Cass Elliot ( born Ellen Naomi Cohen ; September 19 , 1941 -- July 29 , 1974 ) , also known as Mama Cass , was an American singer and member of The Mamas & the Papas .
Cass Elliot ( born Ellen Naomi Cohen ; September 19 , 1941 -- July 29 , 1974 ) , also called Mama Cass , was an American singer . She was a member of the musical group The Mamas & the Papas .