MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Denny Doherty, one-quarter of the 1960s folk-rock group the Mamas and the Papas, known for their soaring harmony on hits like "California Dreamin' " and "Monday, Monday," died Friday at 66.
His sister Frances Arnold said the singer-songwriter died at his home in Mississauga, just west of Toronto, after a short illness. He had suffered kidney problems following surgery last month and had been on dialysis, Arnold said.
The group burst on the national scene in 1966 with the top 10 smash "California Dreamin'." They broke new ground by having women and men in one group at a time when most singing groups were unisex. John Phillips, the group's chief songwriter; his wife, Michelle; and female vocalist Cass Elliot teamed with Doherty.
"Monday, Monday" hit No. 1 on the charts and won the band a Grammy for best contemporary group performance. Among the group's other songs were "I Saw Her Again Last Night," "Go Where You Wanna Go" and versions of "I Call Your Name" and "Dedicated to the One I Love."
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"What made the group special was their haunting and sumptuous harmony singing," according to "The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll."
In 1998, the Mamas and the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The group's catchy sound was a blend of '60s upbeat pop and the folk music that had surged in popularity early in the decade. "Creeque Alley" told of their formation amid the musical ferment of the folk scene; among the other stars-to-be mentioned in its lyrics were members of the Lovin' Spoonful and the Byrds.
Folk superstars Peter, Paul and Mary paid their own tribute to the Mamas and the Papas with their humorous 1967 hit "I Dig Rock and Roll Music."
But the group's heyday was brief, and it disbanded in 1968 following John and Michelle Phillips' divorce. The members re-formed in 1971 for the album "People Like Us," but all hope for a reunion ended in 1974 when Elliot suffered a fatal heart attack in London at 32.
Phillips briefly re-formed the group in 1982 with Doherty; Phillips' actress-daughter, Mackenzie; and Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane. The foursome toured playing oldies and new Phillips originals.
In 2003, Doherty was co-author and performer in the off-Broadway show "Dream a Little Dream: The Mamas and the Papas Musical." It traced their early years, dizzying fame and breakup amid drugs, alcohol and an affair between Doherty and Michelle Phillips.
