It’s A Beautiful Day” was a band formed in San Francisco in 1967, and was the brainchild of violinist and vocalist David LaFlamme. He was a former soloist with the Utah Symphony Orchestra. The other members of the band were his wife, Linda (keyboards), Pattie Santos (vocals), Hal Wagenet (guitar), Mitchell Holman (bass), and Val Fuentes (drums).

Although they were one of the earliest and most important San Francisco bands to emerge from the Summer of Love, they never quite saw the success that so many of their fellow local musicians achieved. This album was released in 1969.

I don’t understand why this band was not successful. White Bird was one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard many.

White Bird
by It’s a Beautiful Day

White bird,
in a golden cage,
on a winter’s day,
in the rain.
White bird,
in a golden cage,
alone.

The leaves blow,
Across the long black road.
To the darkened skies,
in its rage.
But the white bird,
just sits in her cage,
unknown.

White bird must fly,
or she will die.
White bird,
dreams of the aspen trees,
with their dying leaves,
turning gold.
But the white bird,
just sits in her cage,
growing old.

White bird must fly,
or she will die.

The sunsets come,
The sunsets go,
The clouds roll by,
the earth turns old.
And the young bird’s eye,
do always glow.

She must fly,
She must fly,
She must fly.

White bird,
in golden cage,
on a winter’s day,
in the rain.
White bird,
in a golden cage,
alone.

White bird must fly or she will die,
White bird must fly or she will die,
White bird must fly or she will die.
White bird must fly…

delete reply forgetmenot525 wrote on Jun 3, ’09 Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh you found it, I still have this on vinyl you know. and yes i agree it it a lovely album. I think they were sucsessful in their own way, they had a cult following and in some ways its still the same today

delete reply gileson wrote on Jun 4, ’09, edited on Jun 4, ’09 I was in SF in 1967 and 1968 but don’t remember this group. (As a matter of fact I don’t remember much at all about 1967 … although it drifts in and out). I remember this song, but for some reason I thought it was Jefferson Airplane. A great song from a wonderful time and a wonderful place.

delete reply terryridgway wrote on Jun 4, ’09 They are playing a gig at Shrewsbury,Shropshire on August 8th http://www.new-dawn-events.co.uk/david-laflammes-its-a-beautiful-day/

edit delete reply lauritasita wrote on Jun 4, ’09 terryridgway said They are playing a gig at Shrewsbury,Shropshire on August 8th I didn’t realize they were still around. Are you going ?

delete reply terryridgway wrote on Jun 4, ’09 possibly,it looks a good day, Wishbone Ash,Focus,Asia,Bruce (Jack),Trower(Robin)and Husband as well as Mostly Autumn are on the same bill… http://www.new-dawn-events.co.uk/category/current-events/memories_of_woodstock/woodstock_revisited_8th_august_2009/

delete reply terryridgway wrote on Jun 4, ’09 It`s the new Woodstock ;-)… in Shropshire !!!!!