John Phillips

Spirit is honored to represent the musical legacy of Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee John Phillips, best known as the primary songwriter and founder of The Mamas & the Papas. Phillips’s contributions to music have had an indelible impact on the rock, pop, and folk genres, and his catalog continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

The catalog includes Phillips’s prodigious post-1970 output, showcasing his solo work, notable collaborations, and innovative contributions to the music scene. One of his most iconic collaborations is with The Rolling Stones, where Phillips’s songwriting prowess met with the legendary rock band’s unmistakable sound. He also worked extensively with The Beach Boys, co-writing their chart-topping hit “Kokomo,” a #1 worldwide single featured on the soundtrack of the 1988 Tom Cruise film *Cocktail*. Another track from this period, “Somewhere Near Japan,” further solidified his influential role in shaping the band’s sound.

In addition to his work with The Beach Boys, Phillips’s song “Me And My Uncle” became one of the Grateful Dead’s most popular covers, further establishing Phillips as a versatile and influential figure in the music industry. Phillips’s musical journey also led to a celebrated collaboration with his third wife, Geneviève Waïte. Their album, *Love Is Coming Back*, includes the title track, which was used as the end title in the feature film *Just A Kiss*.

Phillips’s creative contributions extend beyond songwriting to film scoring, as evidenced by his work on the 1976 David Bowie film *The Man Who Fell To Earth*. The catalog also includes a wealth of unreleased material currently being remastered, ensuring that Phillips’s enduring influence continues to captivate audiences for generations to come.

Licensing with Spirit: License John’s music HERE.