California Dreamin' (Single)

Recorded in 1965 at Western Recorders in Hollywood, the track used backing originally recorded for Barry McGuire. Producer Lou Adler and engineer Bones Howe added Denny Doherty's lead vocal, the group's harmonies and Bud Shank's alto flute solo. Released in late 1965, it became the group's breakthrough hit in 1966, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Its layered harmonies and lyrics of longing helped establish the group's association with California. The recording entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001 and featured prominently in Wong Kar-wai's Chungking Express. Later interpretations include recordings by Bobby Womack, the Beach Boys and Omar Apollo.