MUMBAI: Scot Mckenzie, who swayed a generation with ‘San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)’, died at his home on 18 August in Los Angeles after a long battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disease that affects the nervous system. He was 73.

His website reported that McKenzie had been very ill recently and passed away after two weeks in hospital. He was in and out since 2000 after falling ill with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

His generation transcending hit was originally written by McKenzie’s high school friend, John Phillips, leader of the Mamas and the Papas, a major pop act. The song reached No 4 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in Britain and most of Europe in 1967. The song has also been used in numerous Hollywood films and is considered by many as a counter-culture anthem.

McKenzie, who defined the Flower Power generation with his ethereal pop track, failed to make a long lasting career in music. He left the music business in the 70s’ after making two albums and settled in Joshua Tree and later Virginia Beach, agencies reported.

His performance of the song at the Monterey International Pop Music Festival with super group the Mamas and Papas impressed audiences that included, although some pointed out that its lyrics had little to do with the hippie scene. Other artists at the event included Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, The Who, The Byrds and The Association.

McKenzie turned down an invitation to join the Mamas and the Papas but failed to make it as a solo artist. He returned in the '80s to perform with a touring version of the Mamas and the Papas, filling in for Phillips and Denny Doherty. In 1988, Mr. McKenzie co-wrote ‘Kokomo’, a No 1 hit for the Beach Boys. McKenzie spent much of the 1990s touring with the Mamas and Papas.