Mama "Cass Elliot was born in Baltimore in 1941, with the name Ellen Naomi Cohen. \r When he grew up, his family moved to Virginia (Washington DC). \r \r In high school, adopted the name "Cass" - tribute to singer Peggy Cass Elliot and - tribute to a friend who died. \r After singing in groups without expression (as The Big Three, The Mugwumps, The Lovin 'Spoonful's), was invited by Denny Doherty to sing with him, John and Michelle Phillips. \r After spending hours watching television and discussing probable names of the new group, a story with "Hell's Angels" has emerged revealing that their wives were called "Tits" and boys "Papas"