Go Where You Wanna Go: The Oral History of the Mamas and the Papas

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Go Where You Wanna Go collects the memories of band members John and Michelle Phillips, Cass Elliot, and Denny Doherty, along with recollections from friends, fellow musicians, industry insiders, and other eyewitnesses. In Greenwald's hands, the intertwining interviews tell the story of the band from its early days in downtown New York to its global success following the release of California Dreamin'. As the testimonials reveal, the band that harmonized together perfectly was loaded with conflicts. Michelle's brief affair with Denny enraged a jealous Cass, and led to John's temporarily kicking Michelle out of the band. Their trip to the top of the pop music ladder further eroded the band's unity, as its members found themselves living in separate mansions in California, finding it increasingly difficult to tour and perform together. In addition to new interviews with Michelle and Denny, Go Where You Wanna Go includes material from an in-depth and never-before-published interview with the late Cass Elliot. Other people speaking out in the book include David Crosby and Graham Nash , Ray Manzarek and drummer Hal Blaine, musician and record producer P. F. Sloan, photographer Guy Webster and Kingston Trio songwriter John Stewart, and dozens of others. The tale of The Mamas & The Papas is the quintessential story of pop music in the 60s; holding on to the youthful dreams and love of music while caught in the whirl of sex, drugs, and million-dollar deals. Go Where You Wanna Go revisits-in the words of those who were there-that time when four talented people added an unforgettable new sound to America's music.