Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas Spotted in L.A. at 80: A Rare Glimpse of the Iconic Star
In a conversation with PEOPLE in May 2024, Owen Elliot-Kugell, the daughter of Elliot, discussed her memoir My Mama, Cass — which she published almost 50 years following her mother’s passing on July 29, 1974, in London due to a heart attack.
The writer, who was only 7 years old at the moment of her mother’s demise, shared last year that she occasionally faced jokes and insinuations about the rumors surrounding her mother’s death, which some claimed occurred after she choked on a ham sandwich. Owen described that tale as an odd anecdote that evolved into a significant pursuit to “differentiate fact from faction” in her mother’s narrative. Now, she expresses gratitude for that bizarre tale.
Beyond the circumstances of Elliot’s passing, the book delves into her mother’s influence as the alto voice behind memorable tracks like “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday.” An excerpt from My Mama, Cass, which was shared with PEOPLE last year, recounted the band’s encounter in September 1965 with record producer Lou Adler when they performed some of their songs — and the incidents that resulted in their iconic band name.
“I discovered that I shared my mother with the world. She didn’t just belong to me,” Owen reflected on the writing journey, also stating, “She’s been absent for 50 years, but I feel more connected to her than ever.”
The Mamas & the Papas was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, while Cass was posthumously recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022 — with bandmate Phillips and daughter Owen among those giving speeches.
Source: Adapted from People
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