The Biography Channel - Mama Cass Biography

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Mama Cass
Wed 29th Oct - 5:00PM

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[h3]Following a childhood lived in Maryland and Virginia, Ellen Cohen changed her name to Cass Elliott as a young adult and moved to New York, looking to become a singer. [/h3]

A part of the Folk movement in Greenwich, she was a member of groups such as the Big Three and the Mugwumps (which contained soon-to-be "Papa" Denny Doherty).

Around 1963, Cass' friend Denny joined a group called the New Journeymen, which included John and Michelle Phillips. She wanted to join them, but originally they would not let her; they considered her voice too low to blend with Michelle’s, and they believed that her obesity might be considered unattractive.

She followed them wherever they toured, including the Virgin Islands. Popular myth has it that, whilst there, she was hit on the head by copper tubing, which somehow miraculously caused her voice to change so that it blended better with Michelle's. Whatever the reason, she joined the group in mid 1965.

After a brief stay in New York, where John and Michelle wrote the smash hit 'California Dreamin', the four moved to Los Angeles, where they got a recording contract with Lou Adler of Dunhill Records under their new name, The Mamas and the Papas.

Cass was perceived as one of the most charismatic members of the group, charming fans with her sense of humour and amazing voice. Four albums were produced between 1965 and 1968, with their last hit, 'Dream a Little Dream Of Me', proving one of their biggest.

Drug abuse, jealousy, alcoholism and Cass’ weight problems were all contributing factors to the group’s subsequent break up. In 1971 she briefly rejoined The Mamas and Papas to fulfil a contractual obligation to Dunhill Records, making the album, 'People Like Us', but this fared badly.

Following the break up, Cass pursued a solo career, with seven albums to her name, which included hits such as 'It's Gettin' Better', and 'Make Your Own Kind of Music'. She also made scores of television appearances, as well as having two shows of her own that turned her into a household name.

At the height of her career, whilst performing at the London Palladium in July 1974, Cass died of a massive heart attack in her hotel room at the age of 32.

Mama Cass biography

- She hated being called “Mama” Cass, which she took as a slur on her weight.

- Although popular legend has it that Cass died choking on a ham sandwich, the coroner’s report lists a heart attack as the cause, brought on by her obesity.

- Another claim was that she died of a heroine overdose.

- There were unfounded rumours that she was carrying John Lennon’s child at the time of her death.
Mama Cass biography

Don't Call Me Mama Anymore (1973) (TV) ... Host

Saga of Sonora (1973) (TV)

"Ray Stevens Show, The" (1970) TV Series ... Regular Performer

Pufnstuf (1970) ... Witch Hazel

"Get It Together" (1970) TV Series ... Host

Mama Cass Television Program, The (1969) (TV) ... Host
Mama Cass biography

[b]Solo Albums:[/b]

Dream a Little Dream (1968)

Bubblegum, Lemonade, And... Something for Mama (1969)

Make Your Own Kind of Music (1969)

Cass Elliot (1971)

Mama's Big Ones (solo greatest hits) (1971)

Dave Mason and Mama Cass (1971)

The Road Is No Place for a Lady (1972)

Don't Call Me Mama Anymore (1973)