California Dreamin': Difference between revisions

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			{{Use American English\|date=September 2024}}
	: ''For the British television series, see ]''
			{{Short description\|Single by the Mamas & the Papas}}
			{{Redirect\|California Dreaming\|\|California Dreamin' (disambiguation)}}
			{{Use mdy dates\|date=September 2024}}
			{{Infobox song
			\| name = California Dreamin{{'-}}
			\| cover = "California Dreamin'" picture sleeve.jpg
			\| caption = West German picture sleeve
			\| border = yes
			\| type = single
			\| artist = ]
			\| album = ]
			\| B-side = Somebody Groovy
			\| released = December 8, 1965
			\| recorded = November 4, 1965
			\| 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=September 13, 2013\|publisher=Faber & Faber\|isbn=978-0-571-28198-5\|page=238}}</ref>}}
			\| length = {{Duration\|m=2\|s=42}}
			\| label = ] • ]
			\| writer =
			*]
			*]
			\| producer = ]
			\| prev_title = ]
			\| prev_year = 1965
			\| next_title = ]
			\| next_year = 1966
			\| misc = {{External music video\|header=Audio\|{{YouTube\|oU6uUEwZ8FM\|"California Dreamin{{'"}}}}}}
			}}
			{{listen
			\|filename=California Dreamin.ogg
			\|title="California Dreamin{{'"}}
			\|description=]' "California Dreamin{{'"}} from their debut album, '']''.
			\|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=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''''" is a song by ], first released in the ].

			"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>
	The song was written in ] by ] and ] while they were living in ], inspired by Michelle's home sickness for ]. At the time, the Phillipses were members of the folk group ] which evolved into The Mamas and the Papas.

			==History==
	They earned their first record contract after being introduced to ], the head of ], by the singer ]. In thanks to Adler, they sang the backing vocals to "California Dreamin'" on McGuire's album ''This Precious Time''. The Mamas and the Papas recorded their own version which was released in ]. It never made it to number one, but stayed on the charts for 17 weeks.
			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 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>
	"California Dreamin'" was the first single and first big hit for The Mamas & the Papas and is, in fact, their impetus for being. If not for the song, and the group's talent, they may have never emerged as the important band they became. It is often incorrectly considered to be a "summer" song, even though the lyrics unambiguously state that the events it describes occur "on such a winter's day".

			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>
	==Use and covers==
	* The song was used extensively in the Hong Kong movie '']'' (1994), and is often referred to as the theme song to that film.
	* ] recorded an acoustic version with background vocals sung in Spanish.
	* Was covered by the group ] in the 1980's and used in their live set. Dewey Bunnell handled the lead vocals and Gerry Beckley did the backgrounds. This sound was part of the soundtrack to the movie ''California Dreaming''.
	* Multiple ] artists, such as ], have sampled the song and created remixes that have experienced much popularity within clubs and radio stations.
	* ] have also released two cover versions. One was released on a ] sampler cassette and a re-recorded version appeared on the CD ''Made in The USA''.
	* An ] remake by ] met with success in ].
	* It was covered by ] on his 1968 album '']'', and also by ] in the album '']''.
	* "California Dreamin'" was also sampled by techno artist ] in a remix.
	* Also done in 2004 by ] on her ''The Dana Owens Album''.
	* Was the ] for the ] ] ''Yume no California'' (California Dreams).
	* Is played amongst other California-themed songs in the Golden State section of ]'s ] theme park.
	*The song was covered by guitarist ] of Funkadelic on his only solo album ] as a jam.
	* The song was also covered by Southern Californian ] band ], on their 2006 album '']''.
	* Also covered by ]ese ] band ] (Fat Wreckords) on the 1997 EP '']''. Also found on compilation album '']''.
	* Was covered by ] in 1990
	* The ] recorded a rough demo version early in their career and appears on their ''Gold'' compilation.

			"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>
	==Trivia==

	* The song is mentioned to be playing in a ] in the ]'s song "]"
			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>
	* In the movie '']'', a crimelord played by ] has built a life philosophy around songs by The Mamas & the Papas and plays "California Dreamin'" for his guest, played by ]

	* This song is one of many classic 60s hits played in the movie '']''
			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>
	* The song was sampled on ]'s album '']'' on the track "Great Black Time".

	* This song is played in the 2006 remake of the classic horror movie '']''.
			== Personnel ==
	* The song is ] as the 89th greatest song of all time by ].
			According to Dan Daley:<ref name=MixOnline />

			'''The Mamas & the Papas'''
			*]{{snd}}lead and harmony vocals
			*]{{snd}}harmony vocals
			*]{{snd}}harmony vocals
			*]{{snd}}harmony vocals

			'''Additional musicians'''
			*]{{snd}}flute
			*]
			**]{{snd}}drums
			**]{{snd}}piano
			**]{{snd}}bass guitar
			**]{{snd}}acoustic guitar

			'''Production'''
			*]{{snd}}producer
			*]{{snd}}]

			==Chart history==
			{{col-begin}}
			{{col-2}}

			===Weekly charts===
			{\| class="wikitable sortable"
			\|-
			!Chart (1966)
			!Peak<br />position
			\|-
			\|Australia (])
			\| 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=February 28, 1966 \|access-date=July 22, 2020}}</ref>
			\| style="text-align:center;"\|3
			\|-
			\|New Zealand ('']'')<ref></ref>
			\| style="text-align:center;"\|14
			\|-
			\|] (])<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
			\| first= David
			\| last= Roberts
			\| year= 2006
			\| title= ]
			\| edition= 19th
			\| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
			\| location= London
			\| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
			\| page= 345}}</ref>
			\| style="text-align:center;"\|23
			\|-
			\|US '']'' ]<ref>''Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990'' - {{ISBN\|0-89820-089-X}}</ref>
			\| style="text-align:center;"\|4
			\|-
			\|US ] Top 100<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://cashboxmagazine.com/archives/60s_files/19660326.html\|title=Cash Box Top 100 3/26/66\|website=Cashboxmagazine.com\|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref>
			\| style="text-align:center;"\|4
			\|}

			{\| class="wikitable sortable"
			\|-
			!Chart (1997)
			!Peak<br />position
			\|-
			\|] (])<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
			\| style="text-align:center;"\|9
			\|-
			\|}
			{{col-2}}

			===Year-end charts===
			{\| class="wikitable"
			\|-
			!Chart (1966)
			! style="text-align:center;"\|Rank
			\|-
			\|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine \|title=Top Records of 1966 \|magazine=] \|page=34 \|date=December 24, 1966}}</ref>
			\| style="text-align:center;"\|1
			\|-
			\|US ''Cash Box''<ref name=CashBox/>
			\| style="text-align:center;"\|1
			\|}
			{{col-end}}

			==Certifications==
			{{Certification Table Top}}
			{{Certification Table Entry\|region=Denmark\|type=single\|artist=Mamas & The Papas\|title=California Dreamin'\|award=Gold\|certyear=2022\|id=11055\|access-date=February 15, 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=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=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 States\|type=single\|artist=The Mamas & The Papas\|title=California Dreamin'\|award=Platinum\|number=3\|relyear=1965\|certyear=2023\|access-date=June 22, 2023}}
			{{Certification Table Bottom\|nosales=true\|streaming=true\|noshipments=true}}

			==Other versions==
			===America version===
			{{Infobox song
			\| name = California Dreamin{{'-}}
			\| cover =
			\| alt =
			\| type = single
			\| artist = ]
			\| album = ] soundtrack
			\| B-side = "See It My Way" (by F.D.R.)
			\| released = March 1979
			\| recorded = Studio 55 (Hollywood) 1978
			\| studio =
			\| genre = ]
			\| length = 2:44
			\| label = ]
			\| writer = ], ]
			\| producer = ], ]
			\| prev_title = Don't Cry Baby
			\| prev_year = 1977
			\| next_title = Only Game in Town
			\| next_year = 1979
			}}
			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 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 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>

			"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===
			{{Infobox song
			\| name = California Dreamin{{'-}}
			\| cover = California_Dreamin'_Beach_Boys.jpg
			\| alt =
			\| type = single
			\| artist = ]
			\| album = ]
			\| B-side = ]
			\| released = 1986
			\| recorded = May 1986
			\| studio =
			\| genre = Rock
			\| length = 3:10
			\| label = ]
			\| writer = ], ]
			\| producer = ]
			\| prev_title = ]
			\| prev_year = 1986
			\| next_title = Happy Endings
			\| next_year = 1987
			}}

			====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 "]".

			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.

			====Personnel====
			Credits sourced from Craig Slowinski and Andrew G. Doe.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,16709.msg414538.html#msg414538\|title=quick question..California Dreamin'\|website=smileysmile.net}}</ref>

			'''The Beach Boys'''
			*] – vocals
			*] – vocals
			*] – vocals
			*] – vocals
			*] – vocals
			;Additional musicians and production staff
			*] – 12-string lead guitar
			*Joel Peskin – saxophone
			*] – possible vocals
			*] – possible vocals
			''unknown'' – bass, drums, acoustic lead guitar, synthesizer

			===Jose Feliciano version===
			{{Infobox song
			\| name = California Dreamin{{'-}}
			\| cover =
			\| alt =
			\| type = single
			\| artist = ]
			\| album = <br> ]
			\| B-side = "Light My Fire"
			\| released = May 1968
			\| recorded = 1967
			\| studio = RCA's Music Center Of The World - Hollywood
			\| genre = ]
			\| length = 4:06
			\| label = ]
			\| writer = ], ]
			\| producer = ]
			\| prev_title = A Man And A Woman
			\| prev_year = 1967
			\| next_title = Hi-Heel Sneakers
			\| next_year = 1968
			}}

			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 ].

			====Personnel====
			Credits sourced from album liner notes.

			*] – vocals, guitar
			*] – bass
			*] – flute, alto flute
			*] – percussion
			*] – vocals
			;Additional musicians and production staff
			*] – orchestral arrangements
			*] – producer

			===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>

			==See also==
			* ]

			==References==
			{{reflist}}

	==External links==		==External links==
			<!-- This is a licensed stream for the song, which is allowed under Misplaced Pages policies, even though it's hosted by MySpace.com -->
	*
			* at ] (streamed copy where licensed)
	*
			*
			*
			*
			*
			<!--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=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'}}

			{{Billboard Year-End number one singles 1960–1979}}{{The Mamas & the Papas}}{{Bobby Womack}}{{The Beach Boys singles}}
	{{1960s-pop-song-stub}}
			{{Sia singles}}

			{{authority control}}
	]

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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"

Released

December 8, 1965

Recorded

November 4, 1965

Studio

United Western, Hollywood

Genre

Length

2:42

Dunhill • RCA Victor

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

Denny Doherty – lead and harmony vocals
Cass Elliot – harmony vocals
John Phillips – harmony vocals
Michelle Phillips – harmony vocals

Additional musicians

Bud Shank – flute
The Wrecking Crew
- Hal Blaine – drums
- Larry Knechtel – piano
- Joe Osborn – bass guitar
- P.F. Sloan – acoustic guitar

Production

Lou Adler – producer
Bones Howe – engineering

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.)

Released

March 1979

Recorded

Studio 55 (Hollywood) 1978

Genre

Soft rock

Length

2:44

Label

American 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"

Released

1986

Recorded

May 1986

Genre

Rock

Length

3:10

Label

Capitol

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

Carl Wilson – vocals
Al Jardine – vocals
Mike Love – vocals
Brian Wilson – vocals
Bruce Johnston – vocals

Additional musicians and production staff

Roger McGuinn – 12-string lead guitar
Joel Peskin – saxophone
Jeff Foskett – possible vocals
Adrian Baker – possible vocals

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"

Released

May 1968

Recorded

1967

Studio

RCA's Music Center Of The World - Hollywood

Genre

Soft rock

Length

4:06

Label

RCA 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.

José Feliciano – vocals, guitar
Ray Brown – bass
Jim Horn – flute, alto flute
Milt Holland – percussion
Bruce Johnston – vocals

Additional musicians and production staff

George Tipton – orchestral arrangements
Rick Jarrard – producer

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.

References

Dictionnaire des Musiciens: (Les Dictionnaires d'Universalis). Encyclopaedia Universalis. October 27, 2015. p. 3635. ISBN 978-2-85229-140-9.
Billboard Staff (October 19, 2023). "The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List". Billboard. Retrieved February 24, 2024. The gently psychedelic pop song pays homage to the enduring allure of the Golden State...
Kruth, John (2015). This Bird Has Flown: The Enduring Beauty of Rubber Soul, Fifty Years On. Milwaukee: Backbeat Books. p. 49. ISBN 978-1-61713-573-6.
Stanley, Bob (September 13, 2013). "Pop Gets Sophisticated: Soft Rock". Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop. Faber & Faber. p. 238. ISBN 978-0-571-28198-5.
^ Southern California Public Radio (March 5, 2013). "Take Two". Southern California Public Radio.
John, Phillips; Michelle, Phillips; Papas, The Mamas & The (June 10, 2019). "California Dreamin'". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
Bisbort, Alan; Puterbaugh, Parke (2009). California Beaches: The Best Places to Swim, Play, Eat, and Stay. Avalon Travel. p. 172. ISBN 978-1-56691-614-1.
"Eagles, Fleetwood Mac Selected for Hall of Fame | Music News". Rolling Stone. October 28, 1997. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
Stamberg, Susan (July 8, 2002). "'California Dreamin,' Present at the Creation (Archived Radio Program)". NPR.org. NPR. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
"California Dreamin'". RIAA.com. The Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 11, 2014. The RIAA Database may require user input
"California Dreamin'". grammy.org. The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on February 19, 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2014. CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' The Mamas & the Papas Dunhill (1966) (Single) Inducted 2001
Rolling Stone (September 15, 2021). "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone.
"California Dreamin' by The Mamas & the Papas - Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
Hartman, Kent (2012). The Wrecking Crew. St. Martin's Griffin. pp. 261–263. ISBN 978-1-250-03046-7.
"Show 33 - Revolt of the Fat Angel: American musicians respond to the British invaders. [Part 1]". The University of North Texas Digital Library. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
^ Daily, Dan (July 1, 2004). "Classic Tracks: The Mamas & The Papas' "California Dreamin'"". Mix Magazine. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
Rock Family Trees, BBC, interview with McGuire, 1999. McGuire's original harmonica solo can also just be made out under the flute solo.
"California Dreamin'". npr.org. July 8, 2002. Archived from the original on February 18, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
Sullivan, Steve (October 4, 2013). Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings. Scarecrow Press. pp. 483–. ISBN 978-0-8108-8296-6.
Bronson, Fred (1988). The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (Paperback ed.). New York: Billboard Publications, Inc. p. 195. ISBN 0-8230-7545-1.
^ "Top 100 Chart Hits of 1966" (PDF). Cash Box. December 24, 1966. pp. 29–30. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
Pringle, Hamish (2004). Celebrity Sells. Chichester UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. p. 36. ISBN 0-470-86850-3.
"Spotlight Singles" (PDF). Billboard. December 25, 1965. p. 16. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
"CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. December 11, 1965. p. 14. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
Song And Vision No. 5: "California Dreamin'" and Chungking Express, Steven Hyden
"The 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Soundtrack Is the Ultimate Love Letter to the 1980s". Retrieved May 27, 2022.
"I pretend to pray - Michelle Phillips at #WhoKnewNashville January 25, 2018". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
"Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. February 28, 1966. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 345. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
"Cash Box Top 100 3/26/66". Cashboxmagazine.com. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
"Top Records of 1966". Billboard. December 24, 1966. p. 34.
"Danish single certifications – Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin'". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
"French single certifications – The Mamas and The Papas – California Dreamin'" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
"Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Mamas & The Papas; 'California Dreamin'')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
"Italian single certifications – The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin'" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
"Spanish single certifications – The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin'". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
"British single certifications – Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin'". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
"American single certifications – The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin'". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
"La Bible de la Westcoast Music - Cool Night -". labibledelawestcoast.blogspot.ca.
^ "Lyrics: California Dreamin'". Accessbackstage.com.
"California Dreamin' by The Mamas & the Papas Song Statistics - setlist.fm". Setlist.fm.
Peak, Dan (2004). An American Band: the America Story. Xulon Press. ISBN 1-594679-29-0.
"Fans brave winter weather for America performance". Theslateonline.com. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
Gaydos, Kristen (July 26, 2014). "America brings sounds of summer to casino show".
"America Performs Hit 'A Horse With No Name'". November 14, 2017.
Horn, Hal (August 24, 2011). "The Horn Section: Film Review: CALIFORNIA DREAMING (1979)".
"AFI-Catalog". catalog.afi.com.
^ Detroit Free Press "Shirlebreties" by Shirley Eder November 30, 1978, p.17B
Billboard Vol 91 #9 (Mar 3, 1979) "Soundtrack lp for Casablanca" p. 19
Harris, Larry (2009). And Party Every Day: the inside story of Casablanca Records. Milwaukee WI: Backbeat Books. ISBN 9781617133831.
"Comprehensive History: America Revisited - Part 4". Accssbackstage.com.
"America Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". Musicvf.com.
"America Discography - USA - 45cat". 45cat.com.
"Connecticut Concerts and the Performing Arts". Conncerts.com. May 28, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
"King Biscuit Flower Hour - America - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic.
"Highway: 30 Years of America - America - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic.
"America - Biography, Albums, Streaming Links - AllMusic". AllMusic.
"AllMusic 'Made in U.S.A' awards". AllMusic.
"quick question..California Dreamin'". smileysmile.net.
"quick question..California Dreamin'". AllMusic.
"Dance Club Songs Chart". Billboard.com. January 2, 2013. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
Chart history for Freischwimmer Archived April 27, 2016, at the Wayback Machine from Billboard
"'California Dreamin' Hits No. 1 After 50 Years, Thanks to Dance Remix" from Billboard (February 4, 2016)

External links

California Dreamin' at Myspace (streamed copy where licensed)
NPR's "Present at the Creation" segment on the origins of the song
Technical article describing how California Dreamin' was originally mixed
Facts and discussion about the song
Review Of California Dreaming
"California Dreamin', Jazz version performed by Diana Krall". YouTube.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021.
The Mamas & the Papas - California Dreamin' on YouTube

v t e Billboard Year-End number one singles (1960–1979)
1960: "Theme from A Summer Place" – Percy Faith 1961: "Tossin' and Turnin'" – Bobby Lewis 1962: "Stranger on the Shore" – Mr. Acker Bilk 1963: "Sugar Shack" – Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs / "Surfin' U.S.A." – The Beach Boys 1964: "I Want to Hold Your Hand" – The Beatles 1965: "Wooly Bully" – Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs 1966: "The Ballad of the Green Berets" – SSgt Barry Sadler / "California Dreamin'" – The Mamas & the Papas 1967: "To Sir with Love" – Lulu 1968: "Hey Jude" – The Beatles 1969: "Sugar, Sugar" – The Archies 1970: "Bridge over Troubled Water" – Simon & Garfunkel 1971: "Joy to the World" – Three Dog Night 1972: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" – Roberta Flack 1973: "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" – Tony Orlando and Dawn 1974: "The Way We Were" – Barbra Streisand 1975: "Love Will Keep Us Together" – Captain & Tennille 1976: "Silly Love Songs" – Wings 1977: "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" – Rod Stewart 1978: "Shadow Dancing" – Andy Gibb 1979: "My Sharona" – The Knack
Complete list (1946–1959) (1960–1979) (1980–1999) (2000–2019) (2020–present)

Billboard Year-End number one singles (1960–1979)

1960: "Theme from A Summer Place" – Percy Faith
1961: "Tossin' and Turnin'" – Bobby Lewis
1962: "Stranger on the Shore" – Mr. Acker Bilk
1963: "Sugar Shack" – Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs / "Surfin' U.S.A." – The Beach Boys
1964: "I Want to Hold Your Hand" – The Beatles
1965: "Wooly Bully" – Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
1966: "The Ballad of the Green Berets" – SSgt Barry Sadler / "California Dreamin'" – The Mamas & the Papas
1967: "To Sir with Love" – Lulu
1968: "Hey Jude" – The Beatles
1969: "Sugar, Sugar" – The Archies
1970: "Bridge over Troubled Water" – Simon & Garfunkel
1971: "Joy to the World" – Three Dog Night
1972: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" – Roberta Flack
1973: "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" – Tony Orlando and Dawn
1974: "The Way We Were" – Barbra Streisand
1975: "Love Will Keep Us Together" – Captain & Tennille
1976: "Silly Love Songs" – Wings
1977: "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" – Rod Stewart
1978: "Shadow Dancing" – Andy Gibb
1979: "My Sharona" – The Knack

v t e The Mamas & the Papas
Denny Doherty Cass Elliot John Phillips Michelle Phillips Lisa Brescia Jill Gibson Laurie Beebe Lewis Deb Lyons Spanky McFarlane Barry McGuire Scott McKenzie Mackenzie Phillips
Studio albums	If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (1966) The Mamas & the Papas (1966) Deliver (1967) The Papas & the Mamas (1968) People Like Us (1971)
Compilations	16 of Their Greatest Hits (1969) Greatest Hits (1998) 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Mamas & the Papas (1999) All the Leaves Are Brown (2001)
Singles	"Go Where You Wanna Go" (1965) "California Dreamin'" (1965) "Monday, Monday" (1966) "I Saw Her Again" (1966) "Words of Love" (1966) "Dancing in the Street" (1966) "Look Through My Window" (1966) "Dedicated to the One I Love" (1967) "Creeque Alley" (1967) "My Girl" (1967) "Glad to Be Unhappy" (1967) "Twelve Thirty" (1967) "Safe in My Garden" (1968) "Dream a Little Dream of Me" (1968) "Do You Wanna Dance" (1968)
Related	Discography Chynna Phillips Bijou Phillips Wilson Phillips The Beach Boys Geneviève Waïte The Journeymen The Halifax Three The Big 3 The Mugwumps

v t e Bobby Womack
Discography
Studio albums	Fly Me to the Moon (1969) My Prescription (1970) Communication (1971) Understanding (1972) Facts of Life (1973) Lookin' for a Love Again (1974) I Don't Know What the World Is Coming To (1975) Safety Zone (1975) BW Goes C&W (1976) Home Is Where the Heart Is (1976) Pieces (1978) Roads of Life (1979) The Poet (1981) The Poet II (1984) So Many Rivers (1985) Someday We'll All Be Free (1985) Womagic (1986) The Last Soul Man (1987) Save the Children (1989) Resurrection (1994) Back to My Roots (1999) Traditions (1999) The Bravest Man in the Universe (2012)
Singles	"California Dreamin'" "Fly Me to the Moon" "How I Miss You Baby" "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" "That's the Way I Feel About Cha" "Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)" "Woman's Gotta Have It" "Harry Hippie" "Across 110th Street" "Lookin' for a Love" "Daylight" "If You Think You're Lonely Now" "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much" "Someday We'll All Be Free" "Living in a Box" "Please Forgive My Heart"

The Beach Boys singles

1960s

1961	"Surfin'" / "Luau"
1962	"Surfin' Safari" / "409" "Ten Little Indians" / "County Fair"
1963	"Surfin' U.S.A." / "Shut Down" "Surfer Girl" / "Little Deuce Coupe" "Be True to Your School" / "In My Room" "Little Saint Nick" / "The Lord's Prayer"
1964	"Fun, Fun, Fun" / "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" "I Get Around" / "Don't Worry Baby" "When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)" / "She Knows Me Too Well" "Dance, Dance, Dance" / "The Warmth of the Sun" "The Man with All the Toys" / "Blue Christmas"
1965	"Do You Wanna Dance?" / "Please Let Me Wonder" "Help Me, Rhonda" / "Kiss Me, Baby" "California Girls"/ "Let Him Run Wild" "The Little Girl I Once Knew" / "There's No Other (Like My Baby)" "Barbara Ann" / "Girl Don't Tell Me"
1966	"Sloop John B" / "You're So Good to Me" "Wouldn't It Be Nice" / "God Only Knows" "Good Vibrations" / "Let's Go Away for Awhile"
1967	"Then I Kissed Her" / "Mountain of Love" "Heroes and Villains" / "You're Welcome" "Wild Honey" / "Wind Chimes" "Darlin'" / "Here Today"
1968	"Friends" / "Little Bird" "Do It Again" / "Wake the World" "Bluebirds over the Mountain" / "Never Learn Not to Love"
1969	"I Can Hear Music" / "All I Want to Do" "Break Away" / "Celebrate the News"

1970s

1970	"Add Some Music to Your Day" / "Susie Cincinnati" "Cottonfields" / "The Nearest Faraway Place" "Slip On Through" / "This Whole World" "Tears in the Morning" / "It's About Time"
1971	"Cool, Cool Water" / "Forever" "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (live) / "The Times They Are a-Changin'" (by Merry Clayton) "Long Promised Road" / "Deirdre" "Long Promised Road" / "'Til I Die" "Student Demonstration Time" / "Don't Go Near the Water" "Surf's Up" / "Don't Go Near the Water"
1972	"You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone" / "Cuddle Up" "Marcella" / "Hold On Dear Brother"
1973	"Sail On, Sailor" / "Only with You" "California Saga/California" / "Funky Pretty"
1974	"Surfin' U.S.A." / "The Warmth of the Sun" "Child of Winter (Christmas Song)" / "Susie Cincinnati"
1975	"Sail On, Sailor" / "Only with You"
1976	"Rock and Roll Music" / "T M Song" "It's O.K." / "Had to Phone Ya" "Everyone's in Love with You" / "Susie Cincinnati"
1977	"Honkin' Down the Highway" / "Solar System"
1978	"Peggy Sue" / "Hey Little Tomboy"
1979	"Here Comes the Night" / "Baby Blue" "Good Timin'" / "Love Surrounds Me" "Lady Lynda" / "Full Sail" "It's a Beautiful Day" / "Sumahama"

1980s

1980	"Goin' On" / "Endless Harmony" "Livin' with a Heartache" / "Santa Ana Winds"
1981	"The Beach Boys Medley" / "God Only Knows" "Come Go with Me" / "Don't Go Near the Water"
1985	"Getcha Back" / "Male Ego" "It's Gettin' Late" / "It's O.K." "She Believes in Love Again" / "It's Just a Matter of Time"
1986	"Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue" / "Good Vibrations" (live) "California Dreamin'" / "Lady Liberty"
1987	"Happy Endings" (with Little Richard) / "California Girls" (live)
1988	"Kokomo" / "Tutti Frutti" (Little Richard)
1989	"Still Cruisin'" / "Kokomo"

1990s

1990	"Somewhere Near Japan" / "Kokomo" "Problem Child" / "Problem Child (Instrumental)"
1992	"Hot Fun in the Summertime" / "Summer of Love"
1996	"I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" / "Wouldn't It Be Nice" / "Here Today"

2010s

2011	"Good Vibrations" / "Heroes and Villains" "Don't Fight the Sea" / "Friends"
2012	"That's Why God Made the Radio" / "That's Why God Made the Radio" (instrumental) "Isn't It Time" / Live in Chicago

Category

v t e Sia singles
Awards and nominations Discography Songs
Healing Is Difficult	"Taken for Granted" "Little Man" "Drink to Get Drunk"
Colour the Small One	"Don't Bring Me Down" "Breathe Me" "Where I Belong"
Some People Have Real Problems	"The Girl You Lost to Cocaine" "Soon We'll Be Found" "Buttons"
We Are Born	"You've Changed" "Clap Your Hands" "Bring Night"
1000 Forms of Fear	"Chandelier" "Big Girls Cry" "Elastic Heart" "Fire Meet Gasoline"
This Is Acting	"Alive" "Cheap Thrills" "The Greatest" "Move Your Body" "Reaper" "Unstoppable"
Everyday Is Christmas	"Santa's Coming for Us" "Snowman"
Music	"Saved My Life" "Together" "Courage to Change" "Hey Boy" "Floating Through Space"
Reasonable Woman	"Gimme Love" "Dance Alone" "Incredible" "Immortal Queen" "I Forgive You"
Soundtrack singles	"You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" "California Dreamin'" "Never Give Up" "Angel by the Wings" "Helium" "To Be Human" "Rainbow" "Original"
Other singles	"Under the Milky Way" "Free Me" "Flames" "I'm Still Here" "Del Mar" "Let's Love" "Hass Hass"
Promotional singles	"Eye of the Needle" "Bird Set Free"
Featured singles	"Destiny" "Somersault" "I Love It" "Titanium" "Wild Ones" "She Wolf (Falling to Pieces)" "Battle Cry" "Guts Over Fear" "Déjà Vu" "Golden" "Bang My Head" "Je te pardonne" "Living Out Loud" "Waterfall" "Dusk Till Dawn" "That's Life" "On" "Dynamite" "Manchild"
Other songs	"I Go to Sleep" "Beautiful Pain" "The Whisperer" "Like a River Runs" "Start a War" "Wolves" "Satisfied"

Categories:

Latest revision as of 18:21, 1 December 2024

History

Personnel

Chart history

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Other versions

America version

Beach Boys version

Background

Personnel

Jose Feliciano version

Personnel

Freischwimmer version

See also

References

External links