The Mamas & - The Papas Вђ“ California Dreamin

: A defining feature is the alto flute solo by jazz musician Bud Shank. Shank reportedly improvised the solo in a single take after being recruited from a hallway in the studio. The recording also features the 12-string guitar work of P.F. Sloan and members of "The Wrecking Crew".

: The song was first recorded as a backing track for folk rocker Barry McGuire on his album This Precious Time . Adler, recognizing the potential of the backing track, erased McGuire’s lead vocals and replaced them with Denny Doherty’s lead and the group’s signature harmonies. A faint trace of McGuire’s original vocal can still be heard at the very beginning of the final track. 3. Commercial Success and Legacy The Mamas & the Papas – California Dreamin

The Cultural and Musical Architecture of "California Dreamin’" : A defining feature is the alto flute

: The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001 and remains a permanent fixture on Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Sloan and members of "The Wrecking Crew"

: It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1966 and was the top single on Billboard's year-end survey for that year.