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Dream a Little Dream of Me: The Life of Cass Elliot
This insightful biography examines the life and music of Cass Elliot—better known as "Mama Cass"—the instantly recognizable face of the Mamas and the Papas. Untangling the truth about Cass's life, this book follows her development from her misfit teenage years to her role in the folk boom of the early 1960s. How Cass came to join the Mamas and the Papas, and the mix of love, hurt, and betrayal that fractured relationships within the group is central to the story as Cass is driven to strike out on a successful solo career. This account reveals the considerable unhappiness Cass experienced that was hidden by her jovial facade—her unrequited love for Papa Denny Doherty, her unhappy marriages and affairs, and her tragic death at age 32. Featuring interviews with many of Cass's close friends, colleagues, and relatives, this account explores the woman behind the uniquely tender voice that dominated the Mamas and the Papas's timeless hits like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday." Her charisma, wit, charm, and psychedelic persona marked her as a pop star who refused to conform to traditional female stereotypes and became a success on her own terms.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 4, 2015
Wow, what a thorough biography!
As a young girl growing up in the late 60's and 70's with young, hip parents, I was exposed to a lot of popular music and folk was regularly played in my house. I really did appreciate the music of The Mamas and The Papas and especially Cass's booming alto. As a lover of all things counter-culture and "hippie", I admired her sense of style and the fact that in an era where you rarely saw a female performer who wasn't thin and/or classically beautiful, she did stand out. As a burgeoning feminist, I saw that her success came despite her looks and she, along with Janis Joplin and a few others, forged the way for female pop stars who were to be judged solely on their musical talent.
That being said, I already knew enough about the history of the group (from reading John Phillips' and Mackenzie Phillips' biographies) to know that the hedonistic rock and roll lifestyle was a big part of the group's history. I didn't know; however, how much Cass's insecurity about her looks played into her decision making process, especially concerning her choices of companions. She pined for Denny Doherty for many years, but their relationship remained platonic. He did; however, hook up with Michelle Phillips, a choice that tore the group apart, as John and Cass were both hurt. John and Cass clashed. A lot. He was very controlling and she would not stand being controlled. It didn't sit well with him that she, a large woman with an even larger personality, spoke up frequently about most everything.
In 1967, an unmarried Cass gave birth to her only child, a daughter she named Owen. John assumed she would have an abortion, but Cass wouldn't hear of it. She became a good mother despite her continual abuse of her body with drugs. Frankly, I think it's a miracle that her daughter did not seem to suffer much, considering she regularly took LSD and every other drug she could get her hands on during her entire pregnancy.
Fortunately, Cass's monetary success meant that she could hire nannies to help her while she was touring.
Cass enjoyed a healthy sex life, though it seemed that she was never satisfied with the relationships she had with the men in her life. Many of her friends were suspicious of her suitors, wondering why a good-looking man would want to have a relationship with a fat woman like Cass. She was somewhat of an anomaly as a large woman in the 60's, as obesity was not nearly as prevalent as it is now. Cass did like to eat, but she also managed to lose a great deal of weight towards the end of her career. She was teased and taunted, even by those she considered friends. That really makes me sad. Even as a young girl studying The Mamas and the Papas album covers, it was easy to recognize the stark contrast between Cass and Michelle and to feel sympathy for Cass, even though she often appeared tough as nails in pictures.
I hate to give this book less than 5 stars because I adore the subject. However, the author quotes many people in the book and this is where I had an issue. She routinely uses the very British "straightaway" and "shag" while directly quoting non-British people. I hardly think that an American in the 60's would have used those words and I wonder why she paraphrased or if the quotes are real at all. This bothered me quite a bit. I also think that this book could have been condensed a little. It was packed with information and seemed to drag in spots.
All in all, this book made me feel sad, but I'm glad I read it. Some of the people who were quoted, most notably Denny Doherty, have died since this was published in 2005. I wonder how different Cass's life would have been if she had lived. I felt bad that her daughter had to basically grow up without her and I wanted Cass to eventually feel happy and satisfied.
One word about her death. She did not choke to death. The autopsy showed a heart problem.
As a young girl growing up in the late 60's and 70's with young, hip parents, I was exposed to a lot of popular music and folk was regularly played in my house. I really did appreciate the music of The Mamas and The Papas and especially Cass's booming alto. As a lover of all things counter-culture and "hippie", I admired her sense of style and the fact that in an era where you rarely saw a female performer who wasn't thin and/or classically beautiful, she did stand out. As a burgeoning feminist, I saw that her success came despite her looks and she, along with Janis Joplin and a few others, forged the way for female pop stars who were to be judged solely on their musical talent.
That being said, I already knew enough about the history of the group (from reading John Phillips' and Mackenzie Phillips' biographies) to know that the hedonistic rock and roll lifestyle was a big part of the group's history. I didn't know; however, how much Cass's insecurity about her looks played into her decision making process, especially concerning her choices of companions. She pined for Denny Doherty for many years, but their relationship remained platonic. He did; however, hook up with Michelle Phillips, a choice that tore the group apart, as John and Cass were both hurt. John and Cass clashed. A lot. He was very controlling and she would not stand being controlled. It didn't sit well with him that she, a large woman with an even larger personality, spoke up frequently about most everything.
In 1967, an unmarried Cass gave birth to her only child, a daughter she named Owen. John assumed she would have an abortion, but Cass wouldn't hear of it. She became a good mother despite her continual abuse of her body with drugs. Frankly, I think it's a miracle that her daughter did not seem to suffer much, considering she regularly took LSD and every other drug she could get her hands on during her entire pregnancy.
Fortunately, Cass's monetary success meant that she could hire nannies to help her while she was touring.
Cass enjoyed a healthy sex life, though it seemed that she was never satisfied with the relationships she had with the men in her life. Many of her friends were suspicious of her suitors, wondering why a good-looking man would want to have a relationship with a fat woman like Cass. She was somewhat of an anomaly as a large woman in the 60's, as obesity was not nearly as prevalent as it is now. Cass did like to eat, but she also managed to lose a great deal of weight towards the end of her career. She was teased and taunted, even by those she considered friends. That really makes me sad. Even as a young girl studying The Mamas and the Papas album covers, it was easy to recognize the stark contrast between Cass and Michelle and to feel sympathy for Cass, even though she often appeared tough as nails in pictures.
I hate to give this book less than 5 stars because I adore the subject. However, the author quotes many people in the book and this is where I had an issue. She routinely uses the very British "straightaway" and "shag" while directly quoting non-British people. I hardly think that an American in the 60's would have used those words and I wonder why she paraphrased or if the quotes are real at all. This bothered me quite a bit. I also think that this book could have been condensed a little. It was packed with information and seemed to drag in spots.
All in all, this book made me feel sad, but I'm glad I read it. Some of the people who were quoted, most notably Denny Doherty, have died since this was published in 2005. I wonder how different Cass's life would have been if she had lived. I felt bad that her daughter had to basically grow up without her and I wanted Cass to eventually feel happy and satisfied.
One word about her death. She did not choke to death. The autopsy showed a heart problem.
April 18, 2020
This book is often warm, insightful and compelling. However there were some things that bothered me about it and ultimately left me a bit disappointed. The author seems to want to psychoanalyze Cass posthumously and get to the “why” of her size. I don’t find that relevant or helpful - and because of this I find the author really buried the lead: that Cass Elliot ultimately died because of fatphobia and decades of weight cycling, diet pills and depression caused by the cruelty of others because she was fat. The rumour about her death that still pervades is inherently fatphobic! Why not bring that out more in this biography??
The part that this book get very right is really bringing out the voices of people who loved Cass and describing the special things about her that made her one of a kind.
The part that this book get very right is really bringing out the voices of people who loved Cass and describing the special things about her that made her one of a kind.
March 21, 2016
I started reading this book already in love with The Mamas and the Papas, but I didn't really know the story, especially the story of Cass Elliot. What a woman! It is unfortunate that her weight was such a big problem in her career. It held her back since her childhood, but she was that type of person who didn't let it get in her way of making something out of herself. She had so much passion for music and fame to the point that she would go to far lengths to make it. John Phillips, Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty were creating a band before The Mamas and the Papas happened, and Cass Elliot wanted in. However, due to her size, John didn't think she would fit the look of the group because he wanted a band like Peter Paul and Mary. Did that stop Cass? Nope! While they were performing in a club that Cass worked at, she would add her own harmonies on the floor during their set. It got to the point that John would correct her and she was totally fine with it. He eventually allowed her in, and there sets the rest of the story!
The Mamas and the Papas set the tone of the hippie age! Cass was a big part of starting Crosby, Stills and Nash! Her passion resonated everywhere!
I love her sound and her personality. It is true, she would have been everywhere if she were still alive because she never stopped doing stuff. In the last chapter, it said she would have been Oprah before Oprah was Oprah. Agreed. R.I.P. Cass! You are still an inspiration.
The Mamas and the Papas set the tone of the hippie age! Cass was a big part of starting Crosby, Stills and Nash! Her passion resonated everywhere!
I love her sound and her personality. It is true, she would have been everywhere if she were still alive because she never stopped doing stuff. In the last chapter, it said she would have been Oprah before Oprah was Oprah. Agreed. R.I.P. Cass! You are still an inspiration.
January 30, 2012
Detailed, objective and impeccably researched, this book is a MUST for Cass fans (like me), but is also incredibly readable, unlike a lot of rock bio's; you don't have to even be a music fan to find this book thoroughly enjoyable. At times it reads more like a novel, such is Fiegal's skill at capturing the spirit of her subject, at her best and her worst; I found myself laughing out loud at Cass's lighter moments, and shaking my head at her dissapointments. Fiegal's account of Cass's first meeting with John Lennon is particularly memorable; the scene played out in my mind as i read it, and that is the most wonderful thing about this book - more than just a fly on the wall biography, Dream a little dream of me painted pictures in my mind I won't soon forget...nor would I want to. Highly reccomended.
April 23, 2020
This is a comprehensive, well-researched, and fascinating look into the life of Ellen Naomi Cohen, i.e. Cass Elliot, i.e. "Mama Cass" of the folk/rock group "The Mama's and the Papas." From her childhood, to her musical start in the folk group "The Big Three," to her final solo performances in London a the Palladium, and finally her untimely death (and no, she did not choke on anything), this book covers it all. Rich with details about Cass's weight issues, her relationships, her music, and her famous friends, what shines here above all the rest, is Cass's generosity of heart and spirit. Whether a fan or not of Cass Elliot or any of her musical groups, this is a biography not to be missed. It explores not only Cass's life, but the beginnings of folk music, pop rock, and the popular rock with have today, and the times that were a'changing. A good read for anyone.
September 12, 2016
If you want to read a book on the Mamas and The Papas, skip over any of the other titles available and read Dream a Little Dream of Me. Featuring interviews with John Sebastian, Zal Yanovsky, David Crosby, Graham Nash, as well as Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty, the book illustrates that the story of Ellen Naomi Cohen, AKA Cass Elliot, is the story of Laurel Canyon itself. Not only was Cass Elliot the star member of the Mamas and Papas, her home on Woodrow Wilson Drive was an endless party where the best pop musicians in the world got high, ate like kings, wrote songs, and formed new bands.
The driving force behind this 20th century counterculture salon is portrayed as an intelligent, outgoing, liberal, quick-witted woman, oft misunderstood, with a taste for the fanciful. Ambiguous and ill-suited relationships with men, struggles with weight, substance abuse, and childhood ostracization figure heavily into her story. And then there's John Phillips, an insecure man who made her a star and simultaneously made her life a living hell.
For me, the best element of this book is Denny Doherty's detailed recollections of his life with Cass. There were few people closer to her during the 1960s than Denny and it was interesting to see his great remorse for how things played out between them.
Pick this one up if you want to learn the real story of The Mamas and The Papas tempered with the wisdom of time. Published 20 years after John Phillips' Papa John and Michelle Phillips' California Dreamin', the involved parties seem to be less concerned with their own public perception and more willing to share the truth about what happened during that little bubble of pop history.
The driving force behind this 20th century counterculture salon is portrayed as an intelligent, outgoing, liberal, quick-witted woman, oft misunderstood, with a taste for the fanciful. Ambiguous and ill-suited relationships with men, struggles with weight, substance abuse, and childhood ostracization figure heavily into her story. And then there's John Phillips, an insecure man who made her a star and simultaneously made her life a living hell.
For me, the best element of this book is Denny Doherty's detailed recollections of his life with Cass. There were few people closer to her during the 1960s than Denny and it was interesting to see his great remorse for how things played out between them.
Pick this one up if you want to learn the real story of The Mamas and The Papas tempered with the wisdom of time. Published 20 years after John Phillips' Papa John and Michelle Phillips' California Dreamin', the involved parties seem to be less concerned with their own public perception and more willing to share the truth about what happened during that little bubble of pop history.
December 15, 2014
As with all biographies if you have no interest in the main character this book won't be for you...I however enjoyed the mamas and Pappas music plus the solo Cass Elliot stuff I have heard...a also have an interest in the Greenwich folk boom of the early sixties so to be honest I was always likely to enjoy this book.
That said I may not have rated it quite as highly if it wasn't quite so well researched and with input from a whole host of folks from that period in time.
It was a good book and one which explores how Cass felt about herself and far from the jolly large singer who died early...well there was a lot more there..that's not to say Cass doesn't come across as fun loving..she does but as with any life there's some tragedy within too.
That said I may not have rated it quite as highly if it wasn't quite so well researched and with input from a whole host of folks from that period in time.
It was a good book and one which explores how Cass felt about herself and far from the jolly large singer who died early...well there was a lot more there..that's not to say Cass doesn't come across as fun loving..she does but as with any life there's some tragedy within too.
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June 13, 2024Recently the NYT published an homage to Cass Elliot, focusing on not just her immense talent but her role as a "connector" in the Laurel Canyon music scene, and that led me to this book. You can tell Fiegal put a lot of time into researching all aspects of her life. I'm still struck by how challenging it can be for a book to really convey a sense of the person, what her days were like, etc. I felt that way with some aspects here-- I didn't feel a sense of the atmosphere in her Laurel Canyon homes, which by all accounts operated as a kind of salon. Nor could I really picture Elliot with her daughter Owen (and I would like to read her daughter's recent memoir). But I did have more of a sense of Elliot's earlier bands and relationships, from early folk alliances to the Mamas and the Papas. The cruelty Elliot endured for her weight is a major theme, and it is devastating. Fiegal also spends a lot of time on how bands form and come apart, how records are made, concerts are booked-- or maybe I should say how all this used to happen. I did not realize the scope of her addiction issues and that is also devastating. The section describing the Vegas debacle is especially heartrending.
August 20, 2020
Great book! I enjoyed it immensely!
August 15, 2020
An eye-opening and compelling biography of the amazing Cass Elliot. The book is extremely thorough, with recollections of those closest to her, and shows her extraordinary impact and talent. Extremely moving at times, this book is a fitting tribute to the much missed Cass.
January 2, 2010
Fiegel provides a richly detailed look at the contradiction that was Cass Elliott. Contradiction because although Cass achieved the fame she dreamed of since chidhood,she never found the love she longed for. Her public persona was that of a happy rock star, but Fiegel explores Cass's demons of weight and substance abuse, taking care not to get caught in romanticizing the latter as part of the 60s. She had cooperation from many of Cass's friends and musical colleagues, who unanimously told Fiegel that Cass was smart, funny, and a wonderful friend. Fiegel also researched 60s and 70s interviews with Cass. What emerges is a portrait of a woman with immense talent who spent her entire life yearning for romantic love. She made friends and fell in love effortlessly. Men were drawn to her warmth and her wit, but stopped short of the romantic, sexual love Cass so desperately wanted. Cass had an emotional well that all of the adulation and accolades from fans failed to fill.
Fiegel draws the reader into Cass's life by giving background on the cultural and political aspects of the 60s and early 70s. Cass's biography is also an account of the recording industry during the 60s. Fiegel details studio sessions and increasing tension between bandmates, and explores Cass's foray into a largely unremarkable solo career. It is wondrous to read of how casually the 60s musical icons played and sang on one another's records.
Cass's death at 32 is discussed in honest detail, dispelling the popular myth that the obese singer choked on a sandwich. Fiegel has done a remarkable job of capturing Cass's personality, although an interview with David Crosby really sums it up: Cass was all about the music, and she was truly happy only when she was singing.
Fiegel draws the reader into Cass's life by giving background on the cultural and political aspects of the 60s and early 70s. Cass's biography is also an account of the recording industry during the 60s. Fiegel details studio sessions and increasing tension between bandmates, and explores Cass's foray into a largely unremarkable solo career. It is wondrous to read of how casually the 60s musical icons played and sang on one another's records.
Cass's death at 32 is discussed in honest detail, dispelling the popular myth that the obese singer choked on a sandwich. Fiegel has done a remarkable job of capturing Cass's personality, although an interview with David Crosby really sums it up: Cass was all about the music, and she was truly happy only when she was singing.
June 29, 2020
A fine look at the life and career of Cass Elliott. I was present at one of the shows at the London Palladium in 1974, being taken there by my parents when we were in London on holiday. I didn't appreciate then what an important figure she was, but I've been set right on that over the years.
As well as her role in helping to birth CSN, she also played a similar role for the Lovin" Spoonful. That, along with her role in The Mamas & The Papas, sets her out as a major music figure of her time.
Sadly, her personal life was less satisfactory and her weight (or, to be more precise, other's reactions to her weight) resulted in serious issues of self-doubt and depression for her. Throw drugs into that mix, and you are heading for a sad, tragic tale.
As well as her role in helping to birth CSN, she also played a similar role for the Lovin" Spoonful. That, along with her role in The Mamas & The Papas, sets her out as a major music figure of her time.
Sadly, her personal life was less satisfactory and her weight (or, to be more precise, other's reactions to her weight) resulted in serious issues of self-doubt and depression for her. Throw drugs into that mix, and you are heading for a sad, tragic tale.
November 14, 2011
Mostly very interesting. It did make me want to give up in parts, but it got interesting again enough that I kept on. The print is really really small so at close to 400 pages, it took some effort to perservere with. I did google the songs as I read so that made it more whole as well. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who isn't already a fan. She was a fascinating woman, no doubt about it but only 32 when she died. I think it could have been condensed and made a much more gripping read. :)
May 26, 2016
I read this last summer. It really stuck with me. Very absorbing and well-written. I was a fan of the Mamas & the Papas before I read this, but this gave more depth to their music and made me appreciate it more. Cass led such an exuberant, interesting life.
June 22, 2017
This well researched biography of Cass Elliot was both informative and entertaining. Fiegel delves into Cass's early life, the loss of her father and the suffering she endured because she was fat. Being obese during a time when everyone stressed thinness(think Twiggy!) took a toll on Cass's self esteem.
But it never stopped her from going after what she wanted--fame and fortune. But true love alluded her to the end. A string of (always good looking) men surrounded her but often for the wrong reasons. She craved true love all her life, and found solace in drugs and alcohol.
The story chronicles her time with the Mugwumps, the Mamas and the Papas, her unrequited love for Denny Doherty, her drug abuse and difficult relationship with control freak, John Phillips.
This book really deserves a 4.5 star rating. The reason I gave it a 4 is due to several repetitions along the way. loose ends that took far to long to tie up and the last section had so many long quotes from acquaintances that it proved to be a distraction.
This is the book, however, that puts all the pieces of Cass's life together to create a tapestry of the life of an amazingly talented and driven star--gone far too soon!
But it never stopped her from going after what she wanted--fame and fortune. But true love alluded her to the end. A string of (always good looking) men surrounded her but often for the wrong reasons. She craved true love all her life, and found solace in drugs and alcohol.
The story chronicles her time with the Mugwumps, the Mamas and the Papas, her unrequited love for Denny Doherty, her drug abuse and difficult relationship with control freak, John Phillips.
This book really deserves a 4.5 star rating. The reason I gave it a 4 is due to several repetitions along the way. loose ends that took far to long to tie up and the last section had so many long quotes from acquaintances that it proved to be a distraction.
This is the book, however, that puts all the pieces of Cass's life together to create a tapestry of the life of an amazingly talented and driven star--gone far too soon!
May 25, 2021
Cass Elliott, the iconic female voice of the Mama's and Papas died way before her time, and alone due to a decade long addiction to drugs.
That is the primary take away I get from this book. It probably isn't wrong, although speculation about whether the drug tests were not done correctly is really only speculation. The weight issue was a problem. I don't think the book overstates it, like many other reviews are claiming.
I would have like to some additional insight into how Cass was as mother. Being a drug addicted parent can't really be good for a child. I can see why the author didn't delve too much into this subject as it would have upset others who knew her and were needed for interviews.
Overall a pretty damn good book if you love 60's music and culture. I don't often find books I don't want to put down. This was one i didn't want to put down.
Edit: the more I think about it, the more upset I get that Fiegel, a non-medical expert, ends the book telling us the death was all drugs. I view the book as constantly highlighting the most salacious things she can to sell as many books. Maybe it's the reason the official Cass Elliot home makes no mention of the book at all.
That is the primary take away I get from this book. It probably isn't wrong, although speculation about whether the drug tests were not done correctly is really only speculation. The weight issue was a problem. I don't think the book overstates it, like many other reviews are claiming.
I would have like to some additional insight into how Cass was as mother. Being a drug addicted parent can't really be good for a child. I can see why the author didn't delve too much into this subject as it would have upset others who knew her and were needed for interviews.
Overall a pretty damn good book if you love 60's music and culture. I don't often find books I don't want to put down. This was one i didn't want to put down.
Edit: the more I think about it, the more upset I get that Fiegel, a non-medical expert, ends the book telling us the death was all drugs. I view the book as constantly highlighting the most salacious things she can to sell as many books. Maybe it's the reason the official Cass Elliot home makes no mention of the book at all.
January 15, 2021
I wasn’t a huge Mama’s and Papa’s fan, but this book pulled me in. It’s a wonder that the group were ever able to have hit records with all the fighting in the group. John Phillips was a cruel autocrat who believed he could have affairs but not his wife, Michele. Michele, in turn, had an affair with Denny Doherty. Cass was mad because she was in love with him.
Cass’ life was defined by two things: Her size and her voice. Her never ending battle to lose weight led to serious drug addiction including heroin. Her voice was better and more distinctive than the rest of the group which caused jealousy.
It an interesting chronicle of the late 60’s and early 70’s rock scene. Poor Cass got the fame she wanted but never was very happy as a person, despite her intellect and sense of fun.
Cass’ life was defined by two things: Her size and her voice. Her never ending battle to lose weight led to serious drug addiction including heroin. Her voice was better and more distinctive than the rest of the group which caused jealousy.
It an interesting chronicle of the late 60’s and early 70’s rock scene. Poor Cass got the fame she wanted but never was very happy as a person, despite her intellect and sense of fun.
July 18, 2017
Thorough, boy howdy it was thorough. Well done, but a little long winded and clunky at times. There was also a lot of repetition about her drugs, issues with men and self image issues. These are all imporant but I think it was already stated a few pages previously. I guess my probelm is my problem with most biographies of dead individuals, there is a lot of supposition that is presented as fact. Granted, Fiegel was very well researched, but there was too many theories and not enough factual sentences for my taste.
September 13, 2020
Found this book at Ophelia's in Seattle, and had to delve in due to my recent fascination with the Mamas and the Papas' music. Cass Elliot had huge appetites and insecurities, and with that group suddenly realized her dreams of success, but sadly she never seemed to find much satisfaction. For me the most interesting bits are the leadup to the M&P breakout in early 1966... Cass seemed to know everyone in the folk scene, and was a key 'connector'.
October 29, 2020
Repetitive
It took me so long to complete this book because I kept losing interest. Not about anything related to Cass Elliot (I won't call her Mama ;) ) just that it was so repetitive. I understand that the people in her life were similarly affected by her, but I think some of the reminders of her size could have been omitted.
It took me so long to complete this book because I kept losing interest. Not about anything related to Cass Elliot (I won't call her Mama ;) ) just that it was so repetitive. I understand that the people in her life were similarly affected by her, but I think some of the reminders of her size could have been omitted.
August 16, 2017
While I am glad that I read this very detailed account of Cass Elliott, I am also happy to move on to another book. Too much detail to hold my interest but I did enjoy parts including stories of time spent with famous friends.
March 5, 2018
Well researched but writing style was so turgid that it was hard to keep reading even though I enjoy the music of the Mamas and Papas and of Cass Elliot as a solo performer and was interested to learn more about her life
May 3, 2021
Miss her voice
I'm sorry that Cass didn't have the opportunity to write her own memoir. Most of it is here, but unfortunately it falls somewhat flat without her voice to frame actual lived experiences .
I'm sorry that Cass didn't have the opportunity to write her own memoir. Most of it is here, but unfortunately it falls somewhat flat without her voice to frame actual lived experiences .
September 21, 2023
It’s tragic that Mama Cass was with us for only such a short time. The Mamas and the Papas are one of my all time favorite bands. This book enlightened me to so much more that I didn’t know about before.
May 19, 2017
I didn't know much about Cass Elliot before reading this. It was like reading about the who's who of music in the 60's. Well worth the read if Cass and her music interest you.
August 16, 2019
It's really want to read because I've still not read it. Lol. Though I do own it..
December 26, 2022
I love cass Elliot and I loved reading about her life!!!!!
February 4, 2024
Good and comprehensive Cass Elliot biography (probably the only one out there?), but the amount of fatphobia in this book is insane.
September 27, 2017
I felt that there was a lot of repetition in the book, and also that the author shied away from some of the more significant unanswered questions in Cass's life.
February 16, 2023
Well written and researched, paints a really clear and detailed picture of Cass Elliot's life and career, including many interviews with people who knew her. I was also surprised by how candid it was about her drug use, as in the past this had been covered up.
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