R.I.P. Denny Doherty
Denny Doherty, one quarter of the Mamas and Papas, died today at age 66.
Denny, along with "Mama" Cass Elliot, and Michelle and John Phillips, formed the group in 1966 and broke up in 1968. Several abortive attempts to re-band the group in 1971 and 1982 failed.
California Dreamin’ is one of my all-time favorite songs. But few people know that many children may be mourning Denny’s death as well… he was the harbormaster and voiced all the characters of the popular T.V. series "Theodore Tugboat". This show was absolutely Aaron’s favorite during his toddler years (after he outgrew the Teletubbies.)
Mama Cass died in 1974, at 30 years old, of a sudden heart attack. John Phillips died in 2001. John and Michelle were also parents of other famous offspring – Mackenzie (One Day At A Time) and Chynna (Wilson Phillips) Phillips. The other 2/3 of Wilson Phillips were Carnie and Wendy Wilson, daughters of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. This connection between the two 1960’s bands famous for their harmonies is not coincidental.
Rest In Peace, Harbormaster Doherty.