About the song
Scott McKenzie’s iconic song, “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)”, became the anthem for the 1967 Summer of Love and has continued to be associated with the city ever since. But who was the man behind the music and what else did he accomplish in his career?
Born Philip Wallach Blondheim on January 10, 1939, in Jacksonville, Florida, Scott McKenzie would later adopt his stage name while pursuing a career in music. He initially gained attention as a member of the influential folk group The Journeymen before embarking on a solo career.
It was in 1967 that McKenzie’s most famous song was released. “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” was written by John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas and was intended to promote the popular Monterey Pop Festival. The song quickly became a hit, reaching the number four spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning McKenzie a gold record.
Despite the success of “San Francisco,” McKenzie’s subsequent solo releases did not achieve the same level of commercial or critical success. In the 1970s, he largely withdrew from the music industry, though he did continue to perform and make occasional recordings.
In the later years of his life, McKenzie moved to Joshua Tree, California, and became involved in environmental and charitable causes. He largely shunned the spotlight and focused on living a quiet, private life.
Scott McKenzie passed away on August 18, 2012, at the age of 73. While he may be most famous for “San Francisco,” his impact on the music of the 1960s and his contribution to the counterculture era should not be overlooked. His music continues to evoke the spirit of that transformative time in American history, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of music fans and visitors to the city of San Francisco.
Oldies Music