Only the Good Die Young-Part VI

Mama Cass

It's not true. The bit about Mama Cass choking on a ham sandwich and dying is an urban legend. A partially eaten sandwich was found by her body, but no food was found in her windpipe. She simply died of a heart attack, most likely because of her obesity.

Cass Elliot was born on September 19, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland.  Given the birth name Ellen Naomi Cohen, she adopted the name "Cass" in high school, presumably borrowing it from the actress, Peggy Cass. "Elliot" came later, as a tribute to a friend who had died.  She dropped out of high school and moved to New York City, where she appeared in The Music Man. Her singing career began when she attended American University in Washington, DC.  Folk music was on the rise in the early '60s, influencing Cass to join with others to form various bands throughout the decade.


The name "Mamas and the Papas" came about when John and Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty and Cass were watching television, discussing possible group names. The Hells Angels were on a talk show, saying "Now hold on there, Hoss. Some people call our women cheap, but we just call them our Mamas." Apparently, Cass jumped up and said, "I want to be a Mama." The name was born.


Cass's distinctive voice was a big factor in the group's success. Hits like California Dreamin', Monday, Monday, and Dream a Little Dream of Me featured her memorable vocals. The later song was turned into a ballad in 1968. The song was actually written in 1931 as a dance tune. It's ironic that Ozzie Nelson, the father of yesterday's blog subject, was the first to record it.
The Mamas and Papa's last album was released in 1971.

After their breakup, Cass had a successful solo career. Her biggest solo hit was the aforementioned Dream a Little Dream of Me. Although recorded by the Mamas and the Papas, it was also released as part of Cass's first solo album.


In addition to her singing career, Cass often appeared on TV talk shows and variety shows in the '70s, including The Julie Andrews Hour, The Mike Douglas Show, The Andy Williams Show, Hollywood Squares, The Carol Burnett Show and The Tonight Show, which she guest hosted.


Cass's personal story is a sad one. She was married twice. The first time was to help a band mate avoid the Vietnam War. The second marriage ended in divorce after a few months. She had one daughter by a man whose name has never been disclosed.


In 1974, Cass was performing two weeks of sold-out concerts at the London Palladium. On July 28th, after speaking with band mate Michelle Phillips, Cass went to bed and died in her sleep at the age of 32. It is eerie to note that the London flat in which she died, on loan from singer Harry Nilsson, was also the location of Who drummer Keith Moon's death, four years later.


Watch Cass sing Dream a Little Dream of Me on the Smothers Brothers Show.