Wes Montgomery: California Dreaming

In 1963, the year California overtook New York as the most populous state, folk-rockers John and Michelle Phillips were living in New York, writing a song about longing for L.A. In 1966, with "California Dreamin'" a top hit for The Mamas and the Papas, Wes Montgomery heard in it the mystical ka-ching of cash registers. Wes wasn't the only mid-'60s jazz master to become a pop schlockmeister. In retrospect, though, knowing that in less than two years he'd be dead at 45, it's particularly tragic that Wes squandered his huge gift on hooey. He deserved better, and so do we.