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Michelle Phillips Spotted in Los Angeles Amid Recent Engagements

There’s no need for “California Dreamin’” when you’re already enjoying the California sunshine!

Michelle Phillips, prominent member of the renowned folk rock band The Mamas & the Papas, was seen during a rare outing in Los Angeles, taking a stroll on a crisp late winter day.

The 80-year-old musician, who is the last surviving member of the iconic group, was photographed on March 10 wearing a black-and-white striped long-sleeve shirt. She completed her ensemble with black trousers, sleek black boots, a matching bag, gold earrings, and stylish black sunglasses.

Phillips’ recent public appearances have included attending the 66th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala in February 2024, as well as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum expansion event in October 2023. These engagements highlight her continued presence in the music industry and her commitment to honoring the legacy of her band.

The Mamas & the Papas was founded in 1965 and originally included Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, her former husband John Phillips, and Cass Elliot. The group made a significant impact on the music scene, releasing five studio albums between 1966 and 1971. In addition, they received four Grammy nominations in 1967, ultimately securing one win, solidifying their place in music history.

Recently, Owen Elliot-Kugell, daughter of Cass Elliot, spoke about her memoir My Mama, Cass, released almost 50 years after her mother’s passing on July 29, 1974. In her memoir, she reflects on the challenges of growing up in the shadow of her mother’s iconic status.

Owen, who was only seven at the time of her mother’s death, has since dealt with odd rumors surrounding the circumstances of Cass’s passing, including the infamous anecdote about her choking on a ham sandwich. She described this narrative as part of a broader journey to piece together her mother’s legacy. Owen has expressed her gratitude for the bizarre legend, stating that it has uniquely contributed to her understanding of who her mother was.

The memoir not only addresses the loss of Elliot but also serves to celebrate her contributions to music through her powerful vocals on hits like “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday.” An excerpt from the book recounts a pivotal September 1965 meeting with record producer Lou Adler, leading to their eventual rise and the formation of their iconic band name.

“I learned that I shared my mom. She didn’t belong to just me,” Owen articulated, reflecting on her emotional journey through writing. “She’s been gone 50 years, but I feel closer to her than ever.”

The Mamas & the Papas were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Cass Elliot was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022, a celebration that included heartfelt speeches from her bandmate, Phillips, and daughter Owen, commemorating their enduring legacy in American music.

Source
people.com