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{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Short description|Single by the Mamas & the Papas}} {{Short description|Single by the Mamas & the Papas}}
{{Redirect|California Dreaming||California Dreamin' (disambiguation)}} {{Redirect|California Dreaming||California Dreamin' (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox song {{Infobox song
| name = California Dreamin' | name = California Dreamin{{'-}}
| cover = "California Dreamin'" picture sleeve.jpg | cover = "California Dreamin'" picture sleeve.jpg
| caption = West German picture sleeve | caption = West German picture sleeve
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| recorded = November 4, 1965 | recorded = November 4, 1965
| studio = ], Hollywood | studio = ], Hollywood
| genre = {{hlist|]<ref>{{cite book|title=Dictionnaire des Musiciens: (Les Dictionnaires d'Universalis)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d9yKBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT3635|date=October 27, 2015|publisher=Encyclopaedia Universalis|isbn=978-2-85229-140-9|page=3635}}</ref>|]<ref name= "Billboard Pop 500">{{cite magazine|last= Billboard Staff|title= The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List|magazine= ] |url= https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-pop-songs-all-time-hits/|date= October 19, 2023|accessdate= February 24, 2024|quote= The gently psychedelic pop song pays homage to the enduring allure of the Golden State...}}</ref>|]<ref>{{cite book| last=Kruth |first=John|author-link=John Kruth|title=This Bird Has Flown: The Enduring Beauty of ''Rubber Soul'', Fifty Years On |year=2015 |publisher=Backbeat Books |location=Milwaukee |isbn=978-1-61713-573-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BNGGDwAAQBAJ|page=49}}</ref>|]<ref name= "Stanley 2013">{{cite book|first=Bob |last=Stanley|title=Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop|chapter= Pop Gets Sophisticated: Soft Rock|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9emZAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT7|date=13 September 2013|publisher=Faber & Faber|isbn=978-0-571-28198-5|page=238}}</ref>}} | genre = {{hlist|]<ref>{{cite book|title=Dictionnaire des Musiciens: (Les Dictionnaires d'Universalis)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d9yKBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT3635|date=October 27, 2015|publisher=Encyclopaedia Universalis|isbn=978-2-85229-140-9|page=3635}}</ref>|]<ref name= "Billboard Pop 500">{{cite magazine|last= Billboard Staff|title= The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List|magazine= ] |url= https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-pop-songs-all-time-hits/|date= October 19, 2023|accessdate= February 24, 2024|quote= The gently psychedelic pop song pays homage to the enduring allure of the Golden State...}}</ref>|]<ref>{{cite book| last=Kruth |first=John|author-link=John Kruth|title=This Bird Has Flown: The Enduring Beauty of ''Rubber Soul'', Fifty Years On |year=2015 |publisher=Backbeat Books |location=Milwaukee |isbn=978-1-61713-573-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BNGGDwAAQBAJ|page=49}}</ref>|]<ref name= "Stanley 2013">{{cite book|first=Bob |last=Stanley|title=Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop|chapter= Pop Gets Sophisticated: Soft Rock|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9emZAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT7|date=September 13, 2013|publisher=Faber & Faber|isbn=978-0-571-28198-5|page=238}}</ref>}}
| length = {{Duration|m=2|s=42}} | length = {{Duration|m=2|s=42}}
| label = ] • ] | label = ] • ]
| writer = ], ] | writer =
*]
*]
| producer = ] | producer = ]
| prev_title = ] | prev_title = ]
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| next_title = ] | next_title = ]
| next_year = 1966 | next_year = 1966
| misc = {{External music video|header=Audio|{{YouTube|oU6uUEwZ8FM|"California Dreamin'"}}}} | misc = {{External music video|header=Audio|{{YouTube|oU6uUEwZ8FM|"California Dreamin{{'"}}}}}}
}} }}
{{listen {{listen
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|filetype=]}} |filetype=]}}


"'''California Dreamin'''{{'"}} is a song written by ] and ] in 1963 and first recorded by ].<ref name="scpr">{{cite web|url=http://www.scpr.org/programs/take-two/2013/03/05/30786/how-the-iconic-tune-california-dreamin-came-to-be/|title=Take Two|author=Southern California Public Radio|work=Southern California Public Radio|date=March 5, 2013}}</ref> The best-known version is by ], who sang backup on the original version and released it as a single in December 1965. The lyrics express the narrator's longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. It is recorded in the key of ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=John |first1=Phillips |last2=Michelle |first2=Phillips |last3=Papas |first3=The Mamas & The |date=2019-06-10 |title=California Dreamin' |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0197171 |access-date=2021-06-30 |website=Musicnotes.com}}</ref> "'''California Dreamin{{'-}}'''" is a song written by ] and ] in 1963 and first recorded by ].<ref name="scpr">{{cite web|url=http://www.scpr.org/programs/take-two/2013/03/05/30786/how-the-iconic-tune-california-dreamin-came-to-be/|title=Take Two|author=Southern California Public Radio|work=Southern California Public Radio|date=March 5, 2013}}</ref> The best-known version is by ], who sang backup on the original version and released it as a single in December 1965. The lyrics express the narrator's longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. It is recorded in the key of ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=John |first1=Phillips |last2=Michelle |first2=Phillips |last3=Papas |first3=The Mamas & The |date=June 10, 2019 |title=California Dreamin' |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0197171 |access-date=June 30, 2021 |website=Musicnotes.com}}</ref>


"California Dreamin{{'"}} became a signpost of the ],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bisbort|first1=Alan|last2=Puterbaugh|first2=Parke|title=California Beaches: The Best Places to Swim, Play, Eat, and Stay|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5D-egP4JWsEC&pg=PA172|year=2009|publisher=Avalon Travel|isbn=978-1-56691-614-1|page=172}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> heralding the arrival of the nascent ] era.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eagles-fleetwood-mac-selected-for-hall-of-fame-19971028 |title=Eagles, Fleetwood Mac Selected for Hall of Fame {{!}} Music News |publisher=Rolling Stone |date=1997-10-28 |access-date=2014-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1146306 |title='California Dreamin,' Present at the Creation (Archived Radio Program) |last=Stamberg|first=Susan|date=2002-07-08 |website=NPR.org |publisher=NPR |access-date=2014-04-29}}</ref> It was ] by the ] in June 2023<ref>{{cite web|title=California Dreamin'|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database|website=RIAA.com|publisher=The Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=2014-07-11|quote=The RIAA Database may require user input}}</ref> and was inducted into the ] in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|title=California Dreamin'|url=http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame#c|website=grammy.org|publisher=The Recording Academy|access-date=2014-07-11|quote=CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' The Mamas & the Papas Dunhill (1966) (Single) Inducted 2001|archive-date=February 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219001619/http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame#c|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2021, '']'' placed the song at number 420 in its "]" list.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rolling Stone |date=September 15, 2021 |title=The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/the-mamas-and-papas-california-dreaming-1224918/ |magazine=]}}</ref> "California Dreamin{{'"}} became a signpost of the ],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bisbort|first1=Alan|last2=Puterbaugh|first2=Parke|title=California Beaches: The Best Places to Swim, Play, Eat, and Stay|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5D-egP4JWsEC&pg=PA172|year=2009|publisher=Avalon Travel|isbn=978-1-56691-614-1|page=172}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> heralding the arrival of the nascent ] era.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eagles-fleetwood-mac-selected-for-hall-of-fame-19971028 |title=Eagles, Fleetwood Mac Selected for Hall of Fame {{!}} Music News |publisher=Rolling Stone |date=October 28, 1997 |access-date=February 3, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1146306 |title='California Dreamin,' Present at the Creation (Archived Radio Program) |last=Stamberg|first=Susan|date=July 8, 2002 |website=NPR.org |publisher=NPR |access-date=April 29, 2014}}</ref> It was ] by the ] in June 2023<ref>{{cite web|title=California Dreamin'|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database|website=RIAA.com|publisher=The Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=July 11, 2014|quote=The RIAA Database may require user input}}</ref> and was inducted into the ] in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|title=California Dreamin'|url=http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame#c|website=grammy.org|publisher=The Recording Academy|access-date=July 11, 2014|quote=CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' The Mamas & the Papas Dunhill (1966) (Single) Inducted 2001|archive-date=February 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219001619/http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame#c|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2021, '']'' placed the song at number 420 in its "]" list.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rolling Stone |date=September 15, 2021 |title=The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/the-mamas-and-papas-california-dreaming-1224918/ |magazine=]}}</ref>


==History== ==History==
The song was written in 1963 while ] and ] were living in New York City during a particularly cold winter, and the latter was missing sunny California. John would work on compositions late at night and brought Michelle the first verse one morning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-mamas-the-papas/california-dreamin|title=California Dreamin' by The Mamas & the Papas - Songfacts|website=Songfacts.com|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref> At the time, John and Michelle Phillips were members of the folk group the New Journeymen, which evolved into ]. The song was written in 1963 while ] and ] were living in New York City during a particularly cold winter, and the latter was missing sunny California. John would work on compositions late at night and brought Michelle the first verse one morning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-mamas-the-papas/california-dreamin|title=California Dreamin' by The Mamas & the Papas - Songfacts|website=Songfacts.com|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref> At the time, John and Michelle Phillips were members of the folk group the New Journeymen, which evolved into ].


They earned their first record contract after being introduced to ], the head of ], by ]. In thanks to Adler, they sang the backing vocals to "California Dreamin{{'"}}, with members of the session band ],<ref>{{cite book |first=Kent |last=Hartman |pages= |year=2012 |title=The Wrecking Crew |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780312619749 |url-access=registration |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-250-03046-7}}</ref> on McGuire's album ''This Precious Time''. Adler, impressed with the Mamas and the Papas, then had the lead vocal track re-recorded with ] singing,<ref name="scpr" /> but paired with the same instrumental and backing vocal tracks,<ref name="pc33">{{cite web |url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19792/m1/ |title=Show 33 - Revolt of the Fat Angel: American musicians respond to the British invaders. |work=The University of North Texas Digital Library |access-date=April 6, 2012}}</ref> and an ] solo by ], reportedly improvised.<ref name="scpr" /> The guitar introduction was performed by ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_mamas_papas_california/ |title=Classic Tracks: The Mamas & The Papas' "California Dreamin{{'"}} |last=Daily |first=Dan |date=July 1, 2004 |publisher=Mix Magazine |url-status=dead |access-date=April 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204034801/http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_mamas_papas_california/ |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> McGuire's original vocal can be briefly heard on the left channel at the beginning of the record, having not been completely erased.<ref>], ], interview with McGuire, 1999. McGuire's original harmonica solo can also just be made out under the flute solo.</ref> They earned their first record contract after being introduced to ], the head of ], by ]. In thanks to Adler, they sang the backing vocals to "California Dreamin{{'"}}, with members of the session band ],<ref>{{cite book |first=Kent |last=Hartman |pages= |year=2012 |title=The Wrecking Crew |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780312619749 |url-access=registration |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-250-03046-7}}</ref> on McGuire's album ''This Precious Time''. Adler, impressed with the Mamas and the Papas, then had the lead vocal track re-recorded with ] singing,<ref name="scpr" /> but paired with the same instrumental and backing vocal tracks,<ref name="pc33">{{cite web |url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19792/m1/ |title=Show 33 - Revolt of the Fat Angel: American musicians respond to the British invaders. |work=The University of North Texas Digital Library |access-date=April 6, 2012}}</ref> and an ] solo by ], reportedly improvised.<ref name="scpr" /> The guitar introduction was performed by ].<ref name=MixOnline>{{cite web |url=http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_mamas_papas_california/ |title=Classic Tracks: The Mamas & The Papas' "California Dreamin{{'"}} |last=Daily |first=Dan |date=July 1, 2004 |publisher=Mix Magazine |url-status=dead |access-date=April 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204034801/http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_mamas_papas_california/ |archive-date=February 4, 2012 }}</ref> McGuire's original vocal can be briefly heard on the left channel at the beginning of the record, having not been completely erased.<ref>], ], interview with McGuire, 1999. McGuire's original harmonica solo can also just be made out under the flute solo.</ref>

The single was released in late 1965 but was not an immediate breakthrough. After gaining little attention in Los Angeles, a radio station in ] was the catalyst to break the song nationwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/californiadreamin/index.html |title=California Dreamin' |work=npr.org |date=July 8, 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218014724/http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/californiadreamin/index.html |archive-date=February 18, 2011 |access-date=April 6, 2012}}</ref> After making its chart debut in January 1966,<ref name="Sullivan2013">{{cite book |last=Sullivan |first=Steve |title=Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QWBPAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA483 |date=October 4, 2013 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-8296-6 |pages=483–}}</ref> the song peaked at No. 4 in March on both the ], lasting 17 weeks, and '']'', lasting 20 weeks.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bronson |first1=Fred |title=The Billboard Book of Number One Hits |date=1988 |publisher=Billboard Publications, Inc. |location=New York |isbn=0-8230-7545-1 |page= |edition=Paperback |url=https://archive.org/details/billboardbookofnbro00bron/page/195}}</ref> "California Dreamin{{'"}} was the top single on the ]. As well, it tied for #1 on the Cashbox end-of-the-year survey with ] ]'s "]".<ref name=CashBox>{{cite web |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1966/CB-1966-12-24.pdf |title=Top 100 Chart Hits of 1966 |publisher=Cash Box |pages=29–30 |date=December 24, 1966 |access-date=March 18, 2021}}</ref>

"California Dreamin{{'"}} reached number 23 on the UK charts upon its original release, and re-charted after its use in a ] commercial in 1997, peaking at number nine.<ref>{{cite book |first=Hamish |last=Pringle |title=Celebrity Sells |year=2004 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons Ltd |location=Chichester UK |page= |isbn=0-470-86850-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/celebritysells00hami/page/36}}</ref> '']'' described the song as having "a fascinating new sound with well written commercial material" and praised ]'s ]."<ref name=bb>{{cite news |newspaper=Billboard |access-date=2021-03-08 |date=December 25, 1965 |page=16 |title=Spotlight Singles |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard%201965-12-25.pdf}}</ref> '']'' described it as a "medium-paced, rhythmic shufflin' romantic woeser with a plaintive, lyrical undercurrent."<ref name=cb>{{cite magazine |title=CashBox Record Reviews |date=December 11, 1965 |page=14 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1965/CB-1965-12-11.pdf |magazine=Cash Box}}</ref>

The song is used repeatedly in the 1994 Hong Kong film '']'' as a central plot point<ref>, Steven Hyden</ref> and a cover by ] was used on ] of '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a40081405/stranger-things-season-4-soundtrack/ |title=The 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Soundtrack Is the Ultimate Love Letter to the 1980s |access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref>

Michelle Phillips wrote the lyrics, "Well, I got down on my knees / And I pretend to pray," but ] had sung "began" on the original recording and had continued doing so on tour until corrected by Phillips.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZVay1RYazI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/lZVay1RYazI |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=I pretend to pray - Michelle Phillips at #WhoKnewNashville January 25, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2021|publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


== Personnel ==
The single was released in late 1965 but was not an immediate breakthrough. After gaining little attention in Los Angeles, a radio station in ] was the catalyst to break the song nationwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/californiadreamin/index.html |title=California Dreamin' |work=npr.org |date=July 8, 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218014724/http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/californiadreamin/index.html |archive-date=February 18, 2011 |access-date=April 6, 2012}}</ref> After making its chart debut in January 1966,<ref name="Sullivan2013">{{cite book |last=Sullivan |first=Steve |title=Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QWBPAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA483 |date=4 October 2013 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-8296-6 |pages=483–}}</ref> the song peaked at No. 4 in March on both the ], lasting 17 weeks, and '']'', lasting 20 weeks.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bronson |first1=Fred |title=The Billboard Book of Number One Hits |date=1988 |publisher=Billboard Publications, Inc. |location=New York |isbn=0-8230-7545-1 |page= |edition=Paperback |url=https://archive.org/details/billboardbookofnbro00bron/page/195}}</ref> "California Dreamin{{'"}} was the top single on the ]. As well, it tied for #1 on the Cashbox end-of-the-year survey with ] ]'s "]".<ref name=CashBox>{{cite web |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1966/CB-1966-12-24.pdf |title=Top 100 Chart Hits of 1966 |publisher=Cash Box |pages=29–30 |date=1966-12-24 |access-date=2021-03-18}}</ref>
According to Dan Daley:<ref name=MixOnline />


'''The Mamas & the Papas'''
"California Dreamin{{'"}} reached number 23 on the UK charts upon its original release, and re-charted after its use in a ] commercial in 1997, peaking at number nine.<ref>{{cite book |first=Hamish |last=Pringle |title=Celebrity Sells |year=2004 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons Ltd |location=Chichester UK |page= |isbn=0-470-86850-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/celebritysells00hami/page/36}}</ref> '']'' described the song as having "a fascinating new sound with well written commercial material" and praised ]'s ]."<ref name=bb>{{cite news |newspaper=Billboard |access-date=2021-03-08 |date=December 25, 1965 |page=16 |title=Spotlight Singles |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard%201965-12-25.pdf}}</ref> '']'' described it as a "medium-paced, rhythmic shufflin' romantic woeser with a plaintive, lyrical undercurrent."<ref name=cb>{{cite magazine |title=CashBox Record Reviews |date=December 11, 1965 |page=14 |access-date=2022-01-12 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1965/CB-1965-12-11.pdf |magazine=Cash Box}}</ref>
*]{{snd}}lead and harmony vocals
*]{{snd}}harmony vocals
*]{{snd}}harmony vocals
*]{{snd}}harmony vocals


'''Additional musicians'''
The song is used repeatedly in the 1994 ] film '']'' as a central plot point<ref>, Steven Hyden</ref> and a cover by ] was used on ] of '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a40081405/stranger-things-season-4-soundtrack/ |title=The 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Soundtrack Is the Ultimate Love Letter to the 1980s |access-date=27 May 2022}}</ref>
*]{{snd}}flute
*]
**]{{snd}}drums
**]{{snd}}piano
**]{{snd}}bass guitar
**]{{snd}}acoustic guitar


'''Production'''
Michelle Phillips wrote the lyrics, "Well, I got down on my knees, and I pretend to pray," but ] had sung "began" on the original recording and had continued doing so on tour until corrected by Phillips.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZVay1RYazI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/lZVay1RYazI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=I pretend to pray - Michelle Phillips at #WhoKnewNashville January 25, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2021|publisher=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*]{{snd}}producer
*]{{snd}}]


==Chart history== ==Chart history==
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| style="text-align:center;"|87 | style="text-align:center;"|87
|- |-
|Canada '']'' Top Singles<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.5751&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.5751.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.5751|title=Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada |website=Collectionscanada.gc.ca |date=1966-02-28 |access-date=2020-07-22}}</ref> |Canada '']'' Top Singles<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.5751&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.5751.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.5751|title=Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada |website=Collectionscanada.gc.ca |date=February 28, 1966 |access-date=July 22, 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|3 | style="text-align:center;"|3
|- |-
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|artist=The Mamas and The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Gold|certyear=2022|access-date=October 21, 2022}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|artist=The Mamas and The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Gold|certyear=2022|access-date=October 21, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=single|artist=Mamas & The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Gold|relyear=1965|certyear=2023|access-date=June 4, 2023}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=single|artist=Mamas & The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Gold|relyear=1965|certyear=2023|access-date=June 4, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|artist=The Mamas & The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Gold|certyear=2021|id=9536|access-date=December 27, 2021}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|artist=The Mamas & The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Platinum|certyear=2024|id=9536|access-date=21 October 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=single|artist=The Mamas & The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Platinum|relyear=1965|certyear=2024|access-date=July 15, 2024}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=single|artist=The Mamas & The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Platinum|relyear=1965|certyear=2024|access-date=July 15, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Mamas & The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2004|certyear=2024|id=11772-3657-1|access-date=January 5, 2024}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Mamas & The Papas|title=California Dreamin'|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2004|certyear=2024|id=11772-3657-1|access-date=January 5, 2024}}
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===America version=== ===America version===
{{Infobox song {{Infobox song
| name = California Dreamin' | name = California Dreamin{{'-}}
| cover = | cover =
| alt = | alt =
| type = single | type = single
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In the spring of 1979, the band ] reached No. 56 on the ] with their remake of "California Dreamin{{'"}} which was the first studio recording by America as the duo of ] and ] without third founding member ], who had departed the group in 1977. Bunnell – who sang lead – and Beckley – who sang background – self-produced the track which featured America's touring musicians: David Dickey, drummer Willie Leacox, guitarist Michael Woods, percussionist Tom Walsh, and Jim Calire who played keyboards and also saxophone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://labibledelawestcoast.blogspot.ca/2016/11/|title=La Bible de la Westcoast Music - Cool Night -|website=labibledelawestcoast.blogspot.ca}}</ref><ref name="Access Backstage">{{cite web|url=http://www.accessbackstage.com/america/song/song157.htm|title=Lyrics: California Dreamin'|website=Accessbackstage.com}}</ref> In the spring of 1979, the band ] reached No. 56 on the ] with their remake of "California Dreamin{{'"}} which was the first studio recording by America as the duo of ] and ] without third founding member ], who had departed the group in 1977. Bunnell – who sang lead – and Beckley – who sang background – self-produced the track which featured America's touring musicians: David Dickey, drummer Willie Leacox, guitarist Michael Woods, percussionist Tom Walsh, and Jim Calire who played keyboards and also saxophone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://labibledelawestcoast.blogspot.ca/2016/11/|title=La Bible de la Westcoast Music - Cool Night -|website=labibledelawestcoast.blogspot.ca}}</ref><ref name="Access Backstage">{{cite web|url=http://www.accessbackstage.com/america/song/song157.htm|title=Lyrics: California Dreamin'|website=Accessbackstage.com}}</ref>


America performed "California Dreamin{{'"}} at least once in concert in 1974,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/the-mamas-and-the-papas-bd6053e.html?song=California+Dreamin'|title=California Dreamin' by The Mamas & the Papas Song Statistics - setlist.fm|website=Setlist.fm}}</ref> "California Dreamin{{'"}} being a sentimental favorite of the band's members having been a setlist staple of the ] in which all three had performed while ] students in the late 1960s.<ref>{{cite book|title=An American Band: the America Story|last=Peak|first=Dan|year=2004 |publisher=Xulon Press|isbn=1-594679-29-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theslateonline.com/article/2018/02/eeoz41m20k5nn0i|title=Fans brave winter weather for America performance|website=Theslateonline.com|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://citizensvoice.com/news/america-brings-sounds-of-summer-to-casino-show-1.1725657|title=America brings sounds of summer to casino show|first=Kristen|last=Gaydos|date=July 26, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ucaecho.net/news/america-performs-hit-a-horse-with-no-name/|title=America Performs Hit 'A Horse With No Name'|date=November 14, 2017}}</ref> The recording of "California Dreamin{{'"}} by America was specifically made to play under the closing credits of the ] (AIP) movie release '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hornsection.blogspot.com/2011/08/film-review-california-dreaming-1979.html|title=The Horn Section: Film Review: CALIFORNIA DREAMING (1979)|first=Hal|last=Horn|date=August 24, 2011}}</ref> which had been shot in the final months of 1977 for release in the summer of 1978 although the movie was held back from wide release until 16 March 1979<ref name="AFI">{{cite web|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetails/56231|title=AFI-Catalog|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> with America recording the song "California Dreamin{{'"}} in the autumn of 1978:<ref name="Shirlebrities">''Detroit Free Press'' "Shirlebreties" by Shirley Eder 30 November 1978 p.17B</ref> Beckley and Bunnell agreed to record the song after being (at least partially) shown the movie – <small>(Gerry Beckley quote:)</small> "We liked what we saw"<ref name="Access Backstage"/> – and the track was recorded at Studio 55 (Hollywood): <small>(Gerry Beckley quote:)</small> "We did it more as a rock thing , a full sound but reliant on the harmonies."<ref name="Access Backstage"/> America performed "California Dreamin{{'"}} at least once in concert in 1974,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/the-mamas-and-the-papas-bd6053e.html?song=California+Dreamin'|title=California Dreamin' by The Mamas & the Papas Song Statistics - setlist.fm|website=Setlist.fm}}</ref> "California Dreamin{{'"}} being a sentimental favorite of the band's members having been a setlist staple of the ] in which all three had performed while ] students in the late 1960s.<ref>{{cite book|title=An American Band: the America Story|last=Peak|first=Dan|year=2004 |publisher=Xulon Press|isbn=1-594679-29-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theslateonline.com/article/2018/02/eeoz41m20k5nn0i|title=Fans brave winter weather for America performance|website=Theslateonline.com|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://citizensvoice.com/news/america-brings-sounds-of-summer-to-casino-show-1.1725657|title=America brings sounds of summer to casino show|first=Kristen|last=Gaydos|date=July 26, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ucaecho.net/news/america-performs-hit-a-horse-with-no-name/|title=America Performs Hit 'A Horse With No Name'|date=November 14, 2017}}</ref> The recording of "California Dreamin{{'"}} by America was specifically made to play under the closing credits of the ] (AIP) movie release '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hornsection.blogspot.com/2011/08/film-review-california-dreaming-1979.html|title=The Horn Section: Film Review: CALIFORNIA DREAMING (1979)|first=Hal|last=Horn|date=August 24, 2011}}</ref> which had been shot in the final months of 1977 for release in the summer of 1978 although the movie was held back from wide release until March 16, 1979<ref name="AFI">{{cite web|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetails/56231|title=AFI-Catalog|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> with America recording the song "California Dreamin{{'"}} in the autumn of 1978:<ref name="Shirlebrities">''Detroit Free Press'' "Shirlebreties" by Shirley Eder November 30, 1978, p.17B</ref> Beckley and Bunnell agreed to record the song after being (at least partially) shown the movie – <small>(Gerry Beckley quote:)</small> "We liked what we saw"<ref name="Access Backstage"/> – and the track was recorded at Studio 55 (Hollywood): <small>(Gerry Beckley quote:)</small> "We did it more as a rock thing , a full sound but reliant on the harmonies."<ref name="Access Backstage"/>


The track was originally scheduled for a 15 January 1979 release<ref name="Shirlebrities"/> which was delayed until after AIP's February 1979 pacting with ] to distribute the ''California Dreaming'' soundtrack, Casablanca having recently managed to bolster the modest success of the film '']'' through a hit soundtrack album:<ref>''Billboard'' Vol 91 #9 (3 Mar 1979) "Soundtrack lp for Casablanca" p. 19</ref><ref>{{cite book| last=Harris| first=Larry| title=And Party Every Day: the inside story of Casablanca Records| year=2009| publisher=Backbeat Books| location=Milwaukee WI| isbn=9781617133831}}</ref> the recording of "California Dreamin{{'"}} by America was therefore given parallel release with the movie, another soundtrack item: "See It My Way" by session group F.D.R., serving as ]. Both the America single and (in April 1978) the soundtrack album were issued by AIP on its own label (distributed by Casablanca): outside the US and Canada, Casablanca acted as label of release. The track was originally scheduled for a January 15, 1979, release<ref name="Shirlebrities"/> which was delayed until after AIP's February 1979 pacting with ] to distribute the ''California Dreaming'' soundtrack, Casablanca having recently managed to bolster the modest success of the film '']'' through a hit soundtrack album:<ref>''Billboard'' Vol 91 #9 (Mar 3, 1979) "Soundtrack lp for Casablanca" p. 19</ref><ref>{{cite book| last=Harris| first=Larry| title=And Party Every Day: the inside story of Casablanca Records| year=2009| publisher=Backbeat Books| location=Milwaukee WI| isbn=9781617133831}}</ref> the recording of "California Dreamin{{'"}} by America was therefore given parallel release with the movie, another soundtrack item: "See It My Way" by session group F.D.R., serving as ]. Both the America single and (in April 1978) the soundtrack album were issued by AIP on its own label (distributed by Casablanca): outside the US and Canada, Casablanca acted as label of release.
By the spring of 1979, America were involved in sessions for their ] debut album '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessbackstage.com/america/hist04.htm|title=Comprehensive History: America Revisited - Part 4|website=Accssbackstage.com}}</ref> and were either unable or uninterested in promoting their version of "California Dreamin{{'"}} which single proved unable to buoy its parent film's faltering box office take. However the publicity inherent in the film's release was evidently enough to afford minor hit status to America's soundtrack item (heard in the film's trailer, America's "California Dreamin{{'"}} was also cited in the movie's poster), and despite its lowly chart peak, America's "California Dreamin{{'"}} remake was more successful than any of their first five Capitol single releases, none of which ranked in the Hot 100 (the band's sixth Capitol single release, "]" in 1982 afforded the band a sole latter-day top ten hit).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicvf.com/America.art|title=America Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts|website=Musicvf.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/artist/america|title=America Discography - USA - 45cat|website=45cat.com}}</ref> By the spring of 1979, America were involved in sessions for their ] debut album '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessbackstage.com/america/hist04.htm|title=Comprehensive History: America Revisited - Part 4|website=Accssbackstage.com}}</ref> and were either unable or uninterested in promoting their version of "California Dreamin{{'"}} which single proved unable to buoy its parent film's faltering box office take. However the publicity inherent in the film's release was evidently enough to afford minor hit status to America's soundtrack item (heard in the film's trailer, America's "California Dreamin{{'"}} was also cited in the movie's poster), and despite its lowly chart peak, America's "California Dreamin{{'"}} remake was more successful than any of their first five Capitol single releases, none of which ranked in the Hot 100 (the band's sixth Capitol single release, "]" in 1982 afforded the band a sole latter-day top ten hit).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicvf.com/America.art|title=America Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts|website=Musicvf.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/artist/america|title=America Discography - USA - 45cat|website=45cat.com}}</ref>


"California Dreamin{{'"}} continued to be featured in America's live gigs eventually being established as a mandatory America concert title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conncerts.com/americareview.html |title=Connecticut Concerts and the Performing Arts |publisher=Conncerts.com |date=2011-05-28 |accessdate=2022-08-09}}</ref> A live performance of the song by America is featured on '']'', the band's 1996 album release of a 1982 live gig.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/king-biscuit-flower-hour-mw0000178321|title=King Biscuit Flower Hour - America - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}</ref> The band's 1978 recording was included on the 2000 America retrospective box set '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/highway-30-years-of-america-mw0000086640|title=Highway: 30 Years of America - America - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}</ref> as well as on '']'' in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/america-mn0000019297|title=America - Biography, Albums, Streaming Links - AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}</ref> "California Dreamin{{'"}} continued to be featured in America's live gigs eventually being established as a mandatory America concert title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conncerts.com/americareview.html |title=Connecticut Concerts and the Performing Arts |publisher=Conncerts.com |date=May 28, 2011 |accessdate=August 9, 2022}}</ref> A live performance of the song by America is featured on '']'', the band's 1996 album release of a 1982 live gig.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/king-biscuit-flower-hour-mw0000178321|title=King Biscuit Flower Hour - America - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}</ref> The band's 1978 recording was included on the 2000 America retrospective box set '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/highway-30-years-of-america-mw0000086640|title=Highway: 30 Years of America - America - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}</ref> as well as on '']'' in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/america-mn0000019297|title=America - Biography, Albums, Streaming Links - AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}</ref>


===Beach Boys version=== ===Beach Boys version===
{{Infobox song {{Infobox song
| name = California Dreamin' | name = California Dreamin{{'-}}
| cover = California_Dreamin'_Beach_Boys.jpg | cover = California_Dreamin'_Beach_Boys.jpg
| alt = | alt =
| type = single | type = single
| artist = ] | artist = ]
| album = ] | album = ]
| B-side = ] | B-side = ]
| released = 1986 | released = 1986
| recorded = May 1986 | recorded = May 1986
| studio = | studio =
| venue = | genre = Rock
| genre = ]
| length = 3:10 | length = 3:10
| label = ] | label = ]
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====Background==== ====Background====
The Beach Boys recorded "California Dreamin{{'"}} in 1986 for their greatest hits compilation '']'' It was produced by ] and featured ] of ] on ]. This version of the song was referenced in the lyrics of ]'s 1988 novelty hit "]". The Beach Boys recorded "California Dreamin{{'"}} in 1986 for their greatest hits compilation '']'' It was produced by ] and featured ] of ] on ]. This version of the song was referenced in the lyrics of ]'s 1988 novelty hit "]".


Although the song only charted at a modest number 57 on the ], it reached number 8 on the ] chart<ref name=AllMusic>{{cite web|title=AllMusic 'Made in U.S.A' awards|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/made-in-usa-mw0000192935/awards|website=AllMusic}}</ref> and it was supported by a music video that saw heavy rotation on MTV. The video featured the Beach Boys along with John Phillips, Michelle Phillips and ]. ] was on the East coast and declined; ] had died in 1974. Although the song only charted at a modest number 57 on the ], it reached number 8 on the ] chart<ref name=AllMusic>{{cite web|title=AllMusic 'Made in U.S.A' awards|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/made-in-usa-mw0000192935/awards|website=AllMusic}}</ref> and it was supported by a music video that saw heavy rotation on MTV. The video featured the Beach Boys along with John Phillips, Michelle Phillips and ]. ] was on the East coast and declined; ] had died in 1974.
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;Additional musicians and production staff ;Additional musicians and production staff
*] – 12-string lead guitar *] – 12-string lead guitar
*Joel Peskin – saxophone
*] – possible vocals *] – possible vocals
*] – possible vocals *] – possible vocals
''unknown'' – bass, drums, acoustic lead guitar, saxophone, synthesizer ''unknown'' – bass, drums, acoustic lead guitar, synthesizer


===Jose Feliciano version=== ===Jose Feliciano version===
{{Infobox song {{Infobox song
| name = California Dreamin' | name = California Dreamin{{'-}}
| cover = | cover =
| alt = | alt =
| type = single | type = single
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| B-side = "Light My Fire" | B-side = "Light My Fire"
| released = May 1968 | released = May 1968
| recorded = RCA's Music Center Of The World - Hollywood | recorded = 1967
| studio = RCA's Music Center Of The World - Hollywood
| studio =
| genre = ] | genre = ]
| length = 4:06 | length = 4:06
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}} }}


Credits sourced from Disco GS and Allmusic guide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Jose-Feliciano-Enciende-Mi-Pasion/master/952568|title=quick question..California Dreamin'|website=Discogs.com|year=2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/feliciano%21-mw0000177084|title=quick question..California Dreamin'|website=]}}</ref> Credits sourced from Disco GS and Allmusic guide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/feliciano%21-mw0000177084|title=quick question..California Dreamin'|website=]}}</ref>


Released as a single on ] in the summer of 1968, ]'s arrangement reached number 43 on the ] chart and number 20 on the ''Billboard'' ] chart. The song was the A-side of a single which became a big hit when radio stations started to play the B-side with his cover of "]", which reached number 3 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and was popular in many other countries around the world. This elaborate string version with jazz Latin influences serves as the opening track of Feliciano's 1968 hit album '']'' (gold status in 1968), and was heard in a key sequence in Quentin Tarantino's 2019 film '']'' and is included on its ]. Released as a single on ] in the summer of 1968, ]'s arrangement reached number 43 on the ] chart and number 20 on the ''Billboard'' ] chart. The song was the A-side of a single which became a big hit when radio stations started to play the B-side with his cover of "]", which reached number 3 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and was popular in many other countries around the world. This elaborate string version with jazz Latin influences serves as the opening track of Feliciano's 1968 hit album '']'' (gold status in 1968), and was heard in a key sequence in Quentin Tarantino's 2019 film '']'' and is included on its ].


====Personnel==== ====Personnel====
Credits sourced from album ''Feliciano!'' Credits sourced from album liner notes.


*] – vocals, guitar *] – vocals, guitar
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===Freischwimmer version=== ===Freischwimmer version===
A tropical house version by German DJ/remixer ''Freischwimmer'' was released in 2015. This version reached number one on the ''Billboard'' ] chart in its February 13, 2016 issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/2016-02-13|title=Dance Club Songs Chart|website=Billboard.com|date=January 2, 2013|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427131750/http://www.billboard.com/artist/6807308/freischwimmer/chart |date=April 27, 2016 }} from ''Billboard''</ref> "Dreamin" had never before hit No. 1 on any ranking, making this version the first in its nearly 50-year history to reach the top spot on a ''Billboard'' chart.<ref> from ''Billboard'' (February 4, 2016)</ref> A tropical house version by German DJ/remixer ''Freischwimmer'' was released in 2015. This version reached number one on the ''Billboard'' ] chart in its February 13, 2016, issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/2016-02-13|title=Dance Club Songs Chart|website=Billboard.com|date=January 2, 2013|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427131750/http://www.billboard.com/artist/6807308/freischwimmer/chart |date=April 27, 2016 }} from ''Billboard''</ref> "Dreamin" had never before hit No. 1 on any ranking, making this version the first in its nearly 50-year history to reach the top spot on a ''Billboard'' chart.<ref> from ''Billboard'' (February 4, 2016)</ref>

This version was later used in the '']'' ] episode "Assimilation".

=== Other versions ===
* ], on the '']'' CD.
* ] on the ''California Girl'' CD.
* ] on the '']'' CD.
* ] on the '']'' CD.
* ] on the '']'' CD.
* ] on '''' Music Streaming.


==See also== ==See also==
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* *
<!--for The Mamas & the Papas--> <!--for The Mamas & the Papas-->
* {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U8XWyHaGkI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/0U8XWyHaGkI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=California Dreamin', Jazz version performed by Diana Krall |website=YouTube.com}}{{cbignore}} * {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U8XWyHaGkI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/0U8XWyHaGkI |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=California Dreamin', Jazz version performed by Diana Krall |website=YouTube.com}}{{cbignore}}
* {{YouTube|oU6uUEwZ8FM|The Mamas & the Papas - California Dreamin'}} * {{YouTube|oU6uUEwZ8FM|The Mamas & the Papas - California Dreamin'}}


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] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
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] ]
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Latest revision as of 18:21, 1 December 2024

Single by the Mamas & the Papas "California Dreaming" redirects here. For other uses, see California Dreamin' (disambiguation).

"California Dreamin'"
West German picture sleeve
Single by the Mamas & the Papas
from the album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears
B-side"Somebody Groovy"
ReleasedDecember 8, 1965
RecordedNovember 4, 1965
StudioUnited Western, Hollywood
Genre
Length2:42
LabelDunhillRCA Victor
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Lou Adler
The Mamas & the Papas singles chronology
"Go Where You Wanna Go"
(1965)
"California Dreamin'"
(1965)
"Monday, Monday"
(1966)
Audio
"California Dreamin'" on YouTube
"California Dreamin'" The Mamas & the Papas' "California Dreamin'" from their debut album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"California Dreamin'" is a song written by John and Michelle Phillips in 1963 and first recorded by Barry McGuire. The best-known version is by the Mamas & the Papas, who sang backup on the original version and released it as a single in December 1965. The lyrics express the narrator's longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. It is recorded in the key of C-sharp minor.

"California Dreamin'" became a signpost of the California sound, heralding the arrival of the nascent counterculture era. It was certified three-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in June 2023 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2021, Rolling Stone placed the song at number 420 in its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list.

History

The song was written in 1963 while John Phillips and Michelle Phillips were living in New York City during a particularly cold winter, and the latter was missing sunny California. John would work on compositions late at night and brought Michelle the first verse one morning. At the time, John and Michelle Phillips were members of the folk group the New Journeymen, which evolved into the Mamas and the Papas.

They earned their first record contract after being introduced to Lou Adler, the head of Dunhill Records, by Barry McGuire. In thanks to Adler, they sang the backing vocals to "California Dreamin'", with members of the session band The Wrecking Crew, on McGuire's album This Precious Time. Adler, impressed with the Mamas and the Papas, then had the lead vocal track re-recorded with Denny Doherty singing, but paired with the same instrumental and backing vocal tracks, and an alto flute solo by Bud Shank, reportedly improvised. The guitar introduction was performed by P. F. Sloan. McGuire's original vocal can be briefly heard on the left channel at the beginning of the record, having not been completely erased.

The single was released in late 1965 but was not an immediate breakthrough. After gaining little attention in Los Angeles, a radio station in Boston was the catalyst to break the song nationwide. After making its chart debut in January 1966, the song peaked at No. 4 in March on both the Billboard Hot 100, lasting 17 weeks, and Cashbox, lasting 20 weeks. "California Dreamin'" was the top single on the Billboard end-of-the-year survey for 1966. As well, it tied for #1 on the Cashbox end-of-the-year survey with SSgt. Barry Sadler's "Ballad of the Green Berets".

"California Dreamin'" reached number 23 on the UK charts upon its original release, and re-charted after its use in a Carling Premier commercial in 1997, peaking at number nine. Billboard described the song as having "a fascinating new sound with well written commercial material" and praised Lou Adler's production." Cash Box described it as a "medium-paced, rhythmic shufflin' romantic woeser with a plaintive, lyrical undercurrent."

The song is used repeatedly in the 1994 Hong Kong film Chungking Express as a central plot point and a cover by the Beach Boys was used on season 4 of Stranger Things.

Michelle Phillips wrote the lyrics, "Well, I got down on my knees / And I pretend to pray," but Cass Elliot had sung "began" on the original recording and had continued doing so on tour until corrected by Phillips.

Personnel

According to Dan Daley:

The Mamas & the Papas

Additional musicians

Production

Chart history

Weekly charts

Chart (1966) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report) 87
Canada RPM Top Singles 3
New Zealand (Listener) 14
UK Singles (OCC) 23
US Billboard Hot 100 4
US Cash Box Top 100 4
Chart (1997) Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC) 9

Year-end charts

Chart (1966) Rank
US Billboard Hot 100 1
US Cash Box 1

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) Gold 45,000
France (SNEP) Gold 100,000
Germany (BVMI) Gold 250,000
Italy (FIMI) Platinum 100,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE) Platinum 60,000
United Kingdom (BPI) 3× Platinum 1,800,000
United States (RIAA) 3× Platinum 3,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Other versions

America version

"California Dreamin'"
Single by America
from the album California Dreaming soundtrack
B-side"See It My Way" (by F.D.R.)
ReleasedMarch 1979
RecordedStudio 55 (Hollywood) 1978
GenreSoft rock
Length2:44
LabelAmerican International
Songwriter(s)John Phillips, Michelle Phillips
Producer(s)Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley
America singles chronology
"Don't Cry Baby"
(1977)
"California Dreamin'"
(1979)
"Only Game in Town"
(1979)

In the spring of 1979, the band America reached No. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 with their remake of "California Dreamin'" which was the first studio recording by America as the duo of Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell without third founding member Dan Peek, who had departed the group in 1977. Bunnell – who sang lead – and Beckley – who sang background – self-produced the track which featured America's touring musicians: David Dickey, drummer Willie Leacox, guitarist Michael Woods, percussionist Tom Walsh, and Jim Calire who played keyboards and also saxophone.

America performed "California Dreamin'" at least once in concert in 1974, "California Dreamin'" being a sentimental favorite of the band's members having been a setlist staple of the cover band in which all three had performed while London Central High School students in the late 1960s. The recording of "California Dreamin'" by America was specifically made to play under the closing credits of the American International Pictures (AIP) movie release California Dreaming which had been shot in the final months of 1977 for release in the summer of 1978 although the movie was held back from wide release until March 16, 1979 with America recording the song "California Dreamin'" in the autumn of 1978: Beckley and Bunnell agreed to record the song after being (at least partially) shown the movie – (Gerry Beckley quote:) "We liked what we saw" – and the track was recorded at Studio 55 (Hollywood): (Gerry Beckley quote:) "We did it more as a rock thing , a full sound but reliant on the harmonies."

The track was originally scheduled for a January 15, 1979, release which was delayed until after AIP's February 1979 pacting with Casablanca Records to distribute the California Dreaming soundtrack, Casablanca having recently managed to bolster the modest success of the film Thank God It's Friday through a hit soundtrack album: the recording of "California Dreamin'" by America was therefore given parallel release with the movie, another soundtrack item: "See It My Way" by session group F.D.R., serving as B-side. Both the America single and (in April 1978) the soundtrack album were issued by AIP on its own label (distributed by Casablanca): outside the US and Canada, Casablanca acted as label of release.

By the spring of 1979, America were involved in sessions for their Capitol Records debut album Silent Letter and were either unable or uninterested in promoting their version of "California Dreamin'" which single proved unable to buoy its parent film's faltering box office take. However the publicity inherent in the film's release was evidently enough to afford minor hit status to America's soundtrack item (heard in the film's trailer, America's "California Dreamin'" was also cited in the movie's poster), and despite its lowly chart peak, America's "California Dreamin'" remake was more successful than any of their first five Capitol single releases, none of which ranked in the Hot 100 (the band's sixth Capitol single release, "You Can Do Magic" in 1982 afforded the band a sole latter-day top ten hit).

"California Dreamin'" continued to be featured in America's live gigs eventually being established as a mandatory America concert title. A live performance of the song by America is featured on In Concert, the band's 1996 album release of a 1982 live gig. The band's 1978 recording was included on the 2000 America retrospective box set Highway: 30 Years of America as well as on The Complete Greatest Hits in 2001.

Beach Boys version

"California Dreamin'"
Single by the Beach Boys
from the album Made in U.S.
B-side"Lady Liberty"
Released1986
RecordedMay 1986
GenreRock
Length3:10
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)John Phillips, Michelle Phillips
Producer(s)Terry Melcher
The Beach Boys singles chronology
"Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue"
(1986)
"California Dreamin'"
(1986)
"Happy Endings"
(1987)

Background

The Beach Boys recorded "California Dreamin'" in 1986 for their greatest hits compilation Made in U.S. It was produced by Terry Melcher and featured Roger McGuinn of the Byrds on 12-string guitar. This version of the song was referenced in the lyrics of the Dead Milkmen's 1988 novelty hit "Punk Rock Girl".

Although the song only charted at a modest number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100, it reached number 8 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and it was supported by a music video that saw heavy rotation on MTV. The video featured the Beach Boys along with John Phillips, Michelle Phillips and Roger McGuinn. Denny Doherty was on the East coast and declined; Cass Elliot had died in 1974.

Personnel

Credits sourced from Craig Slowinski and Andrew G. Doe.

The Beach Boys

Additional musicians and production staff

unknown – bass, drums, acoustic lead guitar, synthesizer

Jose Feliciano version

"California Dreamin'"
Single by José Feliciano
from the album
Feliciano!
B-side"Light My Fire"
ReleasedMay 1968
Recorded1967
StudioRCA's Music Center Of The World - Hollywood
GenreSoft rock
Length4:06
LabelRCA Victor
Songwriter(s)John Phillips, Michelle Phillips
Producer(s)Rick Jarrard
José Feliciano singles chronology
"A Man And A Woman"
(1967)
"California Dreamin'"
(1968)
"Hi-Heel Sneakers"
(1968)

Credits sourced from Disco GS and Allmusic guide.

Released as a single on RCA Records in the summer of 1968, José Feliciano's arrangement reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 20 on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues Singles chart. The song was the A-side of a single which became a big hit when radio stations started to play the B-side with his cover of "Light My Fire", which reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was popular in many other countries around the world. This elaborate string version with jazz Latin influences serves as the opening track of Feliciano's 1968 hit album Feliciano! (gold status in 1968), and was heard in a key sequence in Quentin Tarantino's 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and is included on its soundtrack.

Personnel

Credits sourced from album liner notes.

Additional musicians and production staff

Freischwimmer version

A tropical house version by German DJ/remixer Freischwimmer was released in 2015. This version reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in its February 13, 2016, issue. "Dreamin" had never before hit No. 1 on any ranking, making this version the first in its nearly 50-year history to reach the top spot on a Billboard chart.

See also

References

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