The Mugwumps (band)
| Company type | Rock ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in New York City, United States |
| Defunct | 1964 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
| Parent | Warner Bros. Records |
The Mugwumps was a rock ensemble originating from New York City in 1964. They were signed to Warner Bros. Records and issued a single before disbanding later that same year. An album recorded by the group remained unreleased until 1967, by which time some members had achieved recognition through their involvement with the Mamas and the Papas (notably Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty) and the Lovin' Spoonful (including Zal Yanovsky and John Sebastian).
History
Prior to forming The Mugwumps, Jim Hendricks and Cass Elliot, along with Tim Rose, performed in the folk trio known as the Big 3, which experienced moderate success within the New York folk scene. Meanwhile, Denny Doherty and Zal Yanovsky had been members of the Halifax Three and crossed paths with Elliot during touring engagements. Additionally, session player John Sebastian participated in the brief-lived Even Dozen Jug Band. By 1964, these earlier groups had dissolved, prompting Hendricks, Elliot, Doherty, Yanovsky, and Sebastian to unite as The Mugwumps.
The origin of the band’s name is unclear: some attribute it to William S. Burroughs’ novel The Naked Lunch, while others credit either producer Erik Jacobsen or Doherty’s grandmother from Newfoundland. Historically, the term "Mugwumps" described dissenting American Republicans during the 1884 political campaign.
The Mugwumps’ repertoire primarily consisted of cover versions such as “Searchin'” alongside their own compositions. After signing with Warner Bros., under the leadership of Arthur Mogull who headed their Eastern division, they recorded an album over two sessions in August 1964. Only one single, "I'll Remember Tonight," was released at that time but did not achieve chart success. John Sebastian joined the group too late to take part in the recording sessions. The complete album was eventually issued posthumously in 1967 to leverage the subsequent fame of its members.
Following the group’s dissolution, Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty went on to establish the Mamas & the Papas alongside Michelle and John Phillips; their song "Creeque Alley" narrates The Mugwumps’ history. Meanwhile, John Sebastian and Zal Yanovsky formed the Lovin' Spoonful, gaining commercial acclaim with hits including "Summer in the City." Jim Hendricks pursued a new project with The Lamp of Childhood before earning recognition as a songwriter responsible for hits such as Johnny Rivers' "Summer Rain" and the theme tune for Then Came Bronson.
Albums
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 1967 | The Mugwumps
|
Singles
| Year | Single details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | "I'll Remember Tonight" b/w "I Don't Wanna Know"
| ||
| 1967 | "Searchin
b/w "Here It Is Another Day"
|
Notes
References
Sources
External links
- Official Website of Jim Hendricks - American Folk Artist Jim Hendricks
- Redirects from shortcuts
- Unprintworthy redirects
- Rock bands originating from New York (state)
- Folk rock bands based in New York (state)
- Musical ensembles from New York City
- Musical groups formed in 1964
- Musical groups that disbanded in 1964
- Artists signed with Warner Records
- 1964 establishments in New York City
- 1964 disbandments in New York (state)
- Musical groups disestablished in 1964