Jill was the girlfriend of M & P producer Lou Adler. According to Lou, she had the same physical features, as in the long blond hair, the slim figure, etc., etc. She wasn't a singer, but in a few weeks, she became a singer (sound familiar?). So, for the Mamas and Papas 2nd album, Jill was proped up in the same position as Michelle had been in and put over top Michelle. Michelle, was not happy. But, she was fired, so what could she do? Nothing, but wait to see if Jill could be a groovy mama, too.

*Why was Jill chosen? Well, even though she wasn't a real singer, she did have a famous boyfriend. Who, you may ask? None other than Jan and Dean's musical genious, Jan Berry. Turns out that Jill and Jan dated for 7 long years. But, they broke up in June of 1966 after Jan's horrible car accident. Before the wreck, Jan and Dean's latest hit (not 'Dead Man's Curve,' but another one) was written by Jan and Jill. Incidentally, Jan and Dean and the Mamas and Papas have another connection besides Jill. Both groups had Lou Adler as a producer. Now, not to jump the gun here, but let's see. Jan and Dean had Lou Adler producing them. Jill was Jan's girlfriend. When Jill joined the Mamas and Papas, she was Lou's girlfriend. Jill joined in I'm guessing about 1967, about a year after she and Jan broke up. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..........

The Mamas and Papas toured for a few months with Jill as the new Mama. But, it didn't sound the same. Denny and Cass were frustrated. The sound quality, the dynamics, the emotion that had been there with Michelle was not there with Jill. I'm sure Michelle was watching all this going on, and was ready to get back into the group, no matter what the cost. Denny and Cass were ready, too. So, with constant pressure from those two, John finally gave in. Michelle was let back into the Mamas and Papas, because he realized that the group needed Michelle. The music needed all four of them to make the magic that made the Mamas and Papas. John even admitted the firing of Michelle was a dumb thing to do.

*Now, let me just say that I don't really know where Jill Gibson is today, and I'm not trying to offend her. I honestly don't know much about her. She was a "member" of the Mamas and Papas for a very brief time. But, the time, was very very brief. The little info paragraph concerning her and Jan Berry came from my watching of VH1's Jan and Dean Behind the Music during Vh1 60's week. I swear, when I watched it, I was like "THAT'S Jill Gibson! I actually know something now!!" I'd like to know more, so if you or anyone you know has any more info on Jill please Email me.

Michelle Phillips and Jill Gibson were the two blondes in a group that reached superstardom. But, only one really belonged. "I made you who you are today. I gave it to you and I can take it all away." John spoke these words to Michelle. He may have taken it away, but at least he realized he needed to give it back.