On This Day in 1966, Released the Previous Month The Mamas And The Papas’ Track Entered The Billboard Hot 100
via Folk Experience / YouTube
The Song That Didn’t Impress at First
On April 9, 1966, “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas and the Papas entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 79. The track had been released the previous month and slowly started gaining attention. It featured lead vocals by Denny Doherty, who later admitted he wasn’t a fan of the song when they first recorded it.
“Nothing about it stood out to me; it was a dumb f–kin’ song about a day of the week,” Doherty once said. Despite his feelings, the track ended up becoming one of their biggest hits. It connected with a wide audience who saw something in it that even the band hadn’t expected.
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The Sound Behind the Song
The recording included help from The Wrecking Crew, a group of studio musicians known for playing on many major records of the 1960s. Their experience and skill helped give “Monday, Monday” a full, polished sound. Even though the lyrics were simple, the music and arrangement helped bring it to life.
The Mamas and the Papas were known for their vocal harmonies, and this song showcased that. Backed by tight instrumentation, their voices blended together in a way that helped define the sound of the time. The group’s mix of pop and folk influences made the track stand out once it hit the radio.
Rising to the Top of the Charts
After entering the Hot 100, the song kept climbing. It eventually reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, showing that listeners disagreed with Doherty’s first impression. It also hit number one on the Cashbox Best Sellers list and Canada’s RPM chart. The popularity wasn’t just limited to North America.
In the United Kingdom, the song rose to number three. This was a strong performance for an American group in the British market. The track helped build the band’s reputation and expanded their fan base across the Atlantic.
A Hit Despite Doubts
The success of “Monday, Monday” surprised even the band. The lyrics may have seemed simple, but the sound and emotion behind the song helped it connect with people. It’s a reminder that even songs doubted by their creators can become major hits.
Today, “Monday, Monday” is remembered as one of the group’s most well-known tracks. Denny Doherty’s early comments give it an interesting background. The fact that he once dismissed it shows how unpredictable music success can be—even for the people making it.
