thank you for posting this! i have adored her since i was little and my daddy first introduced me to the mamas and the papas
I've never heard one bad word about Cass (except what Roman said), I've heard anedotes about times there. She could through someone great together to eat in 'no time' (do not make a comment - they were not ham sandwiches). But there was a lot of deli food and someone told me that when it got about 3 in the morning and the guitars were put away and you started to leave she would say "You really don't have to go back to that hotel - all they serve is a continental breakfast and we are having and no matter how full you were from the munching all evening, whatever she aaid made your mouth water. Besides who in the world would want to stay anywhere else but Cass's house - and around Cass. I wish I had met her. I've never talked to anyone who knew her that the mention of her name didn't bring on a big smile and some story.
The hams sandwhich thing really pisses me off too! Completely not how she died. She had some of the best clothes ever and always looked so beaming
Gerard - and no drugs found in her system - which is a bit odd - Just remembered something else someone said about Cass - she called him in New York - he said he was flying out there on a certain date/flight and would be staying at the Beverly Whilshire and was bringing his little girl with him - and he would arrange a driver to come to the airport - She says - "No you both will be staying at Chez Cass and I'll send the driver" and of course she was there - no strings, no agenda, just plain sweet Cass - her heart was huge - she shows up at the airport with a driver's cap on - here she is one of the most recognizable people in the world with sunglasses and a chauffer's cap - As usual a house full of other guests, food and fun - her sister and Russ and whatever East coast folk/rocker happened to be in LA then -
Thank you for posting this, I just love her. What a beautiful heart to match that beautiful voice! Jamie
Yes, the no drugs in her system was suspect since was partying the night before. What did Roman say about her?
What DID Roman say about her? And has anybody debunked or refuted the interview given by Dennis Hopper in the LA Freepress, wherein Mr. Hopper relates a story via his then-wife Michelle Phillips about the abduction, whipping and video-taped anal-rape of "a dope dealer off the Sunset Strip named Billy Doyle". Gorightly claims that police investigated and found Hopper's account somewhat erroneous. The whipping/video-buggery that Hopper claimed took place at Celio Drive, actually took place at Cass Elliot's place on Woodstock Road, across from Folger/Frykowski's. What neither Hopper, Sanders, or Gorightly seem to mention, is that Billy Doyle had been announced as Cass's fiance back in early May "69, and by the first week of August '69, Doyle is being whipped & video-raped in Cass's house. A Mama Cass story that if true, is probably not related with a smile. Doyle succeded Pic Dawson, who had been Cass's previous "fiance". At least she was consistent. I never heard of any refutation of these events from Michelle Phillips, or oh, say John Phillips who was alleged to be there, nor from Roger Vadim, who was also alleged to have been there. Well-known public figures sensationally libelled in print to no response whatsoever, as far as I can tell. Perhaps they were busy that week. Any light to shed on this?
The whipping incident, I believe, is the one where Doyle got chained to a tree by Charles Tacot. According to what Doyle said, grain of salt I know, he was really stoned and got into a fight I believe with Voy. Charles Tacot took him to Cass's and chained him to a tree to help him sober up only. Claimed his bunghole didnt hurt when he finally came out of his stupor. It was him or Billy Rinehart that rambled on about how supposedly there was no coke in LA but it was I think the Dawson and Doyle and Harrigan combo that had all the coke and sold it around LA. Then whipped the houseboy in the car for stealing their cash. But alas, rinehart also rambled on about his time in Mexican jail for the whole Hair thing. Made it seem like days and told these horror stories. According to the papers, it was an overnight stay at best. (and that time is from my memory, it may have been just a few hours)
I visited her grave in Mt Sinai, in Los Angeles, and, surprisingly, it is a very small plaque; nothing elaborate. She was very down to Earth. I love(d) her.
Cass was one of those woman singers whose voice is instantly recognizable. Gone way to soon but never forgotten.
