Thursday, February 13, 2025

Remembering the singer and songwriter Scott McKenzie

McKenzie achieved international fame with his 1967 anthem, “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair),” his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics made him a symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement

Remembering the singer and songwriter Scott McKenzie



The American singer and songwriter Scott McKenzie, best known for his iconic hit “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair),” was born Philip Wallach Blondheim III on January 10, 1939, in Jacksonville, Florida. McKenzie grew up in North Carolina, where he became friends with future music legend John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas. In the late 1950s, McKenzie and Phillips formed the doo-wop group The Abstracts, which later evolved into The Smoothies. The pair moved to New York City, performing and writing songs together.
In the early 1960s, McKenzie joined the folk group The Journeymen alongside Phillips and Dick Weissman. The group achieved moderate success before disbanding, paving the way for McKenzie’s solo career.
McKenzie achieved international fame with his 1967 anthem, “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair),” written by John Phillips to promote the Monterey Pop Festival. The song, with its gentle melody and lyrics capturing the spirit of peace and love, became a defining anthem of the Summer of Love and a global hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Though McKenzie’s subsequent recordings, including his 1967 album The Voice of Scott McKenzie, didn’t achieve the same level of success, his contribution to the 1960s music scene was indelible.
In later years, McKenzie collaborated with Phillips on various projects, including co-writing “Kokomo,” a chart-topping hit for The Beach Boys in 1988.
McKenzie was known for his gentle demeanor and deep connection to the ideals of the 1960s counterculture. He never married, keeping much of his personal life private. After his music career, McKenzie largely retreated from the spotlight but occasionally reunited with old collaborators for special performances.
Scott McKenzie passed away on August 18, 2012, at the age of 73, in Los Angeles, California, after battling Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. His death marked the end of an era for fans of 1960s music, but his legacy continues to resonate.
Today, the song “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” remains a timeless anthem of peace, love, and hope.

Look back at Scott McKenzie performing the iconic song “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” live at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival



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