Today in Music (1966): The Mamas & the Papas charted with “California Dreamin’”

California Dreamin’ The Mamas & the Papas

Writer(s): John Phillips/ Michelle Phillips (see lyrics here) Released: December 8, 1965 First Charted: January 1, 1966 Peak: 4 US, 4 CB, 2 GR, 2 HR, 1 CL, 9 UK, 7 CN, 87 AU, 1 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, -- UK, 1.0 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 236.3 video, 676.6 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: Ironically, the group at the heart of the mid-1960s folk-rock movement on the West Coast emerged from the folk scene in Greewich Village. TB Group member John Phillips wrote “California Dreamin’” during the winter of 1963 in New York TC because Michelle, his wife and fellow group member, was homesick for California. RS500 Phillips’ folk group the New Journeymen did the song first, but as a show of thanks, Phillips offered the song to Barry McGuire (“Eve of Destruction”). McGuire had turned on producer Lou Adler to the Mamas and Papas. Adler, however, convinced the group to keep the song and record it themselves. RS500 Using McGuire’s backing track, the group did record it; the only difference being a new set of vocals in place of McGuire’s. TB “The song’s easy grace and subtle message is positively irresistible,” AMG making for “one of the all-time sunniest songs.” RS500 It “neatly encapsulated the feeling of longing as well as a desire to lead a freer, more spiritually fulfilling life.” AMG The song is also marked by a rare flute solo. SF According to Doug Thompson, the group wanted a more unusual solo than the standard guitar. John went out in the hall, saw Bud Shank, and pulled him into the studio. Shank, in turn, listened to the part of the song requiring the solo and then nailed it with the first take. SF Resources: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for The Mamas & the Papas AMG All Music Guide TC Toby Creswell (2005). 1001 Songs: The Great Songs of All Time. Thunder’s Mouth Press: New York, NY. Page 825. RS500 Rolling Stone (12/04). “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” SF Songfacts.com TB Thunder Bay Press (2006). Singles: Six Decades of Hot Hits & Classic Cuts. Outline Press Ltd.: San Diego, CA. Page 75. First posted 1/1/2013; updated 9/17/2023.