... Learn More →

Familiarity with a trivial pop tune should not be mistaken for historical knowledge. If we want to understand why any song becomes popular or what it signified when it first was heard, we need to know both the social and political events surrounding its publication as well as what music, in general, was undergoing at the time. Learn More →

On May 13, 1967, a catchy tune, San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in your Hair)—-chanted by the relatively unknown Southern California singer Scott Mckenzie—was released. The song, written by John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas and produced by Lou Adler would soon dominate the airwaves throughout California and the country. Learn More →