TWIT is sad to report that singer/songwriter Denny Doherty has died. He was only 66. Doherty died at his home in Mississauga, a city just west of Toronto, after a short illness. He had suffered kidney problems following surgery last month and had been put on dialysis.
In case you're not familiar with the name, Doherty was a founding member of the awesome folk/pop group The Mamas and Papas. While you probably don't recognize his face nor name, if you've heard "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" then you know him, for he was the voice behind those two monster hit songs. Most people thought that group member John Phillips was the lead singer on those two hits, but it was Doherty. Phillips wrote most of their songs, but Doherty sang most of the male lead vocals. He was overlooked, but he definitely carried the group.
In 1998, the Mamas and the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group's catchy sound was a blend of '60s upbeat pop and the folk music that had become popular in the early part of the decade. The group became popular in 1966 with the top 10 smash "California Dreamin'." "Monday, Monday" went to number one on the charts and won the band a Grammy for best contemporary group performance. The Mamas and the Papas were pioneers in pop music by having women and men in one group at a time when most singing groups were unisex. John Phillips, the group's chief songwriter; his wife, Michelle; and another female vocalist, Cass Elliot, teamed with Doherty.
I remember seeing video clips of the Mamas and Papas on shows in the 60's, and in most of them, Doherty is wearing a very cool fur hat while he performed. He would fit right in if he were performing today. You will be missed, Denny Doherty, but we'll remember you each time we hear your smoothe, almost-haunting voice.
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