Cass Elliot on The Tonight Show, 1973

[@bigdumbhorsebaby2795]

Seeing her sing this song and knowing how her life ended too soon is absolutely heartbreaking. She was so beautiful, funny, smart, and talented.

[@marguskiis7711]

She died happy, after successful concerts.

[@creativeblunder]

@@marguskiis7711 yeah, that makes it better 🙄

[@sandrashevey8252]

and very very confident.

[@litgamer6205]

@@marguskiis7711 She wasn't happy she was a heroin addict after 2 failed marriages at the time of her death who was crash dieting and abused drugs all her life. This is what lead to her premature death combined with being morbidly obese, very tragic life🤦‍♀️

[@rudihendricks757]

And honest. Another sad aspect is a huge talent like hers would never make it today just based on her appearance. Sad what music has been become.

[@mikehudson8884]

Cass's voice is so sublime, her speaking voice too. You'd recognise it anywhere.

[@velvetlashvan2769]

I came here to hear her

[@sandrashevey8252]

In some ways superior to Streisand.

[@cliveedwards2958]

@@velvetlashvan2769 yep I did the same..what a voice

[@MattWeisherComposer]

I wish I had something to call her that others would recognize. And I’m sorry, she owned Secreriat??!’

[@vivandav67]

She looks AMAZING in that gown...that bravado, that voice, just divine...

[@aarondigby5054]

We need professionals like her, so into it.

[@sharksport01]

I loved the emperors new clothes too.

[@fredaowens2728]

Cass Elliott was a star in her own right. She seemed like a really good person! RIP Cass!

[@zeadortmundt3846]

Cass would have been wonderful on Broadway! What a presence and what a voice!

[@herasmarket]

Yes I agree she would have loved it -- not sure why she didn't go after that

[@zeadortmundt3846]

@@herasmarket I kinda think she was headed that direction when she passed. 😞

[@herasmarket]

@@zeadortmundt3846 oh so sad 'cause her dream was to act and she was a wonderful actress as well as singer!

[@tamething1]

What a great idea! She would have been excellent Broadway!

[@kittyglitter8186]

Yes, she would be brilliant on Broadway! Mama Rose -Gypsy!

[@LeeAsh7]

Frank Sinatra gave her a wonderful compliment once telling her that her phrasing while singing was Fabulous.

[@rustybeltway2373]

It is.

[@DomenicL-h5m]

Frank was the chairman of the board

[@veronica0902]

Mama Cass Elliot was a phenomenal singer. I was 3 years old when she passed. She has a powerful voice. She sang from her heart and soul. Gone for 49 years. Never forgotten.

[@waterlily6543]

You said it she was the best

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

One of the best female vocalists ever. She, Karen Carpenter, and Eva Cassidy are my favorites of all time. Cass and Karen both died at the age of 32, and Eva died at 33, their voices stilled but never forgotten. R I P Cass, Karen and Eva. All gone too soon.

[@sharksport01]

Cass was a HUGE talent and Karen gave so much, and got so little.

[@gueromex3056]

Note: Florence Ballard founder of the Supremes died @age 32 in 1976

[@gentlespiritjw4904]

I was devastated when Karen Carpenter died. She would still be here if it wasn't for her controlling brother. I'm thankful that I got the chance to see them in concert.

[@jasonbeard4713]

She walked so gracefully and spoke with great intelligence. Her voice was within the top five of that era.

[@jeffdawson2786]

Born to sing and entertain. Still very missed.

[@lydiajohn77]

She is so incredibly beautiful. Her energy is leaping off the video. Her is sublime. Adored her, Karen Carpenter and Janis Joplin's voices. Cass seemed like so much fun too and like a kind and sweet person. Not to be messed with, but with a heart of gold. Rest in peace, sweet lady. You are missed ❤😢

[@JanMike9]

What a woman! Can't believe men were embarrassed to admit they dated her--shows what idiots men can be. Cass is among the greatest singers ever, and a sweetheart, to boot!

[@morrison1405]

Hey, don't judge people ya prick ya.

[@crystalfeather9040]

We love Cass. She was so beautiful and special. Great personality and amazing voice.

[@mandycreeksquad1722]

She was just coming into her own when her life was cut short. Imagine what she might have done... 💜

[@DomenicL-h5m]

Broadway

[@duncansmith8992]

I love confident women. And Cass is a confident women. That is what makes her attractive and sexy. She also had one of the best voices ever. A great woman.

[@victorjanusz7154]

Just love her…. She moved beautifully too….When you watch the music videos of the mamas and papas… She is by far the best dancer!

[@ed7hanke]

So true. She had the most natural beautiful fluidity about her... I see it in every move she made. The way she performs "Different" in "Pufnstuf"... damn if she wasn't the consummate artist.

[@aaronz7056]

Hearing her sing that poignant song still leaves me in tears.

[@thesixshooter6506]

One of the best female pop vacalists of all time.

[@aarondigby5054]

Mama Cass was so lovable and genuine.

[@angelwings7930]

She didn’t like being called “mama” though.

[@ruthwallis3650]

my father used to call me Mama Cass when I was a teenager and it was very hurtful but now that I'm in my sixties he did me a favor what a wonderful person

[@treywest268]

Cass was truly "One-of-a-kind"!! Such a wonderfully kind and loving person!!

[@gregman1715]

Cass You Are Missed Beautiful Lady❤💔

[@figmo397]

She had a one-of-a-kind voice and a strong presence you couldn't ignore. It's such a shame she died so young.

[@ldchappell1]

That bathtub picture on the cover of " If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears, The Mamas And Papas" evokes a lot of memories for me. The three most played albums in our house during the summer of 1967, Mamas And Papas, Simon And Garfunkel, Sounds Of Silence and Sgt. Pepper.

[@nindyhunt]

I was always do fascinated as a child with her great voice, and fun personality singing. I just felt connected to her.

[@easystar123]

Fantastic woman who is in Heaven now. She brought great joy to many many people with her beautiful singing voice and lovely vibrant personality. She was also extremely attractive. Thank you Cass for leaving us with great songs and memories.

[@christinwhitt2007]

I loved her dresses and the clothes she wore and her hair.

[@ruthnail915]

I love Cass. She was a beautiful soul! Old soul.

[@ellasmommy9278]

She had such a unique and fantastic voice. I'm getting goosebumps just listening to her

[@sheldoncooper1134]

One of my favorite female singers of all-time. What a great distinct voice!

[@SinfulScents]

Music is truly timeless! She’s making me smile decades later and that is pure magic!

[@MrShawnbarnes]

Cass was extremely intelligent and kept up with the news and politics of her day.

[@ronaldzent4845]

Johnny Carson was still probably the best late night host ever, he always seemed to respect his guests and not jump in to interrupt them, I'm sure everyone has their particularly preferred host, but Johnny gave alot of people their first breaks, David Letterman, Joan Rivers, Jerry Seinfeld, to name just a few

[@susanlewispaciga9227]

He listened to his guests' answers and ollowed up on them. Most these days are just just waiting for the guest to shut up so they can ask the next question. So many times I have heard a guest say something provocative and thought, " They're not going to follow up on that? Ask more about it?" Nope, now we are on to "How did you dwel when...?" Carson listened. Trevor Noah listened. I am trying to think of anyone else...

[@chriscarson7384]

I agree. Johnny strove to make his guests appearances as good as possible. He was really encouraging to new talent. Many people believed they had "arrived" in entertainment if they got to be on his show.

[@1besieged]

You are certainly missed beautiful lady, your singing is etheral, you have many fans who still listen to you.. Rest in peace, you had the most beautiful & perfect voice, and you had the wit & class many pray for.

[@BobbieXxoo]

A truly unique n talented woman who broke down many walls for female entertainers. I truly miss her.

[@edgeworldpictures6831]

Cass, what a great laugh!! Such a giggle.

[@candyc.3163]

I love her. She was the voice of The Mamas and Papas and I love her solo stuff too!

[@aarondigby5054]

Mama Cass was rad, she's so cool.

[@angelwings7930]

@@aarondigby5054. She didn’t like being called “mama”. I had no idea, just recently found out.

[@flynntaylor5459]

I just love her eyes 👀 so captivating. ❤

[@viralbuthow000]

Amazing, witty, funny woman. And brave. There weren't many women of that girth in showbiz in those days.

[@tudormiller8898]

Definitely! The music industry was probably dominated by thin women like Cher.

[@lorimiller4301]

And they never let her forget. Makes me angry the way people always commented on her weight. What a shame. She was so much more than a large woman.

[@vogelfrau2425]

@@lorimiller4301 Johnny Carson did not. He talked about other serious things. So he was great too.

[@danabarry81]

For real! She was SO much more than her size!!

[@flynntaylor5459]

God I could listen to her all day 🙏 🙌 ❤🎉

[@carolleonard1040]

I feel the Same way!! Loved her 🎵 And still do!!

[@nobillclinton]

'Coming to the best part of my life' . . .dead 1974. . .so sad. . .thankfully her sister was able to raise her daughter Owen and Michelle Phillips assisted when necessary.

[@ronaldzent4845]

Really miss Cass Elliott, she could sing ANY style, she could've probably even sung. Heavy metal, she had a strong clear voice anyway

[@BwGr63]

Wow, Irony, singing about coming to the best part of her life, only to have it end so soon in in 1974. So sad, So talented, So missed! 💘

[@Ursdemars]

What a great and precious voice 🤩🤩🤩❤️❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩🤩

[@lungotevere]

What a wonderful singer Cass Elliot was!

[@lindaackerman3507]

I just love her, she is so real and sweet and way beyond talented...r.i.p dear Naomi..💗💗

[@haumea420]

I love her dress! She looks stunning🖤♥️🖤♥️

[@michaelhudecek2778]

I never heard this song!!! It's really nice!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@johnm1414]

She would have had a long career as a singer like Cher or Streisand. Gone way too soon. RIP Cass Elliot

[@jennifereaston6274]

Love Cass Elliot!!! One of my favorites. I adore her voice and she seemed like a genuine person. He daughter can sing also. I wish she stayed around longer and put out more music. She is so beautiful !!! I wish she knew how beautiful she really was!!! And her personality makes her even more GORGEOUS!!! One day we might meet I hope so BLESSED BE CASS ELLIOT!!!

[@jerrymunroe4089]

So sad Elliott sings her soul out (and live) that she is " commin to the best part of her life" and she dies a year later.

[@lonnahunter3388]

That is exactly what I thought too. So sad.

[@alpha-omega2362]

if this was 1973 than she didn't die a year later she died in the late 70"s I believe.

[@jerrymunroe4089]

@@alpha-omega2362 Wrong. It is easy to fact check with the internet. Cass Elliott died in 1974. I was around then and remember her death being reported that year.

[@alpha-omega2362]

@@jerrymunroe4089 well. I'm an idiot.......I should have searched it before I shot my mouth of... Mea Culpa

[@FJTiernan]

@@alpha-omega2362 You're not an idiot. Happens to all of us. Cheers

[@aarondigby5054]

What a soulful voice.

[@aprilosborn1886]

She was a very honest person, it comes across easily for her, and comes through in that only one of a kind voice, love her personality and voice ❤

[@tiffanyroseangeles34]

Love Cass❤she was a breath of fresh air! Sad she sang that song knowing her time was ending….😢that intelligent brain,great conversationalist,beautiful lady! GREAT VOICE LIKE NO OTHER ! SHE STARTED THE TREND! MISS YOU GREAT LADY ! RIP CASSANDRA! 😢😢😢

[@jchow5966]

And Johnny was the best too. Both classy & super talented. This was back when talk shows were awesome.

[@mariannedinapoli1467]

what a voice!! Michelle Phillips has said that, that Cass was very happy with the way her solo career was so successful

[@vivis9946]

Very smart, beautiful voice. Everyone who does not know she died in her sleep from a heart attack. She worked 48 hours straight and her stupid manager saw a uneaten sandwich on nightstand stand and said she died of choking on sandwich. Her autopsy showed heart attack and NO DRUGS IN SYSTEM. She was finally on her own and raising her daughter Owen on her own in a beautiful house with flowers all around her backyard. If she kept going she could have been great in NY musicals. I loved her voice and pray she is singing with the Angels 💗🙏

[@rebeccasimantov5476]

I agree... she would have been great on Broadway in musicals!

[@rma3_3_3]

❤ Ms Elliott was always special! ❤

[@Hayleysimoneeee]

I am 24 years old and I absolutely love this woman and her music. So tragic her life came to an end so early 😢💕

[@bobbystgeorge]

I had to reach for the box of Kleenex when I saw her perform that song on the Johnny Carson show. She was one of a kind, and I miss her still to this day!

[@joekewl9409]

Thank you for posting this. I never heard the song that Cass Elliot sang here.

[@tiffanyroseangeles7517]

CASS is such a sweetheart! With those braids you look adorabs!! In that black gown !! I actually believe,she's so smart she probably could've been a Dr! She is one of those women whose multi gifted!! But that iconic voice! Oh my CASS I miss listening to you,realizing...painfully you are gone... So young . Yet when you said things were going so great for you" Heartbreaking my luv. RIP beautiful lady. It's always the lights that sparkle so brightly That, Burn out, So Fast.

[@geoffreyfox9801]

I always loved this song and Cass's version of it!

[@karenacuffhendricks1]

I just loved her💕💕💕

[@jeffreymchugh2045]

True embodiment of super star! ❤❤

[@clevebaker8399]

The favorites of mine Cass /Spanky McFarland!! Beautiful and very missed!

[@garyfayman5976]

What a treat. Thank you so much for sharing. Around the 3:57 mark, she ties her head and I could've sworn I saw Owen do the same exact tilt in an interview. Like mother, like daughter. Just a side note: I'm pretty sure this is from 1973 as that's the year her special came out. :)

[@reesescott8781]

Labeled it wrong, thank you for pointing it out!!

[@rogersargent6453]

I actually like this live version better as compared to the studio recording. She seems very happy!!

[@sheepkillindog]

She’s slightly behind the beat and dragging some words but I think it feels better than the original because of the delivery. I gives a little swing to the overall song. 😁

[@sandrashevey8252]

Todd Fisher recounts Cass`s death at Mick Jagger`s birthday party in his autobiography. Cass had just finished a sell-out performance (a week or more) at the London Palladium. She had phoned Michelle in LA to tell her the good news. Probably she got an offer to return and at a much higher salary. Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher and Todd were all in town and attended Mick`s party. Debbie Reynolds it is alleged had (secret) links to the CIA and the Mafia. She also was pathologically jealous and competitive. To give way to a newcomer, especially a newcomer of the New Order (anti-war, ethnic, slightly left), was something with which Reynolds could not deal. I am not surprised to learn she was at the party. Just wonder if she herself ordered the `Hit Man`.

[@GjpgrD]

@@sandrashevey8252 Oh, good lord. That's ridiculous. Let Debbie rest in piece.

[@sandrashevey8252]

@@GjpgrD She was a pathologically jealous and competitive Hollywood star. She also had very strong Aryan sympathies, was condescending to Jews except to those who paid her salary. She could not bear the emerging New Wave music and film. The gossip is she`s CIA and Mafia. (It`s been cited on KZbin) Could have been involved in Cass`s death?!

[@sanfrancisco89]

@@sandrashevey8252 Her first husband was Jewish. She had two children with him, and they remained friendly until his death. That she would single out Elliot for murder is ridiculous on its face, especially since Reynolds was breaking box office records at the time.

[@valentinelove2654]

"If my legs were just a little longer". Priceless! 😅

[@jamesfreeman2258]

Anytime your size is constantly being commented on, always studied, always reminded by others in how they looked at her , behaved around her, was the only reason she was not honored with awards in entertainment, or given the full respect and honors her talent deserved. She was extremely talented and intelligent and both if those qualities sometimes played against each other because she was fully aware of the social disapproval of her body . Perhaps

[@kyletreslove]

Because deep down .. As Humans .. We know we're not meant to carry this much weight. Body positivity is all good .. But Fat Kills ..

[@herasmarket]

I love her personality very personable! Cass wanted to let go of mama and papas -- and went out on her own!

[@GjpgrD]

Wow, considering she died in her sleep not that long after this, this song is quite bittersweet. Sweet, talented gal.

[@SinfulScents]

I was 1 year old then so this is the first interview I ever saw of her and she’s beautiful! And have fun go to a drive in lol I wish the 70s were BEST❤

[@imsocuteimsorich4952]

I loved Cass because she was a natural in humour and in heart,she never let fame get to her,I wounder if she was alive today what would she have become ,who knows maybe the president of the state's,Rest in peace Cass you may be gone but your not forgotten,God bless you amen,💑😘💝🌸🌈💜😇🌹💟☀✌👍💖🌈🌸💝😘💑😇🌹💟☀✌👍

[@BrianSmith-op2ds]

What a delightful lady! I was about 9 yrs old when she passed, but I do remember her. May God bless your soul! Rest in peace Cass.

[@rubbersoul0854]

The great Mama Cass!

[@jimmybuffet4970]

That sums up Cass Elliot in a few words: Absolutely, genuinely astonished that people were making a big fuss for her in her hometown.

[@misterroperssmile8107]

Wow, What a time machine. 4:40 Johnny lighting up right there on the set. You'd never see that today. LOL. This may have been her last Tonight Show appearance, too, since she died in '74. So sad. Great voice, and by all accounts, a good person. Gone nearly 50 nears now. And Johnny himself has now been gone a while.

[@rivaridge7211]

Cass Elliot would make her last appearance on "The Tonight Show" in May 1974 (just two months before her passing) it used to be out here on KZbin, but it seems it has been deleted. Perhaps some kind soul will repost it. Bless her heart! Cheers to all!

[@jillk368]

Mama CLASS.

[@patsyhairston8277]

She is beautiful here and why any man wouldn't want her is unreal to me

[@jaredjlinden]

She was such a charming woman.

[@rosezielinski5750]

I could see her as mama rose in gypsy onbroadway!!

[@robertkolesnik3982]

I love Cass Elliot.

[@keithashley6298]

She was wonderful RIP Cass Elliot

[@LHSnLA]

That vocal - live - is just spectacular! So poignant and sad to watch this and realize that the song didn't come true for her. Amazing talent gone way too soon.

[@jaydeecee1643]

Such a great talent!

[@thomasgonzalez1610]

Good Lort! Be still my heart. Great sense of humor and all that talent.

[@DreamingCatStudio]

Carson was SMOKING! Eeek! Like looking at an alternative universe. Mind you I smoked back then too, but after 35 years smoke-free it’s hard to believe! ☺️

[@SilverWealth_Draper_Mint]

We are watching what freedom looked like. I wish we still lived in those times... All these rules today make life horrible...

[@debnicometo232]

Thats when we were free

[@billoakes4475]

Incredible talent !

[@steveproctor1748]

I was a teenager working the night shift back in those days . I would leave to go to work as soon as Johnny Carson finished his monolog.

[@ThePrissy11]

Wonderful strong lady and singer. So many interesting stories about her in the media. Some involve her big Caddy conv.

[@dennismcpeek9630]

Cass was one of the best singers with a voice like none other.

[@richardraget7946]

Cass Elliott One Super Strong Purely Authenticated Loveable Personality.....Singing Happily, Openly, & Honesty......Destined for Popularity & Her Voice & Writings Hold Up 50 years After Cass is Gone.....Feelings Abounding & Exuding Joy From Her Heart.....Mama Cass was a White Hot Super Nova that got so Hot that She Exploded & we Lost out on Her Glory wayyy toooo Soon.

[@Ida-iu3uj]

Glamorous dress!

[@smiley-qb3nt]

Damme she could hit those high notes she was great

[@tangogent]

How glamourous she was here!!! RIP, noble soul. x

[@Gee4747]

The Adel of her day

[@rebeccasimantov5476]

I was thinking the same thing...

[@GjpgrD]

Actually, I think Adele is a lot more like Dusty Springfield.

[@Gee4747]

In sound it’s prior to Tina Charles “

[@danicafilipic3121]

Cass Elliott was an amazing talented singer and funny actress. I just love her. Sad she died so young.

[@diannacashion2047]

I miss. Cass....💖💖💖

[@jim007]

What a voice!!!!!

[@rhondarees9488]

Loved her! Very missed...