John Wasn’t a Fan of Cass
John felt that Cass Elliot was simply too overweight and that it would be an obstacle to the band’s success. He also said that her temperament was incompatible with his. According to Rolling Stone, Elliot would only be allowed to sing with the three of them after she followed them around, including their trip to the Virgin Islands.
‘Mama Cass’ Elliot. Photo by Jon Lyons / Shutterstock
According to Elliot herself, that trip to the islands was significant for another reason; it left her with an expanded vocal range that was compatible with the beautiful harmonies John composed. “I did get hit on the head by a pipe that fell down, and my range was increased by three notes,” she told Rolling Stone in 1968, whatever that meant.