On this day in music history: May 7, 1966 - “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas And The Papas hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks. Written by John Phillips, is the biggest hit for the Los Angeles, CA based folk/rock group. In the period before they land a record deal and become successful, Mamas and Papas’ leader John Phillips makes two predictions about the group. That they will score a number one single, and win a Grammy Award within two years. Fast forward to a year later, the group are signed to producer Lou Adler’s Dunhill Records, and begin recording their first album. The song “Monday, Monday” is the last track recorded for the groups debut album “If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears”. Initially Cass, Michelle, Denny, and producer Lou Adler initially are not in favor of the song, and John has to persuade them to record it. Phillips’ intuition about the song is confirmed when radio stations begin playing it as an album cut while their previous single “California Dreamin’” is still riding the charts. Shipped as a single by Dunhill Records in late March of 1966, it is an immediate smash, selling over 150,000 copies on its first day of release. Entering the Hot 100 at #79 on April 9, 1966, it rockets to the top of the chart four weeks later. “Monday” wins The Mamas And The Papas a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group in 1967, fulfilling both promises John Phillips had made to his band mates. “Monday, Monday” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.thanks to the most excellent Jeff Harris' blog 'Behind The Grooves
For this lovely warm sunny day here in the UK a celebration of the day.
Mind you, I have been trying to find the written account of John Phillips' heroin addiction which frankly is one of the most terrifying and extraordinary accounts of addiction I have ever come across [and I have worked with quite few!] But however I cannot find it . . . . . . it details the gross consumption afforded by vast wealth and at one point Phillips maintains he was injecting every 15-20 minutes or so.
Hi Andy, first off I want to say I love this place and your comments. However just a quick note about the recent R&R Hall of Fame this thing ran over 3 hours with most of the time going to 2 artists. Nina Simone and Bon Jovi. I dunno but I hit the fast forward button during both of these inductions. Simone's music never did anything for me,and I consider Bon Jovi pedestrian at best. One more thing in the picture that accompanies your blog there is a picture of you with a guitar. Do you have any of your own music you wish to share?
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by Jobe and your comments are appreciated - I don't record anything I play but use the guitar and piano as therapy of sports and enjoy making a noise that please me. The guitar featured in the photo is from one of my dearest friends the DoP filmmaker Stephen Blackman who had a little Fender lying around amongst others.
ReplyDeleteI collect Harmony guitars from the States and you used to be able to pick them up relatively cheaply. Not so much any more. I also have a 1930's Kalamazoo which we think is the guitar featured in the most famous picture of Robert Johnson. Suffice to say it is a poor man's Gibson which you can find around for a fraction of the cost of a Gibson acoustic. They were made during the Depression and out of the same woods (which is the key to most guitars including why Harmony's are such little belters) by Gibson to provide a little journeyman guitar for those who couldn't afford a Gibson proper (like me today!) Sorry bit of ramble there but thanks for asking. Keep up all the great posts you do!
Well then how about a little background? I would love to know about your guitar collection, your time as a youth in the UK. What life changing event put you on this course of dedicating your time for being one of the best music analysts. How about stories of any hanging out you may have done with our "musical heroes" But even if you don't want to do that I still look forward to coming here daily and reading your thoughtful insights
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