An artist named Michelle Phillips, who is now the only surviving member of the famed pop harmony group the Mamas and the Papas after Denny Doherty’s passing in 2007, was instrumental in creating California’s sound.
Michelle, originally named Holly Michelle Gilliam and born June 4, 1944, had married one of her group mates, John Phillips, in 1962, long before the quartet began performing together.
It is often overlooked that the Mamas and Papas were not immediately successful. In 1965, their debut single “Go Where You Wanna Go” failed to chart in the US. In the end, however, they struck gold until 1968 with hits such as ‘California Dreamin” and ‘Monday Monday’.
One of the group members, Michelle Phillips, initially had no interest in performing on stage. In a 2004 interview with this writer, she said: “I had no ambition to ever be on the podium. I wanted to be John’s wife.” While eating in the kitchen, John asked her to sing a part, but she didn’t think it would lead to her joining the troupe.
At first performing was difficult for Michelle. She was not used to doing spirited banter and felt scared on stage. On the other hand, Cass Elliot, Denny Doherty and John loved to perform because it was their lifelong dream, and they performed often.
Michelle’s first time in a studio at Western Sounds with Lou Adler and the group was also her first time in front of a microphone.
Michelle eventually moved on to acting and appeared in numerous TV shows, series, and movies, such as Dillinger, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination in 1973.
She also released an underrated solo album in 1977, Victim of Romance, produced by and with Jack Nitzsche.
Michelle Phillips was extremely proud of her daughter Chynna’s huge success
Michelle Phillips was extremely proud of the huge success of her daughter Chynna, who was a member of the pop sensation group Wilson Phillips in the early 1990s.
Despite leaving the Mamas and the Papas decades earlier, Michelle is surprised and delighted by the continued popularity of their music, which continues to attract new generations of fans.
In a 2004 interview, Michelle expressed surprise at the longevity of their catalog’s success.
She stated, “It is shocking in a way that the catalog has been so successful ten years after decade. It doesn’t seem to lose its potency, and I’m always thrilled to hear what they’re trying to get out of it.
Even after all these years, she remains enthusiastic that their music continues to appeal to people.
Michelle’s fondness for the music business is evident in her love of the term ‘publishing’. She finds it funny that her royalties, which she earns from the use of her music, are called spending.
Michelle’s passion for music is something she’s endured all her life, and she’s always happy to talk about it. Despite her successful career in acting and music, she is always grateful for the legacy of the Mamas and Papas and the joy their music brings to others.
