big hit in 1966 with chart topper, "California Dreamin'". Doherty's tenor voice will long be remembered as we hum along with this "oldie but goodie". Over the next three years they recorded five albums and ten top ten hits. Their tenure was short lived but their music was not. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 as well as the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000. Other favorite hits of The Mamas and The Papas are "Monday, Monday" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me". They sold approximately twenty million albums.

The group's demise was brought on by infidelity and drug use amongst band members. Though The Mamas and The Papas did come together briefly in 1972 again. The only surviving member of the group is Michelle Phillips.

Denny Doherty's career went in a different direction and in 1993 he took on the role of the Harbour Master in children's television show, Theodore Tugboat. This fun loving children's show told the story of vessels in a busy harbor.

The lyrics of The Mamas and The Papas hit, "Dream a Little Dream of Me" are appropriate in the passing of Denny Doherty. Think of Mr. Doherty as you sing along.

"Stars shining bright above you
night breezes seem to whisper
I love you
Birds singin' in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me.
Say "nighty night" and kiss me
just hold me tight and tell me
you'll miss me.

Sweet dreams til