Scott McKenzie, best known for singing the song San Francisco ( Be sure to wear flowers in your hair) has died at the age of 73 after suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a disease that affects the nervous system.
McKenzie was born Philip Wallach Blondheim and grew up in North Carolina. McKenzie changed his name after moving to New York when comedian Jackie Curtis mentioned that he looked like a Scotttie dog.
"San Franciso" was written by McKenzies teenage bandmate and fellow founding member of The Journeymen John Phillips of The Mama'a and The Papa's fame. The Journeymen released three albums and called it a day in 1964. The pair stayed close and Philips wanted McKenzie to sing the song that would become an anthem of a generation and hit number 4 and 1 resepctively on the U.S and U.K charts.
McKenzie made a comeback in the late 80's and was also responsible for writing the Beach Boys hit "Kokomo".
