Kicked Out of the Group
The affair threatened to end the group’s career before it even had the chance to properly begin. While the band was recording their second album, The Mamas and The Papas, Michelle found herself in another affair, this time with Gene Clark of The Byrds. And this time, John wasn’t so nonchalant about it.
Jill Gibson with the Mamas and the Papas. Source: Tumblr
He went so far as to take legal action to have his wife removed from the group. In June 1966, Michelle was officially fired from The Mamas and The Papas. She was replaced by a vocalist and the producer’s girlfriend, Jill Gibson. While Jill was a talented singer and got along with the rest of the band, she just didn’t have Michelle’s personality and performing ability.