The Mamas & the Papas

The Mamas & the Papas were an American folk-rock vocal group formed in 1965 and active through 1972. They combined male and female lead and harmony vocals to create close four-part harmonies, blending folk and pop with elements of the West Coast 1960s sound; their arrangements often featured acoustic guitar and layered vocal textures. The group is noted for its role in the mid 1960s California pop and folk-rock scene and for its emphasis on vocal interplay and melodic songwriting.