September 19, 2016 -- Cass Elliot, better known as "Mama Cass," was born on September 19, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland. She became a folk singer in 1963. In 1965, she formed The Mamas and the Papas, becoming an overnight success. They produced hits such as "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday." After the band broke up in 1968, Elliot had some success as a solo act, but died suddenly from heart failure, at the age of 32.