Why does Cass Elliot get so much praise for her voice when Dennis Doherty was the better vocalist?

**Richmondbread** · 05-23-2023, 04:39 AM

In The Mamas and The Papas and people still rave over how wonderful Cass Elliot was- her voice was mediocre at best, not much range or power. Dennis Doherty had a much richer and warmer tone and clearly and objectively the best voice in the group. Why did Mama Cass get all the glory and the credit? Ironically being obese was a gimmick and a novelty back then. If she hadn't been so fat, she wouldn't get so much attention for her wonderful "singing" . Because to me, it wasn't that great at all. I am surprised no one hardly mentions Denny and his great vocals in the group. Without Denny , there would be no Mamas and Papas because he was "the voice" . He sang lead on most of the songs for a reason.

Mama Cass get terrible reviews on her solo shows and they said she sounded horrible. People continue to rave about her voice. I just wonder it its a long running joke. She was obese and Jewish, yes, but a great singer, no

**NSXD60** · 05-23-2023, 05:02 AM

Answer: Personality, which Denny lacked, but Cass's voice was good enough to hold the requisite notes of her signature song, that old chestnut, Dream a Little Dream, et al., plus she knew how to convey lyrics, a sufficient package.

**Richmondbread** · 05-23-2023, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by NSXD60

Answer: Personality, which Denny lacked, but Cass's voice was good enough to hold the requisite notes of her signature song, that old chestnut, Dream a Little Dream, et al., plus she knew how to convey lyrics, a sufficient package.

Yes, but the praise over her voice is hyperbole. Her voice was rather weak and not very impressive, IMO. Had she not been so fat, I don't think people would even remember who she was.

**Hyena** · 05-28-2023, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by Richmondbread

Yes, but the praise over her voice is hyperbole. Her voice was rather weak and not very impressive, IMO. Had she not been so fat, I don't think people would even remember who she was.

If being fat makes an artist more memorable and popular, you should be all set!

**Richmondbread** · 05-29-2023, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by Hyena

If being fat makes an artist more memorable and popular, you should be all set!

You would take a low blow like that. I am nowhere near as obese as Mama Cass was.

**Universe** · 05-29-2023, 07:46 PM

Yeah, why the hell does that happen? This world needs justice!

**InmostLight** · 05-29-2023, 07:50 PM

I would argue that, in my personal listening, Cass provides "the voice". While Denny does sound better as an isolated voice, he doesn't have the same stage presence as Cass. To me, he sounds like a typical 70's American male singer, with little to distinguish his unique spot in vocal music. Cass was not a particularly talented singer, but her voice stood out more, especially combined with her over-the-top stage presence.

**Richmondbread** · 05-29-2023, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by InmostLight

I would argue that, in my personal listening, Cass provides "the voice". While Denny does sound better as an isolated voice, he doesn't have the same stage presence as Cass. To me, he sounds like a typical 70's American male singer, with little to distinguish his unique spot in vocal music. Cass was not a particularly talented singer, but her voice stood out more, especially combined with her over-the-top stage presence.

I firmly disagree. She sounds like a very average singer at best with little range or power, but also like a typical delivery. Denny had very natural stage presence. Given the choice, I would rather listen to Roy Orbison.