One of the most famous folk-rock vocal group was the Mamas & the Papas, composed of John Phillips, Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, and Michelle Phillips.
The Mamas & the Papas were active from 1965 to 1968, and they were a defining force in the music world, in the counterculture of 1960.
They sang mostly vocal harmonies arranged by John Philips, adapting folk to the new beat style of the early 1960s.
The group released five studio albums and sold more than 40 million records worldwide.
California Dreamin’ is one of their nicest songs, written by John Philips and Michelle Philips, and was first recorded by Barry McGuire.
It was released with their album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, like a sunshine pop – folk rock song.
The song has a length of 2:42 minutes and was released under Dunhill Records, in December 1965, produced by Lou Adler.
Once released, the song was certified as a Gold Record by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1966 given its huge success.
The story behind the rhythm of the free California Dreamin’ piano sheets is about the longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in NY City, missing sunny California.
Because of its success, California Dreamin’ has many covers by famous artists, the most notable ones being America’s version in 1979, Jose Feliciano in 1968, or Beach Boys’ from 1986.
The music video of the hit features the band members performing the song and dancing on a stage, mixed with photos from their childhood.
The instrumental composition of the free California Dreamin’ piano sheet music is made of vocals, guitar, drums, bass, and saxophone.
The guitar has a really special role at the beginning of the song, as much as it has all the way until the end of the song, being the defining instrument of the song.
We strongly recommend you try playing California Dreamin’ at your piano at home, with the help of our materials, which we put at your disposal on our website.
