Jan 24, 2007

Denny Doherty Dies

Denny Doherty, the main vocalist for the folk-pop super group, The Mamas and the Papas, died January 19 at his home in Mississauga, Ontario. He was 66, and had recently been ill.

Sorry for the delay in relaying the information. But in case you missed it, I thought I should share the sad news with you nonetheless.

Canadian readers may feel a special affinity for Mr. Doherty. Not only did he make some great music in the 1960s and 70s, but most recently, he played the only human character on the widely popular CBC children’s show, Theodore Tugboat.

Plus, all Canadians who are currently experiencing the dead of winter, will always relate with the group’s smash hit, “California Dreamin’.”

While John Phillips was the group’s principal songwriter, Doherty provided the majority of lead vocals, always with a clean, friendly tone that could, at times, also sound slightly rough and downright mean.

In addition to “California Dreamin’,” songs such as “Monday, Monday” and “Dedicated to the One I Love” earned the group an induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Perhaps most importantly, though, they were one of the first pop groups to feature male and female singers equally.

Recent days have seen the appearance of several interesting obituaries and retrospectives on Doherty’s career. My favorites are from the New York Times, CBC, Rolling Stone and NPR.

It is sad news indeed. Remember, though, if you are feeling depressed, just hum those immortal bars “All the leaves are brown…,” and I guarantee that you’ll feel better.

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