California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#4); 1966
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
In September, 1965, Barry McGuire earned his place among the chart elite when Eve Of Destruction reached #1. He also played a key role in the fortunes of his friends John and Michelle Phillips, Dennis Doherty, and Cass Elliot.
Barry convinced his producer, Lou Adler, to give a listen to the quartet. He did, and they were soon in the studio with Barry; singing backup on California Dreamin’. Adler also tagged John’s sunny song for the group’s own album.
The first single released by the Mamas & The Papas was Go Where You Wanna Go. Promo singles had already been shipped to radio when Lou Adler dreamt that he should release California Dreamin’ instead.
Go was recalled, and Dreamin’ – with the backing track (minus a flute solo) and vocals from McGuire’s version and Denny on lead – went out. Barry never visited the Top 40 again, however, thanks to his efforts, California Dreamin’ kicked off a run of hits for The Mamas & The Papas.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Lou Adler
Lyrics Written by:
- John Phillips
- Michelle Phillips
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).