About
Nicknamed Papa John, he was the guitarist, singer, and songwriter who fronted the folk band The Mamas & the Papas. The band released five studio albums throughout their short career.
Before Fame
He formed his first doo-wop group while attending Linton Hall Military School in Virginia. His first real band was a folk trio called The Journeymen.
Trivia
He wrote the musical Man on the Moon in 1975. In 1967, The Mamas and the Papas won Best Contemporary (R&R) Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental for their song "Monday, Monday" at the Grammys.
Family Life
He had been married four times and was accused of having an incestuous, non-consensual relationship with one of his daughters for ten years.
Associated With
He was the father of Mackenzie Phillips.
