In the early sixties, two Canadians, Denny Doherty and Zal Yanovsky, headed south to Greenwich Village, where they met singer-songwriter, folk and blues musician John Sebastian. The three of them performed regularly at a local coffee house called The Night Owl Cafe. “Mama” Cass Elliot arrived in the Village, and the four of them became the Mugwumps, a folk rock act without commercial success that became famous only for launching the careers of its members.
After the Mugwumps disbanded, Mama Cass and Denny Doherty joined John Phillips and his wife Michelle “Michi” Phillips to form The Mamas & the Papas, while John Sebastian and Zal Yanovsky founded The Lovin’ Spoonful.
Creeque Alley, the last major hit charted by The Mamas & the Papas, chronicles these events, and mentions The Night Owl at approximately the one minute mark into the track, but you have to listen carefully for it.
The Lovin’ Spoonful created the memorable pop rock classics in tonight’s playlist. John Sebastian (wearing eyeglasses) was lead singer, while Zal Yanovsky (with a mop of hair nearly obscuring his eyes) played lead guitar.
Sebastian later wrote and sang, Welcome Back, the theme song for the TV show, “Welcome Back, Kotter”.
1965 #9
Do You Believe in Magic (2:08)
1965 #10
You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice (2:28)
1966 #2
Daydream
(on The Ed Sullivan Show, March 19, 1967)
1966 #2
Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind? (2:01)
1966 #1
Summer in the City (2:42)
1966 #10
Rain on the Roof (2:13)
1966 #8
Nashville Cats (2:36)
1967 #15
Darling Be Home Soon (3:36)
