Mama Cass Elliot- Ellen Naomi Cohen

Mama Cass (Mama Cass Elliot) was born Ellen Naomi Cohen on September 19, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland – USA.

Cass selected the name during her high school years, the name Elliot was motivated by the death of a friend. Her early college life was punctuated with plays and theatre and Cass took off to New York with the desire to be an actress.

Eventually she turned to singing and was part of the trio “The Big 3” with Tim Rose and Jim Hendricks. The poster for the Trio read, “The Big Three featuring Mama Cass”.

Mama Cass did become a mother when her daughter Owen Vanessa Elliot was born April 26, 1967. Cass never revealed the Father, however, years later Michelle Phillips (Mamas and Papas) helped Owen Vanessa find him. When Cass died her daughter was seven and her sister Leah took over the raising of the child. Owen Vanessa would later follow in her mothers footsteps and become a singer.

In many ways Cass was the least likely to reach the heights of stardom she would attain. Not because of her physical size (at one time she weighed 300 pounds) but because she had a limited vocal range.

When she auditioned for the Mamas and Papas, John Phillips ( I made a slip on JBSNight (show) when I called him John Elliot,  in no way did I want to give an indication that they were at one time an “item” John married Michelle from the group) back to the story. John Phillips thought she could not hit the ‘high’ notes and she was passed over.

Then the flying fickle finger of fate stepped in. Cass got hit by a lead pipe from a construction site, spent days in hospital and then weeks later found she could hit the high notes! Some folks would say it was a miracle and Cass confirmed the story in 1968 during an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine.

Cass did get the job and went on to become the dominate force in the Mamas and Papas helping them sell millions of records 1965 to 1972 and establish them as an International institution. There is a film clip of the group pulling up on Sunset Blvd, L.A to visit a then trendy hat shop. Its set to the music of their 1966 hit “I saw her again” and I love when Cass pulls up in a Porsche sports car.

Mama Cass went to Rock and Roll Heaven July 29, 1974, she was only 32 years of age. For the record she did not die from chocking on a chicken sandwich as reported in the London Times, she passed away from natural causes associated with her weight. Cass did lose some 100 pounds when she went on an amazing diet and although close friends admired her dedication to the weight loss they were concerned it would have an adverse effect on her body.

To me, she was a special person who visited the house of Don Grierson (Capitol Records) in the Hollywood Hills many times where I was the “full time chef.” I nearly got the sack when I allowed a can of bake beans explode and fill the kitchen with beans from floor to the high ceiling. I was preparing some Mexican style dish for one of the BBQ’s that Cass enjoyed. She certainly loved getting away from the limelight and join Don and myself, plus other Aussies, in what was a typical Aussie BBQ. I was privileged to spend many hours talking about the music industry, world affairs and one of her pet subjects; politics. The folks who met her loved her and she was an amazing singer, her voice flowed like liquid gold! That bump on her head with a lead pipe was painful but a blessing.

Did I fall in love with her? In a word, YES! Mama Cass Elliot was a very, very special lady…

Check out one of her favourites “New World Coming”, never a major hit but if you listen to the lyrics you will hear some of her personal thoughts.

Ken Sparkes – JBSN

The 5 best Cass Elliot songs to listen to now

From her years with the Mamas & the Papas to her solo records, Cass Elliot left behind some wonderful songs. Here are five of the best to start with.

1. ‘Make your own kind of music’

Behind the song

‘Make your own kind of music’ was a creation of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, released by Elliot in 1969 as part of her album, Make your own kind of music/it’s getting better. Steve Barri, the producer behind the album, aimed to catapult Elliot back into the charts by focusing on bubblegum music, aligning with her vibrant personality.

Elliot had a complicated relationship with bubblegum music, considering the genre to be pleasant but unsubstantial. That said, she has acknowledged that it does match her light vocal style very well.

Meaning behind the lyrics

The lyrics of ‘Make your own kind of music’ deliver a clear and powerful message: celebrate your individuality and don’t bow to societal pressures. The song encourages you to embrace your unique style and to create art true to yourself, even if others don’t join in.

These themes resonated deeply with music fans, especially during a time when authenticity was considered a rebellious act.

Impact on pop culture

‘Make your own kind of music’ quickly garnered popularity, ascending the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at #36. It has since grown into a classic, getting featured in iconic TV shows like Lost and Dexter. 

 

2. ‘Dream a little dream of me’

About the Mamas & the Papas version

Elliot was the lead singer of ‘Dream a little dream of me’, which appeared on the Mamas & the Papas’ 1968 album, The Papas & The Mamas.

Despite initial hesitations about the song’s perceived “campy” nature, Elliot’s take aimed to capture the essence of its original time period. They also added a unique spin to it, featuring an intro with Cass and John Phillips speaking and Cass clearing her throat.

Elliot’s vocals also shine in this track, setting this cover version apart from others that focus more on traditional delivery.

Chart performance

• The song marked the group’s final major hit.
• It peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• It achieved #2 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart.
• In the UK, it reached a peak of #11.
• It also landed on charts in Ireland, South Africa, and Australia. 
• In Australia, it topped the charts for two weeks.

 

3. ‘It’s getting better’

Significance to Elliot

‘It’s getting better’ was released on Elliot’s 1969 album Bubblegum, lemonade, and… something for mama. The track brought together iconic musicians such as James Burton and Hal Blaine.

Here’s why this song mattered:

• Key milestone: This release marked an effort by Elliot to carve out a distinctive solo career, separate from the Mamas & the Papas.
• Commercial triumph: The song saw significant commercial success, and Elliot appreciated the recognition despite grievances that it didn’t fully align with her artistic vision.

Cover version’s popularity

The song’s popularity trajectory led to many notable achievements, including the following:

• Billboard Hot 100: It peaked at #30 in August 1969, maintaining a remarkable 19-week presence.
• City-specific success: It climbed to #2 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul and San Diego, selling around 500,000 copies in the US.
• UK impact: It achieved a notable peak at #8 in October 1969, surpassing Elliot’s earlier hit, ‘Dream a little dream of me’.
• Irish recognition: It reached #3, significantly outperforming ‘Dream a little dream of me’ in Ireland (#13).

 

4. ‘Move in a little closer, baby’

Context behind the song’s release

‘Move in a little closer, baby’ was a song originally recorded by Harmony Grass in 1968. Elliot’s version, however, was released as the lead single from her second solo album, Bubblegum, lemonade, and…something for mama.

Despite some reluctance and a desire to set herself apart from the Mamas & the Papas, Elliot took on the track, seeing it as a fun experiment.

Differences from the original version

Elliot’s rendition is distinct from the original version in various ways:

• Vocals: Drawing on her experience with the Mamas & the Papas, Elliot herself handled the background vocals, adding layers of harmony to the final release.
• Bubblegum pop influence: Elliot’s producers at Dunhill Records pushed her towards a bubblegum pop angle, which enriched this cover version with playful, buoyant notes.

 

5. ‘New world coming’

Musical style

‘New world coming’ stands out for its hopeful and uplifting message, seamlessly blending pop with a touch of grandeur.

This song boasted a rich arrangement featuring horns and strings orchestrated by Jimmie Haskell, adding depth to the song. Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil worked on the lyrics, which emphasised change and optimism.

Steve Barri, the producer, noted that this track carried a significant, hopeful message, setting it apart from other songs in the genre, which tended to focus on less meaningful themes.

International success and cover versions

Although it didn’t become Elliot’s biggest hit, ‘New world coming’ still made a notable impact. It peaked at a respectable #42 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it secured the #4 spot on both the US Billboard Adult Contemporary and Canada RPM Adult Contemporary charts.

What’s more, various artists have covered the song over the years, notably Nina Simone and Melba Moore.

More from the Jukebox Saturday Night archives

If you enjoyed this look back at Mama Cass, read about Cass Elliot’s daughter, Owen Vanessa Elliot, meet the members of The Cowsills, or revisit more stars in Rock N Roll Heaven.

---

Share On