Denny Doherty R.I.P.

Denny Doherty of the Mamas and the Papas died yesterday at age 66 after a short illness. Doherty had surgery last month after suffering an abdominal aneurysm and had been on dialysis, according to his sister, Frances Arnold.

Although John Phillips was considered the group's mastermind (he wrote most of the songs and helped bring 1967's Monterey Pop Festival to fruition), the Halifax-born Doherty was the most distinctive and emotive singer. "I Saw Her Again Last Night," written about a secret affair Doherty had with Michelle Phillips, ranks as one of his finest recorded performances.

"Mama" Cass Elliot died of a heart attack (not by choking on a ham sandwich) and John Phillips died in 2001. Michelle Phillips is now the sole surviving member of the Mamas and the Papas.