Chart Performance: Pop (#1 for 3 weeks); 1966
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Right from the start, music lovers sensed something special about The Mama’s & The Papa’s: a unique blend of captivating lyrics sung in close harmony that had graced their first hit single, California Dreamin’. It peaked at #4 on March 12, 1966, and was sitting at #10 four weeks later when Monday, Monday entered the chart. On April 23rd, Monday itself took over #10 while its successor was still in the Top 20. This new quartet was almost called the Magic Circle until Sonny Barger of the Hell’s Angels referred to biker women as “mamas” in a television interview. Cass Elliot liked that, as did Michelle Phillips, so husband John and Denny Doherty became the “papas.” None of them liked Monday, Monday – except composer John – and it was the last song recorded for their debut album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears. Deejays and fans did believe giving the group its only #1 record, which also won a Grammy for Best Rock & Roll Group Performance.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2023 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Lou Adler
Lyrics Written by:
- John Phillips
Awards:
- “Monday, Monday” won Best Contemporary (R&R) Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental at the 1967 Grammy Awards.
- “Monday, Monday” was nominated for Record of the Year at the 1967 Grammy Awards.
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).
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