I wouldn’t go that far. Denny was also a powerhouse vocalist. And John, while not a strong singer, wrote some amazing harmonies. Michelle, John’s beautiful wife, was ornamental. What I find interesting about this “performance” (it’s a lipsynch) is that it’s a song about dancing, and the only one who can dance is the morbidly obese woman that John fought so hard to keep out.
@@patrickcolliano7320 Oh don't get me wrong - I don't mean to put down Michelle, John or Denny. There's no question every member of the group was uniquely gifted, and each of them brought something special to the party. It's the combination of those four individuals that made 'The Mamas & the Papas' legendary. Their harmonies were sublime, and together they generated sheer magic. But I think it's clear only Cass Elliot had the potential to make it as a major solo artist. As your post expressed so succinctly, Cass is the one who is moving beautifully here, and the one your eyes are irresistibly drawn to. For me, her voice is one of the 20th Century's most iconic. Yes it's sweet irony, as John Phillips fought long and hard to exclude her from the group, convinced her physical size would be an obstacle to their success - and always making her cruelly well-aware of his view! Cass not only proved John wrong, she emerged from the band's break-up in 1968 a fully fledged star. As the group's founder, leader, main songwriter, musician and arranger - and a big league narcissist - John struggled to handle her success with grace. It's such a tragedy her life was cut short at just 32, and we only got to see a fraction of her glorious solo career. I'm just glad when she died in London she was the toast of the town during her sell-out Palladium shows, rubbing shoulders with pop royalty including John Lennon and Mick Jagger. Cass had achieved success on her own - and on her own terms - free of John Phillips' control and the 'Mama' tag she loathed. She died in her sleep, happy in the knowledge she stood in no one's shadow, and had at last seen her own name in lights, as she fully deserved. I recently saw a 1980s interview with John Phillips, during which he was inevitably asked about Cass Elliot, her life and premature death. He was clearly defensive the moment she was mentioned, and launched into a well-worn speech about what great pals they were, and how they were always joking and joshing each other. This was how he re-framed his well documented, relentless mockery of her weight. In terms of their legacies, I think it's fair to say Cass Elliot had the last laugh!
I never realized what a dancer Cass was until I started watching these videos. Her feet are always moving and moving quite well when you consider her size.
Never realised how cool mama Cass was, best dancer, best voice and biggest character. They wouldn't have existed without her. Cant believe it's taken me to the age of 62 to find out. They were on the radio all the time when I was a kid and never even noticed, what a putz
+Jason Raczkowski Four voices carried the group vocally. Listen to the music before slagging off so dismissively the one member who worked hardest on it.
+Jason Raczkowski well i wouldn't say michelle couldn't sing, she was a great harmonizer and knew this and that was her place in the group, but no, she wasn't solo artist material and she knew it....
checkout Cass Elliot's two rare songs: ""Different" w/Lyrics posted by miguel coper and a deep Blues sounding song from her folk group days ""Young Girl's Lament + Cass Elliot + The Big 3"' she had the vocal range for the Blues and blew me away with this deep song but that was not her style of music.
It is really very simple, Cass was the star of the whole group. If it weren't for her the group, in my opinion, would not of been as successful without her. She is the one with the vocals. Great vocals at that! A gorgeous and hilarious persona and also her fashion, her fashion was just so delightfully stunning. I miss her deeply. 💕💞
Not only did this fantastic woman have a an amazing voice she had the MOVES as well.. people i give u MAMA CASS.. RIP MAMA CASS.. u will be missed forever..
Well, apparently her dream was to do a Broadway musical. She just proved to me she definitely could have been and should have been a Broadway headliner.
I remember Michelle, years ago, making mention that the only one of the group, light on their feet (and able to dance) during live performances was Cass Elliot . A rare talent indeed!
It's difficult to believe the range she had. I especially noticed it in Midnite Voyage at the end when she's singing solo. I always thought the song should have been rewritten with her singing that range. Never liked some of the childish things John did at the end of some of their songs.
She rocked. Poor Denny he doesnt know how to move ( no rhythm) but he's trying. Michelle looks mad- definitely no rhythm. Momma Cass what a great lady- RIP those in band who have passed.
Supposedly, they were worried about Cass joining because of her size it would make them unpopular, but do you think the Mamas and the Papas would have been as popular if it *wasn't* for her?
Ryan Delmar How can you say that? Cass didn't *make* the group, she was the soul of it but without John's genius arranging/songwriting, Denny's gorgeous aching lead vocals, and Michelle's counterbalanced soprano there would be no magic.
Sad thing is, Mama Cass wouldn't stand a chance at stardom in today's superficial society. She is mesmerizing to watch. Such a talent lost to early. RIP MAMA CASS!
Based on the interviews and documentaries I've watched, Michelle was jealous of Cass's voice. Not surprising as Michelle really didn't have much of a voice.
@@boomboomkawabanga Not hatin'... just pointing out that Cass was the more proficient singer and performer. Michelle was still an important member of the group in her own right.
I had a pair of white pleather go go boots and a dress just like this. I remember the stitching around the collar just like hers. I was only 6 years old! LOL
T, I was about 4 and i had white go go boots too!! and listened to this album, i knew how to work a turntable since i was 3 years old!! I am happy my older bro worked for columbia records in Glassboro NJ and bought rock and toll albums every week... and then left them to go to Vietnam.. I listened to those records every day.. venturas, stones, mama and the papas, jerry lewis and the playboys, the four seasons etc...
I was 6, but I remember this song playing all the time on my sisters record player. Music is like a time machine, takes me right back to the times I heard them. Love their music. Hard to believe she passed at only 32. 😢
I think she would have been touched by all the positive comments about her here--Mama Cass, that is. By the way, don't forget to check out Martha Vandella's version (Motown) of Dancing in the Streets. Really awesome. John 3: 16 - God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. verse 17 - For God didn't send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (Just had to share this beautiful Scripture, fellow Mama and Papa fans!)
Mama Cass had the shuffle boots on lock-down! I'm a child of the 80's, but my Mum raised me to appreciate music from her generation too. The Mamas & The Papas are one of my favorites.
1966 The year I graduated, and wow what a time that was. Momma was loved by all, and she had true talent, that's for sure. Even us "Motown Lovers'" loved Mama Cass.
I was 2 years old...until Dec.! I LOVED the 60s and 70s! I'm so glad I was around to experience it. I got in on all the great music, because my sister's and brother were 10 years older than me. 😄
I am 7 years late. I sincerely hope you are in good health. I graduated HS in 1970, and yes, I am another Motown is my favorite, non-religious music, person, who loved Cass's singing. Most all the music was great back then. My two favorite, primarily vocal harmony groups were, and still are, The Four Tops, and The Seekers. Odd of me, I guess, because of the completely different genres, but true.
I always loved Cass. Her voice, but I always admired her for standing up to the establishment and just being herself!! She took a lot of flak over her weight and I always felt the stress if that broke her heart. But, I just want her to know I am lookin her up in heaven just to tell her how cool I thought she was!!! ❤🌵🌺🐎
The brilliant and innovative arrangements of the original and cover songs are what made this group so amazing. Add in the wrecking crew musicians and the luscious voice blend with great producing in the studio and you have a stunningly great group. Plus they had the "look"and attitude that was perfect. There was SO much great music coming out every week then; it was happening very fast and we loved every minute.
sbatey11 without jhon there was no group but without cass there was nothing special about them they wouldve been just another trio two guys and a girl come and go cass changed that by being as big as she was and singing like that
I was so happy to see Cass's little dance reenacted perfectly in Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, even if it was only for a couple of seconds. Hats off to the girl that played her :^)
Great music, and band! The film quality is of the times, and it does them no justice! First it made everyone of them Much wider than they actually were. I saw them, trust me. Great harmonies, energy, and Cass was The star vocally!
What a fun song. The “Mamas and the Papas” do a great rendition. I love this group. Thank you ‘Stanislavega’ for posting the lyrics. Glad Philadelphia, the city where I am from, was mentioned.
Nope, the best part of there biggest hit ( California dreaming ) is on Danny's voice, the girls help a lot, but this song would it be successful even without Cass Elliot in it, people over hype this lady just because those funny moves and vibes.
@@alessandroher09 Cass and Denny had the voices, John could write, Michelle was nice to look at but don't let her near a microphone - the 'band' was strictly a studio creation with a short shelf life.
"Dancing In The Street" Callin' out around the world - Are you ready for a brand new beat? Summer's here and the time is right For dancin' in the streets. They're dancin' in Chicago, Down in New Orleans, Up in New York City. All we need is music (sweet music), Sweet music (sweet music). There'll be music everywhere (everywhere); There'll be swingin' and swayin' and records playin' And dancin' in the streets. Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear Just as long as you are there. So come on, every guy (come on) grab a girl Everywhere around the world. There'll be dancing - They're dancing in the street This is an invitation Across the nation; A chance for the folks to meet. There'll be laughin', singin', and music swingin' And dancin' in the streets. Philadelphia, P.A. (Philadelphia, P.A.) Baltimore and DC now (Baltimore and DC now) Yeah, don't forget the Motor City. (Can't forget the Motor City) All we need is music (sweet music), Sweet music (sweet music). There'll be music everywhere (everywhere). There'll be swingin' and swayin' and records playin' And dancin' in the street, yeah. Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear Just as long as you are there. So come on, every guy (come on, come on) grasp a girl Everywhere around the world... There'll be dancin', Be dancin' in the streets Philadelphia, P.A. (Philadelphia, P.A.) Baltimore and DC now (Baltimore and DC now) Can't forget that Motor City. (Can't forget the Motor City) Way down in L.A., California (Way down in L.A., California) Not to mention Halifax, Nova Scotia (Not to mention, indeed) Or Long Barn they do that Riverdale, Cream you know (Yes, I know) Manchester? (And, oh, Amherst, Amherst) Alexandria? (Virginia, Virginia) Falls Church (Where's that?)(Alabama) Ooh, Boyle Heights! (Boyle Heights, never heard of it)
MUY BUEN TEMA SALUDOS AMIGOS DESDE PIEDRAS NEGRAS COAHUILA MEXICO SIEMPRE HE ADMIRADO ESTE GRUPO LOS MAMAS Y PAPAS DE MIS FAVORITOS EN LOS AÑODAROS Y NOSTALGICOS 60S
I could watch and listen to Mama Cass all day long. She can break moves for any song, and that genuine voice. And is it me, or does Michelle always look lost and confused?
Funny isn't it, how Michelle was lauded as a great beauty - and was undeniably photogenic - but it was Cass you looked at when the group performed. She had enough star quality and charisma for the whole group - next to her they were all a bit beige, frankly!
