Mamas and the Papas Singer John Phillips Dead

March 19 -- John Phillips, the founder and main songwriter for classic California pop group the Mamas and the Papas, died of heart failure on Sunday morning, his spokeswoman said. He was 65.

Phillips, who received a liver transplant several years ago after years of drug and alcohol abuse, died at UCLA Medical Center at 8:15 a.m. PST, surrounded by family and friends, spokeswoman Elizabeth Freund said.

Although the Mamas and Papas lasted for just three years until 1968, the quartet recorded several major hits, including "California Dreamin'," "Monday, Monday," and "Creeque Alley."

The group also included Phillips' wife, Michelle (they divorced in 1970); Denny Doherty; and "Mama" Cass Elliot, who died in 1974. The survivors reunited in 1998 to sing "California Dreamin'" at the group's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Phillips also helped organize the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, which introduced artists such as guitarist Jimi Hendrix and English rock band The Who to American audiences.

Additionally, he wrote or co-wrote songs for other artists, including "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)," for Scott McKenzie in 1967; "Kokomo," a No. 1 hit in 1988 for the Beach Boys; and "Me and My Uncle," for The Grateful Dead.

Phillips' eldest daughter, actress Mackenzie Phillips, said in a statement that her father died peacefully. She was at his bedside with the singer's wife, Farnaz; his childhood friend Bill Cleary; a cousin; and his wife.

"We are all mourning the loss of my Dad. He was a genius and a good man and will be missed. I spent the morning with my sisters, Chynna and Bijou. We are all on our way to the beach, where we will walk and swim and celebrate our father's life."

Freund told Reuters that Phillips had been in the hospital for several weeks. He had been in great pain after falling off a stool and badly hurting his shoulder. But the pain turned out to be related to a stomach virus, which affected his kidneys.

Doctors were anticipating putting him on dialysis and transferring him to an occupational therapy center in Palm Springs, east of Los Angeles, when Phillips took a turn for the worse in the last few days.