Denny Doherty facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Denny Doherty
Doherty in a publicity photo, c. 1967
Born	Dennis Gerrard Stephen Doherty (1940-11-29)November 29, 1940 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Died	January 19, 2007(2007-01-19) (aged 66) Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Resting place	Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Occupation	Singer songwriter
Years active	1960–2007
Spouse(s)	Jeanette Doherty ​ ​ (m. 1978; died 1998)​
Children	3
Musical career
Genres	Folk, pop
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Labels	Dunhill Records
Associated acts	The Halifax III The Mugwumps The Mamas and the Papas

Dennis Gerrard Stephen Doherty (born November 29, 1940 – died January 19, 2007) was a Canadian singer and musician. He was a founding member of the famous 1960s music group, the Mamas & the Papas. Because of his work with the band, he was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Early Life and Music Start

Denny Doherty was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on November 29, 1940. He was the youngest of five children. He grew up in the North End of Halifax in a Catholic family. His father worked on the docks. His mother was a homemaker.

In 1956, Denny and three friends started a band called the Hepsters. They played together for two years. In 1960, when Denny was 19, he formed a folk music group called the Colonials. He was joined by Pat LaCroix and Richard Byrne.

A few months later, Columbia Records signed the group. They changed their name to the Halifax III. The band recorded two albums. They had a small hit song called "The Man Who Wouldn't Sing Along With Mitch." The Halifax III broke up in 1965.

Joining The Mamas and the Papas

In 1963, Denny Doherty became good friends with Cass Elliot. She was part of a band called the Big 3. While touring with the Halifax III, Denny met John Phillips and his wife, Michelle Gilliam.

After the Halifax III ended, Denny and his friend Zal Yanovsky were in Hollywood without much money. Cass Elliot helped them get hired by her manager. So, Denny and Zal joined the Big 3. The group soon added more members and changed their name to the Mugwumps. This band also broke up because they ran out of money. Zal Yanovsky then formed a new band called the Lovin' Spoonful.

Around this time, John Phillips's band, the New Journeymen, needed a new singer. Denny, who was not working, joined them. In early 1965, the New Journeymen decided to stop playing together. Cass Elliot was then invited to join a new band. This group became known as the Magic Cyrcle.

Six months later, in September 1965, the group signed a record deal with Dunhill Records. They changed their name to the Mamas and the Papas. The band soon began recording their first album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. Their song "Creeque Alley" tells the story of how the band formed. Denny Doherty sang the lead on "California Dreamin'," which was released in December 1965. The debut album came out in early 1966.

Band Changes and Success

In late 1965, there were some personal issues within the band. These issues caused some tension. When the problems became known, John and Michelle Phillips moved into their own home. The band kept recording music together. In June 1966, Michelle was temporarily replaced by Jill Gibson. Jill was the girlfriend of the band's producer, Lou Adler. Jill was a "Mama" for about two and a half months.

Fans wanted Michelle back in the band. So, in August 1966, Michelle rejoined. Jill Gibson was paid for her time with the group. The band then finished their second album, simply called The Mamas and the Papas. They re-recorded parts of the album with Michelle's voice.

The Mamas and the Papas had many hit songs. They appeared on television often. Their third album, The Mamas and the Papas Deliver, came out in March 1967. The group also performed at the Monterey International Pop Festival in June 1967. This festival was organized by John Phillips and Lou Adler.

In October 1967, a trip to England made the band's problems worse. Cass Elliot left the group for a short time. She returned to finish her parts for their fourth album, The Papas and the Mamas. This album was released in May 1968. By then, Michelle Phillips had a daughter, Chynna Phillips. Soon after, the band officially announced that they were breaking up.

Life After The Mamas and the Papas

After the band broke up, Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty remained good friends. Cass had a successful solo music career.

Denny released a few solo albums and singles. Two of his notable albums were Watcha Gonna Do? in 1971 and Waiting for a Song in 1974. The Waiting for a Song album was not released in the United States. Both Michelle Phillips and Cass Elliot sang background vocals on it. These were Cass Elliot's last recordings before she passed away in July 1974. Denny was very sad about her death. He attended her funeral along with John and Michelle Phillips.

In 1982, Denny joined a new version of the Mamas & the Papas. This group included John Phillips, his daughter Mackenzie Phillips, and Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane. They toured and performed old songs and new ones written by John.

Later, Denny Doherty created a play called Dream a Little Dream. It was an off-Broadway show that told the story of the Mamas & the Papas from his point of view. The play was very popular and received good reviews. It featured music from the group and focused on his friendship with Cass Elliot.

From 1993 to 2001, Denny played the Harbour Master in Theodore Tugboat. This was a CBC Television children's show about boats in a busy harbor. He also did the voice-overs for other characters in the show.

In 1999, he played Charley McGinnis in 22 episodes of the CBC Television series Pit Pony.

In 2004, Denny appeared on Sharon, Lois & Bram's 25th Anniversary Concert special. It was called 25 Years of Skinnamarink. He sang two songs with the trio: "California Dreamin'" and "Who Put the Bomp?"

One of his last acting roles was in the Canadian TV series Trailer Park Boys. He appeared in the final episode of Season 7 as FBI Special Agent Ryan Shockneck. He finished filming shortly before he passed away in 2007. The episode was dedicated to him.

Family Life

Denny Doherty had three children. He had a daughter named Jessica Woods from a short first marriage. He also had a daughter named Emberly and a son named John with his second wife, Jeannette. They were married for 20 years. Jeannette passed away in 1998. His son, John Doherty, was in the Canadian ska-punk band illScarlett.

Passing Away

Denny Doherty passed away on January 19, 2007, at his home in Mississauga, Ontario. He had been ill with kidney failure after having surgery. His funeral was held at St Stephen's Roman Catholic Church in Halifax. He was buried at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia.

Soon after his death, a documentary about his life was released. It was titled Here I Am. The main song for the documentary was written with blues guitarist James Anthony.

Music Recordings

"-" means the song did not appear on that music chart.

Film and TV Appearances

See also

• Canadian rock
• Music of Canada