McKenzie known for ‘San Francisco’

LOS ANGELES – Scott McKenzie, whose 1967 hit single “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” captured the spirit of the ’60s flower-power movement and became a generational touchstone, has died. He was 73.

McKenzie died Saturday at his home in Los Angeles, said Matt Pook, a longtime friend and neighbor. A statement on his website said he had been ill with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease affecting the nervous system.

“If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair,” McKenzie gently sang in his biggest hit, written by his longtime friend John Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas.

Lou Adler, whose Ode Records released “San Francisco,” said “Scott sang like an angel. He had one of the most beautiful voices that ever had a rock ’n’ roll hit.”

“San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair),” which was released in May 1967, rose to No. 4 on the Billboard chart and became a No. 1 hit in the United Kingdom and most of Europe.

McKenzie, according to the McKenzie website, toured with the Mamas & the Papas through much of the ’90s.