Born Ellen Naomi Cohen on September 19, 1943 in Baltimore. In the early ‘60s Ellen used to frequent the open microphone talent nights that were hosted in local clubs by radio personalities such as Jack Gale. Her persistence paid off. She eventually moved to New York City where she began her musical career as a folk singer with Tim Rose and James Hendricks in the Big Three, later joining the Mugwumps with Denny Doherty and Zal Yanovsky. Cass and Doherty later became members of the Mama’s and the Papa’s. She continued with a successful solo career until her untimely death on July 29, 1974.
