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The 1965 classic “California Dreamin'” by the Mamas and the Papas is this week’s Song of the Week. Today would have been the 75th birthday of the group’s founder John Phillips if he hadn’t died of heart failure on March 18, 2001. “California Dreamin'” was released in late 1965 on single, backed with “Somebody Groovy” and the following year it featured on the Mamas and the Papas’ debut album “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears.“

Here’s the Mamas and the Papas performing “California Dreamin'” on Hullabaloo on March 14, 1966:

Authorship

“California Dreamin'” was written in 1963 by John and Michelle Phillips, who were then members of The New Journeymen. Michelle Phillips told the LA Times in 2008 how the pair had been married just a few months and were living near Washington Square, New York in a “fleabag” hotel when they wrote the song. John had the idea of writing a song about longing for the warmth of the west coast and had soon written the first eight bars:

Michelle was responsible for the verse about the church, which had been inspired by looking around St. Patrick’s Cathedral:

Recording date/location

“California Dreamin'” was recorded late 1965 at United Western Recorders in LA.

Although penned by John and Michelle Phillips, the first recording was by Barry McGuire on his album “This Precious Time.” John and Michelle provided backing vocals on the McGuire version and used the same backing track as the basis for their version with The Mamas and the Papas. The main change they made was to remove the harmonica solo and add Bud Shank’s flute. It was a wise move. The following year, Shank included a version of “California Dreamin'” on an instrumental album which he also named after the track.

Here’s McGuire’s version.

“California Dreamin'” was produced by Lou Adler, who was the founder and co-owner of Dunhill Records and also the label’s chief record producer. It was engineered by Bones Howe.

Musicians

The memorable vocals on “California Dreamin'” were provided by the four members of the Mamas and the Papas – John Phillips, Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot and Michelle Phillips. As noted above, the flute was played by Bud Shank.

The backing was provided by the unsung heroes of the Wrecking Crew, who were sessions musicians from LA who appeared on some of the biggest records of the decade but were never credited on record sleeves. The following appeared on “California Dreamin'”:

• Hal Blaine – drums
• Joe Osborn – bass
• Larry Knechtal – piano
• P.F. Sloan – guitar.

Chart performance

“California Dreamin'” was released in November 1965, but took a while to receive much attention. It finally peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in mid-March 1966.

The album on which “California Dreamin'” appeared, “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears”, hit number one on the Billboard album chart in the US.

Covers

Bobby Womack – “California Dreamin'”

Bobby Womack released a fine soulful cover of “California Dreamin'” on his great 1968 album “Fly Me to the Moon.” It was also released on single and reached number 43 on the US pop chart. The album was produced by Chips Moman at the American Sound Studios in Memphis and featured the talented American Sound house band, “The Memphis Boys”, also known as the “827 Thomas Street Band.”

Bobby’s version of “California Dreamin'” is also available on “The Best of Bobby Womack.”

José Feliciano – “California Dreamin'”

“California Dreamin'” provided a smooth opening to José Feliciano’s 1968 album “Feliciano!” The album reached number two on the US album chart and was the most successful of Feliciano’s career. “California Dreamin'” was also the B-side to his smash hit single “Light My Fire.”

There will be a new Song of the Week on September 6.

“California Dreamin'” is available on the album “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears” and various greatest hits compilations, including “The Best Of The Mamas and the Papas.” It also features on the excellent 4-CD box set “The Mamas and the Papas – Complete Anthology” which is highly recommended for those wishing to explore beyond the greatest hits.

Title
Mamas and the Papas – If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (CD)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
The Best Of the Mamas and the Papas (CD)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
The Mamas and the Papas – Complete Anthology (4 CDs)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now