- Scott McKenzie – The Voice of Scott McKenzie (1967)
In 1967 reluctant singer Scott McKenzie had one of the biggest hits of the era with "San Fransisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair," which became both an anthem for the entire "flower power" movement, and inspired thousands of wayward youth to migrate to California. However, despite its success, Scott McKenzie managed to get lost in the shuffle of the Summer of Love. A look at the origins of "San Fransisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" and the voice of Scott McKenzie. Extra: How the Montery Pop Festival gave birth to "San Fransisco," and Scott McKenzie's life long friendship with "Papa" John Phillips.
- Cass Elliot – Bubble Gum, Lemonadde and Something for Mama (1969)
In 1969 Cass Elliot went bubblegum and for the first time since leaving the Mamas and the Papas, became a Top 40 Billboard hitmaker. However, despite her success in this genre, it was not a direction she desired to go into. Why was Cass Rlliot forced to go into bubblegum music, and how did she make it work? The story of "Make Your Own Kind of Music" and "Getrting Better,": and the final phase of Cass Elliot's career.
- Cass Elliot – Dream a Little Dream (1968)
After the break up of The Mamas and the Papas, Cass Elliot rose to the top as the breakout member of the pop favorite, especially after the surprise success of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" in the summer of '68. Teamed up with superstar producer John Simon for her solo debut, Cass sought to create an authentic version of herself and harness the brand of music that was coming out of her Laurel Canyon community. However, marketing issues and expectations with her record label and a disastrous Caesar's Palace performance would nearly tank her solo career before it even began. The story of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and the missteps during the first year of Cass Elliot's move to being a solo performer..
- The Mugwumps – The Mugwumps (1967)
Immortalized with their mention in the hit song "Creeque Alley," more people have heard of The Mugwumps than have actually heard thier music. In 1964 Denny Doherty, Zal Yanovsky, Cass Elliott and Jim Hendricks, four musicians from recently defunct folk bands, joined forces to become The Mugwumps. In five short months they would form, record an album, have John Sebastian join the group and then break up before going their separate ways to super stardom. A look at the short but important life of one of the 1960's best curiosities.
- The Journeymen – New Directions in Folk Music (1963)
In 1961 childhood pals John Phillips and Scott McKenzie joined up with banjo player Dick Weissman to form the folk trio The Journeymen. With McKenzie on lead vocals and Phillips as the primary arranger, the group created intricate vocal harmonies, giving listeners a first glimpse of a sound that would eventually dominate the decade. Extra: The problem with writing about Papa John. Can we celebrate his music without celebrating the man?
- The Big 3 – The Big 3 (1963)
Years before she became "Mama Caas," singer Cass Elliot showcased her big voice and bigger personality as a member of the folk trio The Big 3. Consisting of Cass, Tim Rose and Jim Hendricks, the group gained national exposure, but never picked up steam despite releasing a small body of interesting work. A look at The Big 3, and the early days of Cass Elliot's career prior to becoming a 1960's icon.
