Scott mckenzie: life, career & hewlett-packard journey

Scott McKenzie, born Philip Wallach Blondheim III, was an American singer and songwriter who gained fame with his hit single san francisco (be sure to wear flowers in your hair) in 196He was a prominent figure in the music industry during the 1960s and left a lasting impact with his generational anthem. But what happened to Scott McKenzie after his successful music career? In this article, we will explore his life, career, and his time at Hewlett-Packard.

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Early Life and Musical Journey

Scott McKenzie was born on January 10, 1939, in Jacksonville, Florida. His family later moved to Asheville, North Carolina when he was six months old. Growing up, he developed a passion for music and formed a high-school group called The Singing Strings with Tim Rose. After graduating from St. Stephens School for Boys in Alexandria, Virginia, McKenzie continued pursuing his musical aspirations.

In the mid-1950s, McKenzie formed the doo-wop band The Abstracts with John Phillips, Mike Boran, and Bill Cleary. The band later changed their name to The Smoothies and recorded two singles with Decca Records. It was during this time that McKenzie decided to change his name for business reasons. He adopted the name Scott McKenzie after a suggestion from comedian Jackie Curtis.

In 1961, McKenzie and Phillips formed the folk group The Journeymen. They recorded three albums and seven singles for Capitol Records. However, after The Beatles gained popularity in 1964, The Journeymen disbanded. McKenzie and Weissman pursued solo careers, while Phillips formed the iconic group The Mamas & the Papas.

San francisco (be sure to wear some flowers in your hair)

One of McKenzie's most notable achievements was his hit single san francisco (be sure to wear some flowers in your hair) released in 196The song, written and co-produced by John Phillips, became a generational anthem and a symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 in the UK and several other countries. The song sold over 7 million copies globally and solidified McKenzie's place in music history.

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Following the success of san francisco, McKenzie released the single like an old time movie, which was written, composed, and produced by John Phillips. The single was a top-40 hit and further showcased McKenzie's talent as a singer and songwriter. He released his first album, the voice of scott mckenzie, followed by stained glass morning.

Despite his early success, McKenzie stopped recording in the early 1970s and lived in Joshua Tree, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. However, his influence continued to be felt in the music industry.

Later Career and Involvement with Hewlett-Packard

In 1986, McKenzie joined a new version of The Mamas and the Papas, along with Terry Melcher, Mike Love, and John Phillips. Together, they co-wrote the hit single kokomo, which reached number 1 on the charts for The Beach Boys. McKenzie's talent as a songwriter and performer continued to shine even after his initial music career.

After retiring from the road version of The Mamas and the Papas in 1998, McKenzie settled in Los Angeles until his passing. He appeared at the Los Angeles tribute concert for John Phillips in 2001, alongside other 1960s contemporary acts.

scott mckenzie at hewlett-packard - What happened to Scott Mackenzie

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During his time in Los Angeles, McKenzie also became involved with Hewlett-Packard. He joined the company as a consultant, utilizing his expertise in marketing and brand recognition. McKenzie's experience in the music industry and his understanding of the power of instant name recognition made him a valuable asset to the company.

Legacy and Personal Life

Scott McKenzie passed away on August 18, 2012, in Los Angeles at the age of 7He had been battling Guillain–Barré syndrome since 20Despite his untimely death, McKenzie's contributions to the music industry and his impact on the counterculture movement of the 1960s continue to be celebrated and remembered.

His hit single san francisco (be sure to wear some flowers in your hair) remains an iconic song that captures the spirit of the era. McKenzie's involvement with Hewlett-Packard also highlights his versatility and ability to adapt his skills to different industries.

Scott McKenzie was a talented singer, songwriter, and consultant, best known for his hit single san francisco (be sure to wear some flowers in your hair). His contribution to the music industry during the 1960s left a lasting impact, and his involvement with Hewlett-Packard showcased his versatility in the business world. Scott McKenzie's legacy lives on through his music and his role in shaping the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

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