Product Description

'The greatest white female singer ever' was how Boy George described pop icon Cass Elliot, also known as Mama Cass, the sixties diva who became the recognisable face of the Mamas and Papas. Hailed as America's answer to the Beatles, the Mamas and the Papas' hits like 'California Dreaming', 'Dedicated to the One I Love' and 'Monday Monday' became the soundtrack to the sixties. Cass's uniquely emotive voice, charismatic wit and outsized multi-coloured kaftans singled her out as a popstar who refused to conform to traditional female stereotypes. When she left the group her popularity was such that she immediately had a top 10 hit with her debut single 'Dream a Little Dream of Me' and became the queen of Los Angeles society. Her Beverley Hills villa was the scene of legendary parties, becoming second home to Jack Nicholson, Ryan O'Neal, Grace Slick and David Crosby. But there was a darker side to her fame - having been constantly on a diet and battling drug addiction for years, she died mysteriously in London at the age of 33.

Including interviews with Cass's friends and family, Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty from the Mamas and the Papas, and many of the famous names who knew her, this is both an insightful biography of an extraordinary singer and a fascinating glimpse into the free-living, free-loving ideals of the California hippy movement as the optimism of the flower-child generation was crushed by the Vietnam War.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #565345 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Mojo
'A heartbreaking, myth shattering biography, a fantastic read. Fiegel's fine, all-emcompassing tome restores much of the great woman's dignity

Guardian Guide.
'Does Elliot a service...in reinstating her as an outsize feminist icon.'

Mojo
'Fiegel's fine, all-encompassing tome restores much of the great woman's dignity.'

Customer Reviews

A revealing glimpse of one of the greatest woman singers
I just finished this book last night and, having been a fan of Cass for years, I have to say this book contained the most comprehensive glimpse of Cass I have received so far. Some of the passages made me laugh, particularly when the author talked about Cass' sense of humor and fun, but there were also a lot of passages that showed how tough and resilient she really was when faced with so much prejudice and criticism. But after finishing this book I have to say that I'm even more a fan of Cass than before and that says something about how good this book really is.

"Stars fade but I linger on dear.."
There can't be many people who don't know the words to classics like "Monday Monday" or "California Dreaming".As young child in the 60's I knew all the lyrics too and was fascinated by the lady who helped sing them.
This is an excellent book and tells the story of a girl who wanted to be loved,who had so much to love to give and so many songs to sing.
By turns funny and extremely sad- if all you know of Mama Cass are the lyrics to those sun drenched songs then read this biography and you'll see behind those California smiles.Thanks Eddi for making us remember such a wonderful person.

Cass Elliot revealed as heroine as well as singer of genius
We all remember Cass Elliot as an enormous woman with a simply beautiful voice, but now we learn about the troubled personality behind the lustrous sound, sunshine songs and extraordinary wardrobe. This book illuminates Cass's colourful and often sad history - well written and detailed. Most importantly, it has made me want to buy a Mamas and Papas compilation in order to listen closer to the legendary Cass. An amazing lady.