Scott McKenzie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Scott McKenzie
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McKenzie performing on Germany's 50 Jahre Rock! Love Songs in 2004
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Philip Wallach Blondheim III |
| Born | January 10, 1939 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | August 18, 2012 (aged 73) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1950s–2010 |
| Labels | Capitol, Ode |
Scott McKenzie (born Philip Wallach Blondheim III; January 10, 1939 – August 18, 2012) was an American singer and songwriter. He is best known for his 1967 hit song, "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)". This song became a symbol of the 1960s and the hippie movement.
Contents
Early Life and Friendships
Philip Wallach Blondheim III was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 10, 1939. When he was six months old, his family moved to Asheville, North Carolina. He grew up in North Carolina and Alexandria, Virginia. In Virginia, he became good friends with John Phillips. John Phillips later became famous as a member of the band The Mamas & the Papas.
In the mid-1950s, Scott sang briefly with a high school group called The Singing Strings. He graduated from St. Stephens School for Boys in Alexandria.
Starting a Music Career
Scott McKenzie continued his music journey with John Phillips. They formed a doo wop band called The Abstracts. Later, in New York City, The Abstracts changed their name to The Smoothies. They recorded two songs with Decca Records.
During this time, Philip Blondheim decided to change his name. He felt his real name was hard for people to remember in the music business. A comedian friend suggested he looked like a "Scottie dog." John Phillips then suggested adding "McKenzie," which was a middle name of John's wife, Laura. So, Philip Blondheim became "Scott McKenzie."
In 1961, Scott McKenzie and John Phillips formed a folk group called The Journeymen with Dick Weissman. Folk music was very popular at the time. The Journeymen recorded three albums and several singles for Capitol Records. However, after The Beatles became famous in 1964, The Journeymen broke up. Scott McKenzie decided to try a solo career. John Phillips moved to California and formed The Mamas & the Papas.
Scott McKenzie was first offered a chance to join The Mamas & the Papas, but he wanted to see if he could succeed on his own. Two years later, he moved to California and signed with Lou Adler's Ode Records.
The Hit Song: "San Francisco"
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John Phillips wrote and helped produce the song "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" specifically for Scott McKenzie. John Phillips played guitar on the song. Other talented musicians played instruments like orchestra bells, chimes, bass guitar, and drums.
The song was released on May 13, 1967, in the United States. It quickly became a huge hit! It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. and number 2 in Canada. It also became number 1 in the UK and many other countries. The song sold over 7 million copies around the world. It became an anthem for the "Summer of Love" in 1967.
After "San Francisco," McKenzie released another song written by John Phillips, "Like an Old Time Movie." This song also did well, reaching the top 40. His first album was called The Voice of Scott McKenzie. He later released another album titled Stained Glass Morning.
Scott McKenzie also wrote the song "What About Me" in 1968. This song helped start the career of Canadian singer Anne Murray.
In 1986, Scott McKenzie began singing with a new version of The Mamas and the Papas. He also helped write the song "Kokomo" in 1988. This song became a number 1 hit for The Beach Boys.
By 1998, Scott McKenzie had stopped touring with The Mamas and the Papas. He lived in Los Angeles until he passed away. He also appeared at a tribute concert for John Phillips in 2001.
Later Life and Legacy
Scott McKenzie passed away on August 18, 2012, in Los Angeles. He was 73 years old. He had been dealing with a health issue called Guillain–Barré syndrome since 2010.
Scott McKenzie's most famous song, "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)," remains a classic. It is still remembered as a song that captured the spirit of the 1960s.
Discography
Albums
- 1967: The Voice of Scott McKenzie
- 1970: Stained Glass Morning
- 1991: San Francisco – The Very Best of
- 1998: Spirit Voices
- 2001: Stained Glass Reflections: Anthology 1960–1970
- 2005: Superhits
- 2012: In Memoriam [EP]
- 2020: Ten Songs for You
Singles
- 1965: "Look in Your Eyes"
- 1965: "There Stands the Glass"
- 1966: "No, No, No, No, No"
- 1967: "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)"
- 1967: "Look in Your Eyes" (re-release)
- 1967: "Like an Old Time Movie"
- 1968: "Holy Man"
- 1970: "Going Home Again"
- 1989: San Francisco '89 [Remix '89]
- 2009: Gone to Sea Again [single download only]
- 2018: San Francisco (Live 1974) [single download only]
Images for kids
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McKenzie performing on Germany's 50 Jahre Rock! Love Songs in 2004
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"San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair)" (1967)
See also
In Spanish: Scott McKenzie para niños
