Mama Cass was the stage name of Cass Elliot, an American singer known for her rich contralto voice and key role in the folk rock group The Mamas and the Papas. Emerging in the 1960s, her distinct vocals helped shape the group's harmonious and melodic sound, contributing to their global success. Beyond her group work, Elliot embarked on a solo career, producing hits like "Dream a Little Dream of Me." Despite her untimely death in 1974, Elliot's significant influence on folk and pop music endures, and she is often remembered as a trailblazer for female vocalists in her era.