Dream a Little Dream of Me: The Life of Cass Elliot [Hardcover]

Eddi Fiegel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 2005

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 part 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Mama" Cass Elliot is often remembered jokingly as the fat female singer from 1960s pop group the Mamas and the Papas who choked to death on a ham sandwich. Through an impressive array of interviews with friends, family and musicians, Fiegel sets out to show Elliot was much more: a role model for obese women, a talented performer and a queen socialite among the elite songwriters of her time who, had it not been for her death at the age of 32 (which was from a heart attack, not the fabled ham sandwich), would have reached further echelons of fame. At times slow and repetitive, this is best suited for die-hard Mamas and the Papas fans. Fiegel has done her homework; she speaks with seemingly everybody who knew Elliot and examines nearly every step of her personal life and career, from her displaced childhood to her years as a star musician with insecurities about her weight and appearance. The bulk of the book concentrates on Elliot's life after gaining success, thankfully, since much of her childhood was uneventful. Written in a straight-forward, journalistic style, the book is both comprehensive and accessible. Photos.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School–Elliot was in the center of the pandemonium that characterized 1960s music. From an unpromising childhood to a tragic early death, she was an extraordinary personality in an extraordinary time. Despite discrimination because of her weight, she found unimagined fame with the Mamas and the Papas, an innovative rock group. When the group broke up in 1968, she successfully launched a solo career. She was recognized nationally as the quintessential counterculture hippie, but her charm and wit ensured continuing popularity with mainstream audiences. Black-and-white photos are of good quality. Legends of the Mamas and the Papas are demystified in this fascinating look at the personalities and music industry of the period.–Catherine Noonan, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; 1st ed edition (September 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556525885
• ISBN-13: 978-1556525889
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #998,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well done & a very fast read, July 7, 2006

By 

Charles - Music Lover (Phoenix, AZ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dream a Little Dream of Me: The Life of Cass Elliot (Hardcover)

I bought this book online and received it in the afternoon mail. I literally read it non-stop until I fell asleep later that night, and then finished it the following day.

Author Eddi Fiegel has done an admirable job in making Cass Elliot come to life in this long overdue biography of the beloved entertainer. But the fact such a biography took so long to materialize has added to the insight and perspective that only time can bring.

I was only nine years old when Cass died, I'm nine years older now than she was when she died. I know now how YOUNG she was. She didn't really have the time to find herself before her death. Fiegel deftly uncovers the issues that Cass struggled with (being overweight, the drugs, wanting to be loved for herself) and creates a portrait of a woman in the process of figuring it all out.

Before she became Cass Elliot, she was Ellen Naomi Cohen. While many people assume stage names, you then have two separate (and sometimes disparate) identities: the public and the private self. Reading this book, I have no doubt that Cass would have integrated these two identities more effectively if she had the time.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book about a beautiful talent, October 30, 2006

By 

[e-mail] (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dream a Little Dream of Me: The Life of Cass Elliot (Hardcover)

David Crosby offered the author $100 if during her research she came across anyone who disliked Cass.Needless to say,she did not collect any reward.

Her reward is knowing she has done a worthy job in presenting the essence of Cass Elliot for readers touched by the singer's amazing talent and personality.

A must-read for anyone remotely interested in Cass,The Mamas and Papas and the West Coast music scene of the mid to late 60's

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Long-Awaited Gem, April 7, 2006

By 

M. Dunn (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dream a Little Dream of Me: The Life of Cass Elliot (Hardcover)

As a lifelong fan of the Mamas and the Papas, as well as Cass Elliot in her own right, I have often wondered if a biography dedicated to Cass's life would ever be produced. Happily, this book gives great insight into the life of this jovial entertainer. The good, the bad, and the ugly is all here -- so be forewarned. For true fans of this talented woman, this is a must-read!