who originally sang california dreaming
But by far, the favorite was California Dreamin', by the Mamas and the Papas: Like almost every song, there's a story behind California Dreamin, but this one is pretty unique. Fifty years ago in 1963, John Phillips was a struggling songwriter and musician living in New York when he wrote California Dreamin'.. He was also one-forth of the Mamas and the Papas, along with his wife, Michelle, Denny Doherty and Cass Elliot. Two years later, the band was living in L.A., and barely getting by.