Cass Elliot is best known as a member of the 1960s folk-rock group the Mamas & the Papas and as a solo artist who won a Grammy for Monday, Monday. Who is Cass Elliot
- Full name: Ellen Naomi Cohen, later known as Cass Elliot.
- Stage persona: “Mama Cass,” though she reportedly disliked that nickname.
- Notable roles: Singer with the Mamas & the Papas (mid-1960s to 1968); five solo albums after the group disbanded.
- Recognition: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for her work with the Mamas & the Papas.
Biographical highlights
- Birth and early life: Born September 19, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland, to a family with Russian-Jewish roots; spent part of childhood in Alexandria, Virginia.
- Name changes: Adopted “Cass” in high school, later took the surname “Elliot” in memory of a friend.
- Career path: Moved to New York City to pursue acting and music, which eventually led to stardom with the Mamas & the Papas and a solo career.
Notes and context
- Cass Elliot passed away on July 29, 1974, at the age of 32.
- Her legacy includes a lasting impact on folk-rock and pop music, with enduring hits like “Monday, Monday.”
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific angle (e.g., her musical contributions, biographical timeline, or a quick comparison with other members of the Mamas & the Papas).
