Elliot had a brother, Joseph, and a younger sister, Leah, who also became a singer and recording artist. Her father, involved in several business ventures, ultimately succeeded through the development of a lunch wagon in Baltimore that provided meals to construction workers.
Her family was subject to significant financial stresses and uncertainties during her childhood years. All four of her grandparents were Russian-Jewish immigrants. Early life and education Įllen Naomi Cohen was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 19, 1941, the daughter of Philip (died 1962) and Bess Cohen (née Levine 1915–1994). In 1998, she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for her work with the Mamas & the Papas. She received the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary (R&R) Performance for 'Monday, Monday' (1967). After the group broke up, Elliot released five solo albums. She was a member of the singing group the Mamas & the Papas. She was also known as ' Mama Cass', but she reportedly hated the name. Ellen Naomi Cohen (Septem– July 29, 1974), known professionally as Cass Elliot, was an American singer and voice actress.