As a child of the sixties, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the passing of Denny Doherty, a founding member of the folk-rock group, the Mamas and the Papas.
Doherty, who began his musical career with the folk trio Halifax Three, joined several different folk groups in New York City including the Big Three, the Mugwumps, and the New Journeymen. The New Journeymen, which consisted of Cassandra "Cass" Elliot, John Phillips, and Michelle Phillips, eventually moved to California in the mid '60's and evolved into the highly successful group, the Mamas and the Papas. The Mamas and the Papas, which were one of the first major bands to give equal billing and performing to both men and women, hit the pop charts with their hits "California Dreamin", "Monday, Monday", "I Saw Her Again", "Words of Love"and "Dedicated to the One I Love." Their accomplishments were recognized with entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Denny Doherty's lead tenor provided the springboard for the group's mellifluous harmonies and guitar accompaniments.
After the break-up of the Mamas and the Papas, Doherty began a solo career and released several albums. Although a short-lived reunion with new members was attempted in the 1980's, Doherty returned to Canada as an actor and starred in Theodore Tugboat, a widely watched children's variety show.
Episodes from this program are available at the library as Theodore's Friendly Adventures and Theodore Helps a Friend. The Mamas and Papas are featured on The Complete Monterey Pop Festival, Ed Sullivan's Rock 'N' Roll Classics, and on a compact disc 16 of Their Greatest Hits.