1941 "Mama" Cass Elliot, American rock vocalist (Mamas & The Papas), born in Baltimore, Maryland (d. 1974)
Ellen Naomi Cohen, better know as Mama Cass of
The Mamas & The Papas, would have turned 78 years old today. Cass had, without a doubt the strongest of the 4 voices of the group. (Not knocking Denny Doherty by any means).
Cass was a major influence on many people who, after watching and listening to her, realized that anything was possible for anyone.
Cass passed away in London on July 29, 1974 of a heart attack. There have been stories that she choked on a ham sandwich, which could not be farther from the truth. She died of heart failure. She was staying at her friend Harry Nilsson's flat when she died. (A few years later,
The Who's
Keith Moon would die in the same room, in the same bed at the same age as Cass was, 32).
We think of the music she would have made if she hadn't left us so young.
When you think of Mama Cass, what is the first song of hers that comes to your mind?
Happy Birthday Cass. We'll dream a little dream of you.