Dream A Little Dream Of Me

A thorough, carefully researched biography of the infamous Mama Cass. Through interviews with Cass' family and friends, the author debunks the Ham Sandwich Myth which has been urban legend for years. If you want a detailed biography of this talented woman, this is a great one to start with. Cass never really wanted to be a folk-rock/pop singer; she was a Broadway Baby and her love was Broadway musicals. But without her, The Mamas & The Papas would not have had the success they did have in the 1960's, in my opinion. Her larger-than-life figure and personality, plus her knockout voice really made that group.

For me, a good celebrity biography has several qualities: it makes me feel I know the person better, it feels credibly researched, and it makes me glad I am NOT that person. This is a simply wonderful biography of a great, flawed, unfortunate, amazingly talented person.

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

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.

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!