It Never Rains in Southern California (1972) 5/4/20

As an occasional film and TV actor, I know quite a few people in the business—some of whom can relate to today's “Great Song of the '70s” far better than I can. These are the folks who have journeyed to Hollywood to pursue their dreams--with different degrees of success.

In 1972, Albert Hammond summed up the experience with “It Never Rains in Southern California,” a song he co-wrote with Mike Hazelwood, and recorded using members of the legendary L.A .session group “The Wrecking Crew.”

It was a Top 15 hit in 8 countries, including #1 in Japan, of all places. In Canada, it peaked at #2, and in the US, it reached #2 on the Easy Listening Chart and #5 on the Hot 100.

I dedicate this “Great Song” to all my acting friends who currently—and have in the past—followed their dreams to Southern California.

Personal Note: I spent exactly 3 days in Hollywood. Thanks to a friend, I was there to be a featured background actor on a late season episode of “The District,” starring Craig T. Nelson. It was a wonderful learning experience, and I was invited back to do more episodes the following season. Shortly thereafter, the show was canceled. End of Hollywood career. Since then, I've stayed closer to home, working on projects in Minneapolis and sometimes Chicago. My experience doesn't even BEGIN to compare with my friends who have made the move to L.A. to follow their dreams and either had some success...struggled to keep going...or both. God Bless you all!