The Mamas and the Papas are another band featuring both men and women that had enduring popularity throughout the British Invasion years.  They were also one of the first American bands that fans began to know individually the way they knew the Beatles:  Suave bandleader John Phillips, his gorgeous wife Michelle Phillips, the muscular singer Cass Elliot (who became known almost immediately as “Mama Cass”), and Denny Doherty, the other Papa.  Mama Cass was the first prominent big woman in rock and roll.   

(November 2013)