In the 1960s, "Mama" Cass Elliot was the unforgettable face of the vocal group The Mamas & The Papas.

In the 1960s, "Mama" Cass Elliot was the unforgettable face of the vocal group The Mamas & The Papas.

Propelling the harmonies of hit songs like "California Dreamin'," she helped the band see more success than they ever thought possible. But after the group's contract was up in 1971, Elliot began dreaming of a solo career.

By July 1974, she seemed to have finally fulfilled that dream, with sold-out shows in London and standing ovations at the end of her performances. But tragedy was just around the corner. On July 29th, Elliot suddenly died in her sleep at age 32. The cause of death was heart failure, but cruel rumors quickly spread that involved drug use, aggressive dieting, and even choking on a ham sandwich.