@@BeesleyMusicyou have nothing to worry about. It is old. If the song came out before the people who are listening to it, it’s old for them. You’re good with your terminology. But yes, it is a classic
@@BeesleyMusicBe yourselves and don’t worry about any critics. This song is older than me and I’m 58. It is a classic but it’s absolutely correct to call it old as well.
The song is about living in cold dreary NY in the winter, and dreaming of the blue sky, sunshine and warmth of LA. That instrument is a flute. Having played the flute in high school, I can say 100% confidence it is a flute.
I'm 70, flute it is and yes Los Angeles has been called L.A. for as long as I can remember too. No matter how old I get I'm always and forever a Southern California or SoCal, baby. 🏄♂️ 🤙 🏖️🏜️🏞️🌲🌳🌴🌵🌹🥀🌺🌷🌻🌼 The Mamas and The Papas are definitely 1960's. I adore their sound and Cass Elliott too!!! 💕
The song was written in 1963 while John Phillips and Michelle Phillips were living in New York City during a particularly cold winter, and Michelle was missing sunny California where she grew up.
-_-- they’ll never understand, too much cultural information is lost since the 1960s. I’m astounded how few people actually check Wikipedia to read up on things from the past.
@@shortaybrown agree, and it takes what a minute to do so? It's lazy in my opinion. Everything is surface and has to be quick. Context, nuance, critical thinking, what are those?
The earliest occurrence of Los Angeles being referred to as L A was in a publication in 1875! It's been forever. It's been LA all my life and I'm a genxer.
I was born in 57, Longbeach, CA, I spent over twenty years wanting to get back to that beautiful state. I moved there from Hawaii in 1980, lived there till 82 when I got laid off and couldn't find a job. It's still the most beautiful state in my mind, my first memory is driving through General Sherman at age two, now that Redwood is dead and down but still a "tunnel memory" going back to the day we left California on our way to Barcelona, Spain. I currently reside in eastern N.C. where I arrived at in 77 as a young Marine. I hope California can revive it's currently burning south and rebuild "perhaps better" with a better plan for preventing wildfires. I'm not real confident, but hopeful.
The Mamas and The Papas were one of the biggest groups during their run. As far as talent, they all had it but Mama Cass Elliott (the dark haired girl) was immensely talented. She had a great solo career after the group broke up. She sadly passed away too early (about1974 I think). Her solo hits were magnificent. John Phillips (the tall man with the guitar) was married to Michelle (the blonde). He was the leader of the group and the main songwriter.
With the horrible devastation that is happening in California now with the fires, I tear up when I hear this song. My heart is breaking for all that is lost there. It has changed California forever. 😢😢😢
One of my all time favorites! Mamas and Papas 1967 - John Phillips, Cass Elliot, Michelle Phillips, and Denny Doherty. 🎵🎶🎵 Also: "Wilson Phillips" was an American pop vocal group formed in Los Angeles in 1989. The group consists of sisters Carnie and Wendy Wilson, the daughters of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, and Chynna Phillips, the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas.
That instrument that you could not identify was either a flute or an ocarina. Both were used prominently in 1960s music. This song was released in 1965.
This is music from the era I grew up in... my teen years were 1964-1970. You guys should definitely check out more from that timeframe. The Beach Boys were big back then. Simon & Garfunkel. The Beatles and Rolling Stones were starting to take off. The "Motown" groups like The Four Tops, The Temptations, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Jackson 5... so much great music came out of Motown (Detroit). Another of my favorites from around that time was Jim Croce. Any or all of those would be a golden source of music for you to explore!
It’s a flute in the interlude. Dedicated to The One I Love showcases Michelle’s voice in the beginning and later they have individual parts. Dream a Little Dream of Me showcases Cass’s voice. The harmonies are great on all their songs.
James and Millie (and their generation) really should listen to many of these "oldies", kind of like taking a course in school, just dub it "Music Appreciation 101", lol 🎶. Anyone old enough to have lived when this music was popular would probably gladly teach the younger generation about this music (I definitely would!). 😊💜🎶
They should probably start with the videos of the number one song of each month through the decades and then the number two's and pick out their favorite artist to dive into.
@Reba-123 I agree but I'm sure they want to limit the length of the videos. A lot depends on your age I believe. If you're in my age bracket the few seconds brings back memories. If it's new to you you're not getting enough of the music.
They have a video of their performance on a show, where Michelle Phillips was eating a banana, to show everyone that they were actually lip syncing it. Which they didn’t want to do.
It's been LA as long as I've been alive which is 50 yrs.... the instrument is the flute, being as I played the flute in high school.....they were so good!!!!!
Oh thank goodness you guys got headphones now I can watch you guys and really know that you're appreciating the depth of the production many of these artists went to to create some of this music and some of the harmonies you just can't appreciate them without good headphones
Well, I got down on my knees and I began to pray! The skies are grey, and he is dreaming of sunny California. If he didn't tell her, he could leave today. So, he is staying and just dreaming of being there. It's a flute solo in the middle.
My lord, you are such babies!! Mama Cass Elliot, Michelle and John Phillips and Denny Doherty were at the top of the folk rock charts in the late 60's. Check out "Monday, Monday" and "Dedicated To The One I Love".
I had to research it,but turns out people have been calling it LA since the late 19th century. You will also see it referred to as LA in movies from the 1930s and 40s. As a kid in the 1960s, I visited relatives there often, and everyone called it LA.
The Doors have a song from 1970 L.A. Woman. The abbreviation "L.A." for Los Angeles was used by the Post Office by 1963 In the 1860s, "L.A." was used as part L.A. & S.P. Railroad - an abbreviation for the Los Angeles and Southern Pacific Railroad Company. The earliest occurrence found of "L.A." was in the Jan. 29, 1875, edition of the Los Angeles Herald newspaper. By the 1880s, "L.A." appeared to come into common use.
The Mamas & The Papas were John Phillips, Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, and Michelle Phillips. “California Dreamin'” was written by John Phillips & Michelle Phillips, it was released December 8, 1965. The Mamas and the Papas were a folk rock and psychedelic pop vocal group who recorded and performed on 1965-1968. They’re a defining force in the music scene of the counterculture of the ‘60s-the hippie movement. Their sound was based on vocal harmonies arranged by John Phillips, the songwriter, musician, and leader of the group who adapted folk to the new beat style of the early sixties. The Mamas & The Papas released a total of five studio albums and seventeen singles over a four-year period, six of which made the Billboard top ten, and have sold close to 40 million records worldwide. These hit singles were: No. 4: “California Dreamin'” No. 1: “Monday, Monday” No. 5: “I Saw Her Again” No. 5: “Words of Love” No. 2: “Dedicated to the One I Love” No. 5: “Creeque Alley” The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for their contributions to the music industry. The band reunited briefly to record the album People Like Us in 1971, but had ceased touring and performing by that time.
James and Millie, I just checked with Wikipedia, and was reminded that this song was released the year I graduated from high school--1965. Los Angeles has been nicknamed "LA" somewhere between a long time and forever. I just remembered that I used to have an LP record of the album this song was on. When I heard the wind instrument solo, I thought it sounded like a recorder, but a quick trip to google revealed it to be an alto flute.
One of the girls is Cass Elliot. She was known for her weight problems. She unfortunately lived fast and died young. Cass was on the cusp of breaking out onto mainstream television as she was in negotiations for a tv series she would have starred in. She however was a regular on talk shows and quiz shows, she appeared a couple of times on the scooby doo movies voicing herself. She died of a heart attack on Harry Nilsson’s guest bed which Keith moon would also pass away on. Harry was a friend and music producer. He was working on Cass’s next album. It was not unusual for Harry to have uninvited guests over because of his job.
The married couple in this group (blind lady and guitar player) are the parents of Chyna Phillips, the blonde lead singer of Wilson Phillips, and huge girl group from the 90s.
California Dreaming was released in 1965, and Los Angeles has been known as L.A. for pretty much as long there has been a Los Angeles. Hope that helps clarify any questions. Much Love :)
Mama's and Papa's were a folk/rock group from the 1960's with great harmonies. Another song that I personally like that reminds me of them is a song that I think John Phillips was partially involved with, sung by Scott McKenzie is called "San Francisco", one of my favorite songs since I first heard it in 1968(?) 💜🎶
John Phillips wrote it. Another 60's classic. But as a San Franciscan, my favorite song about the city (and the one that received the most votes when a vote was held for official city song) was "San Francisco" from the 1936 movie of that name starring Jeanette McDonald and Clark Gable.
Native Southern Californian. I spent a year of Uni at Edinburgh U in the '70's (yeah I'm old), and the only thing that made me homesick was hearing this song from the room next door in my residence hall. It was January, dark very early, and cold, and I was working on a paper that I didn't like. Hearing this from their radio made me yearn for my sunshine. I got through the moment and loved my time there overall. But weirdly, this song always takes me back to cold, dark, beautiful Edinburgh
LOVE the Mamas & the Papas! Their harmonies are superb. You should also check out Monday, Monday and Dedicated to the One I Love. And yes James, that was a flute. Los Angeles has been called LA for as long as I’ve been alive, and that’s a long time! lol
A little trivia for you. Chynna Phillips, daughter of Mamas and Papas singer, Michelle Phillips, got together will Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson's two daughters to form Wilson Phillips in the very early 1990's. They were pretty successful.
I was about 10 years old when this song first came out & I just loved it. The harmonies are so fantastic. For me, just about anything this group put out was wonderful. Their harmonies were so fantastic.
The backing band on this was the famous „Wrecking Crew“. They were studio musicians and provided the music for hundreds of songs. We‘ll never see their collective talent again. Cheers
Mamas and Papas on the charts with the Beatles. The solo instrument in question is called a flute. For some reason lots of bands had them. Two Beach Boy daughters and one from M&P formed Wilson Phillips, in the late 80s and were surprisingly good.
Great to hear this song (first time in years) and your reaction! BTW, Mama Michelle Phillips had a fine career as an actress, including a big roe in Star Trek TNG, Season 1 and lots of other roles.
My older sisters had go-go boots like Mama Cass has on here. Thanks for the memories. I was about 8 years old when this song came out. I like the flute, my daughter played the flute in music class at school.
If you liked California Dreamin, look on UA-cam for the Mamas and the Papas singing , "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Monday, Monday," and "I Saw Her Again." There's a lot more on there. But this will get you started.
The official name of Los Angeles is the very beautiful Spanish ... La ciudad de la Reina de Los Angeles ... the city of the Queen of the Angels. The song means a lot to those of us who have lived in L.A and in other parts of the country where it gets freezing cold .. Its brings back memories and a feeling of missing this really beautiful American city... My prayers are with the people there, bring back the place so many of us love.
The Mamas and the Papas were 3 Americans and a Canadian. The first solo singer and hair flip guy was the Canadian. His name was Denny Doherty. The song talks about wanting to leave the very cold winter in NYC for the sunshine of LA. All are dead now except the blond haired woman. Her name is Michelle Philips. She was once married to the tall guy on guitar. His name was John Philips. Mama Cass Eliot, the big woman, died in London in 1974 of a heart attack By the way, Los Angeles is pronounced Los Angeless in American English. Los Angeles are a Spanish words. Los means THE in Spanish while Angeles means ANGELS in Spanish or The Angels. That's why LA is called the City of Angels.
Millie that was funny what you said about L.A. When I was a little kid I had never heard the word Los Angeles. I only heard L.A. So when I would write L.A. I would write Elay. I thought Elay was the town.
They all sang leads but the predominant vocals were by Denny, Cass & John; Michelle’s vocals very breathy and soft which were good when harmonizing with Cass Elliott
For most of my life at the time, I just wished I were a teenager, watching the older kids, now I've lived most of my life and again, I could wish I were a teen, but those years are long gone and just wonderful memories. I never imagined I could be as old as my father was, now I hope I can equal or perhaps even surpass his 87 years. One of the first family pictures I remember was me, age two, holding the handles of our push mower, barely able to walk on my own. Good memories!
John and Michelle Phillips (the tall guy and slim girl) wrote the song, and record mogul (and producer) Lou Adler had them sing backing vocals on it for another artist, Barry McGuire, who was famous for his one big hit, Eve of Destruction. Adler then decided he wanted them to redo it with all of their vocals prominent and Denny Doherty singing the lead bit, and Adler brought in jazz flautist Bud Shank to do the solo. (BTW McGuire's vocal was erased except for a faint bit in the very beginning.)
The bigger lady is Mamma Cass. She did a duet with John Denver called "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Good stuff. John Denver is also a good vocalist with songs that have crazy good lyrics. I recommend "Rocky Mountain High" and "Country Roads." Great songs.
@@Kosmokraton ... and back in the 70's the air quality was so bad we often called it "Smog Angeles". When they started putting emission control devices on cars to cut down on the pollution they produced, we sometimes joked that what was coming out of the exhaust pipes was cleaner than the ambient air!
Mama Cass was a charming lady with a great voice. They even have a song talking about her weight. America liked her. She became a star She would even get her own TV show. Michelle Phillips had a daughter named McKenzie. That's a whole story on its own. If you ever see the movie American Graffiti, she's the really young girl riding in the hot rod.
l was eight years old in 1965. l was just becoming aware of popular music with such groups as the Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, The Supremes and so many others. l remember my parents laughing at the long hair of the guys in these groups whenever they appeared on TV on shows like The Ed Sullivan Show.
Classic song from the 60s. They were not together very long as a band but still produced some great songs like "Dedicated to the One I love", "Words of Love" and "Monday Monday". Sadly only Michelle Phillips is still alive.
I mean why would you think it was called LA in the only the last twenty years? What do you call the Los Angeles Police Department??? LAPD! What do you call the Los Angeles Fire Department??? LAFD. I mean if we can call the United Kingdom, the UK, or the United States of America USA, why wouldn't be people do short forms of city names, not like people were dumb in past.
I'd say most adult Americans have heard this song in pop culture, even if they have never heard of the group name, because the song is heavily used whenever a show or movie is based in the 1960s. Especially, hippie culture.
Totally false as there was no "California sound," and if you mean so-called folk rock that was around since spring of '65 when the Byrds released Mr. Tambourine Man as a single.
Los Angeles has been called "LA" since before WWII. The international airport there, Los Angeles Airport, has the initials "LAX" and is often pronounced, "El - A - Ex" (rather than "Lacks").
@@docsavage8640 *_L-A-X is the ONLY way it's pronounced._* Unless you've born witness to every conversation it was ever uttered, you can't possibly make this statement with that kind of certainty.
Old? NO! Classic, yes.
Yeah we need better terminology aha!
oldie but a goodie
@@BeesleyMusicyou have nothing to worry about. It is old. If the song came out before the people who are listening to it, it’s old for them. You’re good with your terminology. But yes, it is a classic
I recently turned 64 and this is a song from my early childhood...
1965 So hell yeah it's old, lol... But also classic...
@@BeesleyMusicBe yourselves and don’t worry about any critics. This song is older than me and I’m 58. It is a classic but it’s absolutely correct to call it old as well.
The song is about living in cold dreary NY in the winter, and dreaming of the blue sky, sunshine and warmth of LA. That instrument is a flute. Having played the flute in high school, I can say 100% confidence it is a flute.
I think it's actually a wood flute to be more specific, but not 100% sure.
@@skibum415 I always thought it was an ocarina.
L.A.* Periods are ALWAYS used for abbreviations. In the States LA is the postal code for Louisiana.
But it's an alto flute, a bigger one that playes lower range. I was a band director. ua-cam.com/video/OKCxQ3YDJa8/v-deo.html
I remember reading that that instrument was a "recorder," which is a type of simple flute.
I'm 71 and it was called LA for as long as I can remember and yes this was 60's music. 1965 to be exact. I believe it's a flute.
I'm 70, flute it is and yes Los Angeles has been called L.A. for as long as I can remember too. No matter how old I get I'm always and forever a Southern California or SoCal, baby. 🏄♂️ 🤙 🏖️🏜️🏞️🌲🌳🌴🌵🌹🥀🌺🌷🌻🌼 The Mamas and The Papas are definitely 1960's. I adore their sound and Cass Elliott too!!! 💕
I'm 69 and I've always known it as LA.
LA is Louisiana, and L.A. = Los Angeles.
Either that or a recorder. To be honest I think it was a recorder judging by how it sounded.
The song was written in 1963 while John Phillips and Michelle Phillips were living in New York City during a particularly cold winter, and Michelle was missing sunny California where she grew up.
This is part of the 60s hippie generation, my generation. Nothing to do with Hollywood or rich people. This group and this song are Classic!
agree, BEYOND classic.. and for all time sake...
-_-- they’ll never understand, too much cultural information is lost since the 1960s. I’m astounded how few people actually check Wikipedia to read up on things from the past.
@@shortaybrown agree, and it takes what a minute to do so? It's lazy in my opinion. Everything is surface and has to be quick. Context, nuance, critical thinking, what are those?
@ it’s a problem…. I have co-workers who say things like “Egypt is the capital of Africa” right?
The earliest occurrence of Los Angeles being referred to as L A was in a publication in 1875! It's been forever. It's been LA all my life and I'm a genxer.
L.A.* Periods are ALWAYS used for abbreviations. In the States LA is a postal code.
This song is NOT OLD, it's a CLASSIC!!
I'm 68 yr old.. It's always been LA...
L.A.* Periods are ALWAYS used for abbreviations. In the States LA is the postal code for Louisiana.
I was born in 57, Longbeach, CA, I spent over twenty years wanting to get back to that beautiful state. I moved there from Hawaii in 1980, lived there till 82 when I got laid off and couldn't find a job. It's still the most beautiful state in my mind, my first memory is driving through General Sherman at age two, now that Redwood is dead and down but still a "tunnel memory" going back to the day we left California on our way to Barcelona, Spain. I currently reside in eastern N.C. where I arrived at in 77 as a young Marine. I hope California can revive it's currently burning south and rebuild "perhaps better" with a better plan for preventing wildfires. I'm not real confident, but hopeful.
@@cup_cuppy_cuppers5817 YES!
Me too
69 me and the same
song is from 1966. I'm 72 years old and Los Angeles has been called LA for as long as I can remember.
The Mamas and The Papas were one of the biggest groups during their run. As far as talent, they all had it but Mama Cass Elliott (the dark haired girl) was immensely talented. She had a great solo career after the group broke up. She sadly passed away too early (about1974 I think). Her solo hits were magnificent. John Phillips (the tall man with the guitar) was married to Michelle (the blonde). He was the leader of the group and the main songwriter.
I love her singing Leaving on a Jet Plane with John Denver on the Midnight Special.
The instrument played is a flute. The Mamas and the Papas were masters of singing in harmony with one another.
100% a flute playing flat
The singing style used in this song is 'call and response'.
The solo instrument was an alto flute.
Los Angeles was first abbreviated L.A. in 1875 & by 1880s abbreviation was being widely used in newspaper reports.
1960’s. They have a number of great songs.
Finally my generation of music! ❤😂
The solo instrument you were asking about was a flute!
What happened to humans that they can’t recognize a flute, it’s astounding
With the horrible devastation that is happening in California now with the fires, I tear up when I hear this song. My heart is breaking for all that is lost there. It has changed California forever. 😢😢😢
California has been fucked up for 30 years under Democrat rule.
One of my all time favorites! Mamas and Papas 1967 - John Phillips, Cass Elliot, Michelle Phillips, and Denny Doherty. 🎵🎶🎵 Also: "Wilson Phillips" was an American pop vocal group formed in Los Angeles in 1989. The group consists of sisters Carnie and Wendy Wilson, the daughters of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, and Chynna Phillips, the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas.
That instrument that you could not identify was either a flute or an ocarina. Both were used prominently in 1960s music. This song was released in 1965.
Def a flute, prob an alto.
Edited: Looked it up. It is an alto flute played by Bud Shank.
Sounded like a recorder to me.
Sounds like a recorder or a wooden flute
FLUTE!!!!!!!!!!
@hockemeyer1 yes,reminded me of the ocarina used in the Trogg's Wild Thing.
This is music from the era I grew up in... my teen years were 1964-1970. You guys should definitely check out more from that timeframe. The Beach Boys were big back then. Simon & Garfunkel. The Beatles and Rolling Stones were starting to take off. The "Motown" groups like The Four Tops, The Temptations, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Jackson 5... so much great music came out of Motown (Detroit). Another of my favorites from around that time was Jim Croce. Any or all of those would be a golden source of music for you to explore!
It’s a flute in the interlude. Dedicated to The One I Love showcases Michelle’s voice in the beginning and later they have individual parts. Dream a Little Dream of Me showcases Cass’s voice. The harmonies are great on all their songs.
FLUTE!!!!!!!!
LA has been LA forever!
James and Millie (and their generation) really should listen to many of these "oldies", kind of like taking a course in school, just dub it "Music Appreciation 101", lol 🎶. Anyone old enough to have lived when this music was popular would probably gladly teach the younger generation about this music (I definitely would!). 😊💜🎶
They should probably start with the videos of the number one song of each month through the decades and then the number two's and pick out their favorite artist to dive into.
I always find those video don’t play enough of the songs …
@Reba-123 I agree but I'm sure they want to limit the length of the videos. A lot depends on your age I believe. If you're in my age bracket the few seconds brings back memories. If it's new to you you're not getting enough of the music.
🔥👏🏻1965. On this baby boomers fav playlist ( its a flute)
They have a video of their performance on a show, where Michelle Phillips was eating a banana, to show everyone that they were actually lip syncing it. Which they didn’t want to do.
It's been LA as long as I've been alive which is 50 yrs.... the instrument is the flute, being as I played the flute in high school.....they were so good!!!!!
L.A.* Periods are ALWAYS used for abbreviations. In the States LA is the postal code for Louisiana.
Great song. Excellent group. Glad you liked it.
Oh thank goodness you guys got headphones now I can watch you guys and really know that you're appreciating the depth of the production many of these artists went to to create some of this music and some of the harmonies you just can't appreciate them without good headphones
Well, I got down on my knees and I began to pray! The skies are grey, and he is dreaming of sunny California. If he didn't tell her, he could leave today. So, he is staying and just dreaming of being there. It's a flute solo in the middle.
it's actually "I pretend to pray"
@@MoeRon-ry2zr With the Mandela Effect, people hear it both ways, and I still hear it as it originally was and the way I heard it years ago.
@ it's all about YOU....smh
I knew you would like this song after all, who doesn't. This was a huge hit back in the day. And oh yeah, the song was from 1965.
My lord, you are such babies!! Mama Cass Elliot, Michelle and John Phillips and Denny Doherty were at the top of the folk rock charts in the late 60's. Check out "Monday, Monday" and "Dedicated To The One I Love".
False. Their big hits were pretty much confined to 1966 & 1967.
@@docsavage8640 So 1967 and 1968 aren’t considered the late 60’s?? Don’t be petty!
all their songs are like this. great harmonies, catchy tunes.
Mama's and Papa's kids were the 90s group Wilson Phillips and had a big hit with " Hold on"
Judt Chyna was theirs. The other 2 were kids of one of the beach boys.
Well, ONE of their kids, Chynna Philips, w/Wendy and Carnie Wilson, daughters of Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. But yeah.
Love the Mamma's and the Pappa's!!
How can you POSSIBLY spell the band's name wrong when it RIGHT THERE in the title???
It was a huge hit. I don't think I ever analyzed it. I simply listened.
I had to research it,but turns out people have been calling it LA since the late 19th century. You will also see it referred to as LA in movies from the 1930s and 40s. As a kid in the 1960s, I visited relatives there often, and everyone called it LA.
They built LAX airport in 1928….. So they were abbreviating it even back then, that’s what the LA search for LAX, Los Angeles
This is my favorite Folk Rock Band,
I pretty much love all their music, absolutely greatness
The Doors have a song from 1970 L.A. Woman.
The abbreviation "L.A." for Los Angeles was used by the Post Office by 1963
In the 1860s, "L.A." was used as part L.A. & S.P. Railroad - an abbreviation for the Los Angeles and Southern Pacific Railroad Company.
The earliest occurrence found of "L.A." was in the Jan. 29, 1875, edition of the Los Angeles Herald newspaper. By the 1880s, "L.A." appeared to come into common use.
Great to listen to on a cold winter day!
The Mamas & The Papas were John Phillips, Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, and Michelle Phillips. “California Dreamin'” was written by John Phillips & Michelle Phillips, it was released December 8, 1965. The Mamas and the Papas were a folk rock and psychedelic pop vocal group who recorded and performed on 1965-1968. They’re a defining force in the music scene of the counterculture of the ‘60s-the hippie movement. Their sound was based on vocal harmonies arranged by John Phillips, the songwriter, musician, and leader of the group who adapted folk to the new beat style of the early sixties.
The Mamas & The Papas released a total of five studio albums and seventeen singles over a four-year period, six of which made the Billboard top ten, and have sold close to 40 million records worldwide. These hit singles were:
No. 4: “California Dreamin'”
No. 1: “Monday, Monday”
No. 5: “I Saw Her Again”
No. 5: “Words of Love”
No. 2: “Dedicated to the One I Love”
No. 5: “Creeque Alley”
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for their contributions to the music industry. The band reunited briefly to record the album People Like Us in 1971, but had ceased touring and performing by that time.
James and Millie, I just checked with Wikipedia, and was reminded that this song was released the year I graduated from high school--1965.
Los Angeles has been nicknamed "LA" somewhere between a long time and forever.
I just remembered that I used to have an LP record of the album this song was on.
When I heard the wind instrument solo, I thought it sounded like a recorder, but a quick trip to google revealed it to be an alto flute.
One of the girls is Cass Elliot. She was known for her weight problems. She unfortunately lived fast and died young. Cass was on the cusp of breaking out onto mainstream television as she was in negotiations for a tv series she would have starred in. She however was a regular on talk shows and quiz shows, she appeared a couple of times on the scooby doo movies voicing herself. She died of a heart attack on Harry Nilsson’s guest bed which Keith moon would also pass away on. Harry was a friend and music producer. He was working on Cass’s next album. It was not unusual for Harry to have uninvited guests over because of his job.
She had an appearance on H. R. Puffinstuff. Dunno if it was an episode or they did a movie. But she performed a great song.
She did have a tv show.
The married couple in this group (blind lady and guitar player) are the parents of Chyna Phillips, the blonde lead singer of Wilson Phillips, and huge girl group from the 90s.
California Dreaming was released in 1965, and Los Angeles has been known as L.A. for pretty much as long there has been a Los Angeles. Hope that helps clarify any questions. Much Love :)
L.A.* Periods are ALWAYS used for abbreviations. In the States LA is the postal code for Louisiana.
"L.A." has been a nickname for Los Angeles forever!!!
That was jazz artist Bud Shank playing the flute solo.
And he went on to be a saxophonist, abandoning flute
This song came out in the mid 1960’s
Mama's and Papa's were a folk/rock group from the 1960's with great harmonies. Another song that I personally like that reminds me of them is a song that I think John Phillips was partially involved with, sung by Scott McKenzie is called "San Francisco", one of my favorite songs since I first heard it in 1968(?) 💜🎶
John Phillips wrote it. Another 60's classic. But as a San Franciscan, my favorite song about the city (and the one that received the most votes when a vote was held for official city song) was "San Francisco" from the 1936 movie of that name starring Jeanette McDonald and Clark Gable.
Native Southern Californian. I spent a year of Uni at Edinburgh U in the '70's (yeah I'm old), and the only thing that made me homesick was hearing this song from the room next door in my residence hall. It was January, dark very early, and cold, and I was working on a paper that I didn't like. Hearing this from their radio made me yearn for my sunshine. I got through the moment and loved my time there overall. But weirdly, this song always takes me back to cold, dark, beautiful Edinburgh
LOVE the Mamas & the Papas! Their harmonies are superb. You should also check out Monday, Monday and Dedicated to the One I Love.
And yes James, that was a flute. Los Angeles has been called LA for as long as I’ve been alive, and that’s a long time! lol
This is from January 1966 on The Hollywood Palace television variety show. What you’re hearing is the studio version.
A little trivia for you. Chynna Phillips, daughter of Mamas and Papas singer, Michelle Phillips, got together will Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson's two daughters to form Wilson Phillips in the very early 1990's. They were pretty successful.
I was about 10 years old when this song first came out & I just loved it. The harmonies are so fantastic. For me, just about anything this group put out was wonderful. Their harmonies were so fantastic.
He wrote this song on a napkin in 10 minutes
IT WAS A FLUTE !!!!
The backing band on this was the famous „Wrecking Crew“. They were studio musicians and provided the music for hundreds of songs. We‘ll never see their collective talent again. Cheers
Mamas and Papas on the charts with the Beatles. The solo instrument in question is called a flute. For some reason lots of bands had them. Two Beach Boy daughters and one from M&P formed Wilson Phillips, in the late 80s and were surprisingly good.
I love this song thanks for your reactions. They have many very good songs worth checking out.
I'd say they've been calling it L.A. for longer than anyone alive has been alive!!
Great to hear this song (first time in years) and your reaction! BTW, Mama Michelle Phillips had a fine career as an actress, including a big roe in Star Trek TNG, Season 1 and lots of other roles.
Mamas & Papas started in 60's 😎✌✌✌✌
Love them. Such great harmonies.
your comments and reaction show how much research you guys do.....one of the top groups of all times.
I'm 52. I was born in Los Angeles. It's always been L.A. Id say I'm from East L.A. That was my hood at birth and childhood. L.A rules!
My older sisters had go-go boots like Mama Cass has on here. Thanks for the memories. I was about 8 years old when this song came out. I like the flute, my daughter played the flute in music class at school.
The instrument you hear in the bridge is a Flute 🪈
If you liked California Dreamin, look on UA-cam for the Mamas and the Papas singing , "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Monday, Monday," and "I Saw Her Again." There's a lot more on there. But this will get you started.
Dude looks like the shorter Papa. Especially toward the end. Mamas & Beesleys?
All their hits are worth a listen, and probably all their songs.
Flute. And tambourine was used. A lot of it was their harmonies.
The instrument you asked about is a flute. This is mid-60s.
The official name of Los Angeles is the very beautiful Spanish ... La ciudad de la Reina de Los Angeles ... the city of the Queen of the Angels.
The song means a lot to those of us who have lived in L.A and in other parts of the country where it gets freezing cold ..
Its brings back memories and a feeling of missing this really beautiful American city... My prayers are with the people there, bring back the place so many of us love.
Wrong. IT was called El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles.
no autotune REAL TALENT.
It's an alto flute solo by Bud Shank
The Mamas and the Papas were 3 Americans and a Canadian. The first solo singer and hair flip guy was the Canadian. His name was Denny Doherty. The song talks about wanting to leave the very cold winter in NYC for the sunshine of LA. All are dead now except the blond haired woman. Her name is Michelle Philips. She was once married to the tall guy on guitar. His name was John Philips. Mama Cass Eliot, the big woman, died in London in 1974 of a heart attack
By the way, Los Angeles is pronounced Los Angeless in American English. Los Angeles are a Spanish words. Los means THE in Spanish while Angeles means ANGELS in Spanish or The Angels. That's why LA is called the City of Angels.
L.A.* Periods are ALWAYS used for abbreviations. In the States LA is the postal code for Louisiana.
@@cup_cuppy_cuppers5817 Not in this case, LA without full stops is widely accepted as correct.
@@BobMartinsback - 🙄
Millie that was funny what you said about L.A. When I was a little kid I had never heard the word Los Angeles. I only heard L.A. So when I would write L.A. I would write Elay. I thought Elay was the town.
This still gives me goose bumps.
The Mamas and the Papas do a great call-and-response throughout this song.
They all sang leads but the predominant vocals were by Denny, Cass & John; Michelle’s vocals very breathy and soft which were good when harmonizing with Cass Elliott
For most of my life at the time, I just wished I were a teenager, watching the older kids, now I've lived most of my life and again, I could wish I were a teen, but those years are long gone and just wonderful memories. I never imagined I could be as old as my father was, now I hope I can equal or perhaps even surpass his 87 years. One of the first family pictures I remember was me, age two, holding the handles of our push mower, barely able to walk on my own. Good memories!
John and Michelle Phillips (the tall guy and slim girl) wrote the song, and record mogul (and producer) Lou Adler had them sing backing vocals on it for another artist, Barry McGuire, who was famous for his one big hit, Eve of Destruction. Adler then decided he wanted them to redo it with all of their vocals prominent and Denny Doherty singing the lead bit, and Adler brought in jazz flautist Bud Shank to do the solo. (BTW McGuire's vocal was erased except for a faint bit in the very beginning.)
The bigger lady is Mamma Cass. She did a duet with John Denver called "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Good stuff. John Denver is also a good vocalist with songs that have crazy good lyrics. I recommend "Rocky Mountain High" and "Country Roads." Great songs.
**** yes, absolutely they should do John Denver Country Roads & Rocky Mountain high at a bare minimum
1960’s. CLASSIC group in USA
It's a flute. The song is world famous. Defined our generation.
The original full name was "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora, Reina de los Angeles del Rio Porciuncula" and you can imagine why we dknt call it that.
And yes, it's been called "LA" for a very long time.
@@Kosmokraton ... and back in the 70's the air quality was so bad we often called it "Smog Angeles". When they started putting emission control devices on cars to cut down on the pollution they produced, we sometimes joked that what was coming out of the exhaust pipes was cleaner than the ambient air!
60 years ago!!!!! AGH! I'm old!
Glad you enjoyed music I grew up with! Check out more 60s, esp. the British invasion groups!
Mama Cass was a charming lady with a great voice. They even have a song talking about her weight. America liked her. She became a star She would even get her own TV show. Michelle Phillips had a daughter named McKenzie. That's a whole story on its own. If you ever see the movie American Graffiti, she's the really young girl riding in the hot rod.
One of my favorite songs of all time.
l was eight years old in 1965. l was just becoming aware of popular music with such groups as the Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, The Supremes and so many others. l remember my parents laughing at the long hair of the guys in these groups whenever they appeared on TV on shows like The Ed Sullivan Show.
We were the same age at that time. Great music to grow up on!
The 1951 TV show Dragnet has it as LA, they are LAPD😁
Born in 1961 in L.A. County (Gardena). I've never called it Los Angeles -- it's always been L.A.. The Mama's and Papa's were huge in the 60s.
Classic song from the 60s. They were not together very long as a band but still produced some great songs like "Dedicated to the One I love", "Words of Love" and "Monday Monday". Sadly only Michelle Phillips is still alive.
Even the Spaniards that founded Los Angeles called it LA...🤣
I mean why would you think it was called LA in the only the last twenty years? What do you call the Los Angeles Police Department??? LAPD! What do you call the Los Angeles Fire Department??? LAFD. I mean if we can call the United Kingdom, the UK, or the United States of America USA, why wouldn't be people do short forms of city names, not like people were dumb in past.
I'd say most adult Americans have heard this song in pop culture, even if they have never heard of the group name, because the song is heavily used whenever a show or movie is based in the 1960s. Especially, hippie culture.
That was a flute. The song was part of the "California Sound" that started around 1966.
Totally false as there was no "California sound," and if you mean so-called folk rock that was around since spring of '65 when the Byrds released Mr. Tambourine Man as a single.
Los Angeles, "The city of Angels", has been called LA since the very early 1940s.
Los Angeles has been called "LA" since before WWII. The international airport there, Los Angeles Airport, has the initials "LAX" and is often pronounced, "El - A - Ex" (rather than "Lacks").
"Often" pronounced? L-A-X is the ONLY way it's pronounced. Just like SFO is always S-F-O.
@@docsavage8640 *_L-A-X is the ONLY way it's pronounced._*
Unless you've born witness to every conversation it was ever uttered, you can't possibly make this statement with that kind of certainty.
I love listening to the Mamas and the Papas.