Cass Elliot: The Truth Behind the Ham Sandwich Myth
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Image source: Getty Images
This is an attempt to right a rock wrong. One of the most famous musical myths is simply not true.
The daughter of Mama Cass Elliot from folk vocal group Mamas and the Papas, Owen Elliot-Kugell, has a clear message to share about her mother’s cause of death: “There was a ham sandwich, but she didn’t eat it and she didn’t choke on it. So enough with the jokes.”
Cass Elliot: A True Force in Music
Cass Elliot (Mama was a nickname which she preferred not to use later in her career) sang on some of the mid-60s most memorable singles, including “California Dreamin’,” “Monday, Monday,” and “Dream a Little Dream.” Her powerful voice was a crucial element of the harmonies that made the Mamas and the Papas so loved.
Image source: Getty Images
Debunking the Ham Sandwich Myth
By 1974, Cass Elliot had gone solo and had just completed a two-week run at the London Palladium when she tragically died at the age of 32 in the Mayfair flat she had borrowed from her fellow American singer Harry Nilsson. The autopsy stated her cause of death as a heart attack and confirmed that there were no drugs in her system.
Now, ahead of the 50th anniversary of her mother’s death on 29 July, Owen Elliot-Kugell has written a memoir titled My Mama, Cass. The memoir serves as both a tribute and a way to dispel the sandwich-based inaccuracy that has plagued her mother’s legacy for 50 years.
Cass Elliot’s Final Hours
Understandably, Owen has done extensive work to piece together what happened in the days leading up to her mother’s death. Her investigations reveal a packed schedule for Cass, including a final Palladium show, staying awake for 36 hours, and attending various social events. Contrary to the ham sandwich myth, there is no evidence that Cass ever ate the sandwich that her dancer had made for her. It was placed on her bedside table, untouched.
The Impact of Weight on Cass Elliot’s Life
Weight was an issue that Cass Elliot faced throughout her life. From a young age, she battled obesity and endured the challenges of the music industry’s perception of body image. Elliot-Kugell believes that if society had the same attitudes toward fat shaming then as it does now, her mother’s experience would have been vastly different. Cass Elliott left a profound impact, becoming a trailblazer for the acceptance of body diversity in the music business.
Revealing the Origins of the Myth
The memoir uncovers the true origin of the ham sandwich myth. Flush with concern for Cass amid a wave of drug overdose deaths among her peers, her manager Allan Carr utilized the sandwich story to protect her legacy. Cass Elliot’s close friend, journalist Sue Cameron, confirms this revelation. The revelation brings a sense of closure for Owen Elliot-Kugell, understanding the reasons behind the myth’s creation.
Honoring the Legacy of Cass Elliot
My Mama, Cass, offers a multifaceted perspective on the life of a music icon. It celebrates Cass Elliot’s achievements, her perseverance, and the valuable impact she had on breaking down barriers for future artists. The book also delves into intimate moments between mother and daughter, revealing cherished memories that keep Cass’s spirit alive for Owen Elliot-Kugell.
Source: Many details sourced from Owen Elliot-Kugell’s memoir, My Mama, Cass.
My Mama, Cass by Owen Elliot-Kugell is set to release on May 9th.