Solo pursuits followed The Mamas & the Papas’ breakup, including 1970’s country-influenced John Phillips (John, the Wolf King of L.A.).

The Mamas and the Papas, circa 1967. Left to right: Denny Doherty, John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Cass Elliot. (Photo by: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) ...

With the Mamas and the Papas still a few years away from existing, Michelle found work as a model in the early-Sixties, Mad Men ad industry. “I was having a great time in New York City,” she says.

The Mamas and the Papas’ story is full of as much drama and betrayal as, say, Fleetwood Mac’s, even if it’s a fraction as known to Gen Z. Elliot was in love with Doherty, yet perpetually ...