Canada to California:
Dennis Gerrard Stephen Doherty was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on November 29, 1940. At age 20 he became a founding member of the folk group, The Colonials (who changed their name to The Halifax Three after scoring a record deal.) After three years and one minor hit ("The Man Who Wouldn't Sing Along With Mitch") the band broke up.
Dennis Gerrard Stephen Doherty was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on November 29, 1940. At age 20 he became a founding member of the folk group, The Colonials (who changed their name to The Halifax Three after scoring a record deal.) After three years and one minor hit ("The Man Who Wouldn't Sing Along With Mitch") the band broke up.
Papas Meet Mamas:
Over the next couple of years (1963-1965) Doherty crossed paths with Cass Elliot (with whom he performed in a band called The Mugwumps,) John Phillips (who hired Doherty for his group The New Journeymen after The Mugwumps disbanded) and Phillips' wife, Michelle, a former model. The four formed a band called The Magic Circle, changing their name to The Mamas and the Papas upon landing a recording contract with Dunhill Records in the autumn of 1965.
Over the next couple of years (1963-1965) Doherty crossed paths with Cass Elliot (with whom he performed in a band called The Mugwumps,) John Phillips (who hired Doherty for his group The New Journeymen after The Mugwumps disbanded) and Phillips' wife, Michelle, a former model. The four formed a band called The Magic Circle, changing their name to The Mamas and the Papas upon landing a recording contract with Dunhill Records in the autumn of 1965.
Denny and Mitchy Get a Little Itchy:
Doherty shared the writing credit (with John Phillips) on "I Saw Her Again Last Night," "For the Love of Ivy" and "Got a Feelin'". The two also shared Phillips' wife. Doherty and Michelle Phillips began an affair shortly after the band formed. It lasted until Michelle was kicked out of the band (only to return a few months later) the following year.
Doherty shared the writing credit (with John Phillips) on "I Saw Her Again Last Night," "For the Love of Ivy" and "Got a Feelin'". The two also shared Phillips' wife. Doherty and Michelle Phillips began an affair shortly after the band formed. It lasted until Michelle was kicked out of the band (only to return a few months later) the following year.
Post-Papa :
After the Mamas and the Papas broke up in 1968, Doherty pursued a solo career that produced the 1974 album, Waiting For a Song. He got steady work as an actor in a number of TV series during the 80s and 90s. In 2003 he produced and performed in a stage show, Dream a Little Dream, a musical and spoken word narrative about the Mamas and the Papas.
After the Mamas and the Papas broke up in 1968, Doherty pursued a solo career that produced the 1974 album, Waiting For a Song. He got steady work as an actor in a number of TV series during the 80s and 90s. In 2003 he produced and performed in a stage show, Dream a Little Dream, a musical and spoken word narrative about the Mamas and the Papas.
Final Curtain:
Doherty died at his home near Toronto, Ontario on January 19, 2007 at the age of 66, of an abdominal aneurysm. He was survived by three children, three sisters, and a brother.
Doherty died at his home near Toronto, Ontario on January 19, 2007 at the age of 66, of an abdominal aneurysm. He was survived by three children, three sisters, and a brother.
