Adaptability

Cass Elliot (September 19, 1941 – July 29, 1974) was an American singer and actress, most popular from her role in the Mamas & the Papas.  Regardless of the drama within the band, Elliot stuck with them until she felt going solo would benefit her most.  Her rendition of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” kickstarted her career as a solo artist. Throughout her profession, she faced a lot of criticism due to her weight. After dying due to heart failure, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

American Dreamscape Entry

Cass Elliot’s American Dream revolved around her ability to adapt to any given situation.  She was so determined to become famous that she was willing to persevere throughout many difficult situations.  Despite all of the obstacles thrown her way, Elliot was able to power through and even morph some of them to her benefit.  Possessing the ability of adaptation is definitely a skill that is required for many who desire fame.  In her interview with Rolling Stone, Elliot says, “Everything I’ve learned in life I’ve learned either by doing it or watching the changes other people go through.” Elliot recognized that she must try out different situations and forge them to work to her liking. Those who lack this adaptability fail to achieve fame as they struggle with quitting when the going gets rough. There were many moments in Elliot’s career where many would give up.  However, Cass Elliot successfully overcame the obstacles in her path as she was able to adapt to new situations despite the challenges she faced.

Elliot longed for a career in the entertainment world.  At American University in Washington, D.C., she united with other musicians Tim Rose and John Brown to form the Triumvirate. However, James Hendricks replaced Brown and then Tim Rose left the Big 3 in 1964.  Elliot had to readjust once again as her and Hendricks paired up with Zal Yanovsky and Denny Doherty to create the Mugwumps, which only lasted for eight months.  Elliot jumped from band to band, watching many members leave or new ones join. However, she never gave up on her career as she knew that adjusting to these new band situations was necessary in order to lead to eventual success.  In 1965, Doherty finally convinced Phillips to include Elliot in their band, the New Journeymen.  Apparently, Phillips originally thought Elliot was too heavy so he was concerned for the band’s image.  The New Journeymen later ended up changing their name to the Mamas & the Papas, which became Elliot’s most notable band as it was how she received most of her fame.  Had Elliot given up on joining Phillips’ band, she may have never reached the level of fame she did.  Elliot joining the band despite the initial rejection demonstrates her ability to overcome the outside obstacles she faced and fully concentrate on revolving her actions around benefitting her career.

The drama continued even after Elliot was accepted into the newly named band.  Doherty began his affair with John Phillips’ wife, Michelle Phillips.  However, Elliot loved Doherty and once proposed to him. Despite this awkward situation, Elliot kept the band together to further her music career.  Although Elliot grew so comfortable with performing alongside her bandmates, she went solo after the Mamas & the Papas split.  Her “Dream a Little Dream of Me” record was then released on her solo album of the same name, solidifying her separation from the band since it was originally released on their album.  Switching from a group act to a solo act seemed to be the best decision for her career at the time, so Elliot was open to making the change despite the situation’s unfamiliarity.

Unfortunately, being a solo act was no easier for Elliot. Six months before her live solo debut headlining in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, she went on a crash diet, which typically consists of just eating one or two foods for a period of time.  This helped her lose about 100 of her 300 pounds, but also caused her to require a stomach ulcer and develop throat issues. Although many would remain in hiding after such an experience, Elliot still managed to adapt to her negative publicity and take advantage of its perks.  She became a regular guest on many TV talk shows and variety shows in the early 1970s and had many other small yet fulfilling roles that can still be categorized as fame opportunities.  Elliot passed away in her sleep at the London flat where she was staying.  Her autopsy showed her death was due to heart failure and there were no drugs in her system, but there was a rumor that she choked to death on a ham sandwich.  The sole purpose of this rumor is to make fun of her weight, showing the disrespect Elliot had to deal with everyday and how she was still able to overcome it.

Adaptability can be viewed as being able to adjust to new circumstances.  Elliot displayed adaptability as she managed to reach her goal of stardom despite the changes happening around her.  Whether these changes included different band formations, drama between members, going solo, or crash diets, Elliot kept her eye on the prize to become famous. Elliot’s adaptability was also centered around gaining positive outcomes from negative situations.  Elliot was willing to do whatever it took to become famous whether that meant favorable or unfavorable publicity. Cass Elliot lived the American Dream by adapting to each situation encountered and making the best of them.