Here's How the Mamas & the Papas Got Their Unique Name and Cass Elliot Got Her Moniker (Exclusive) In her new book, "My Mama, Cass" Owen Elliott-Kugell shares the origin behind the "California ...

Her only child, daughter Owen Vanessa Elliot, joined The Mamas & the Papas band members at the group’s 1988 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in her mother’s honor. Advertisement.

The Mamas & The Papas was comprised of principal songwriter John Phillips on vocals and guitar, Michelle on vocals, Denny Doherty as the lead tenor, and contralto Cass Elliot.