Who are the top musical artistes with a connection - no matter how tenuous, to California?
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer known for his complex storytelling, socially conscious lyrics, and distinctive flow. Emerging from Compton, California, he became one of the most acclaimed hip-hop artists of his generation. Lamar’s music tackles themes of race, identity, and personal struggle, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. His influence extends beyond music, making him a prominent voice in modern American culture.
Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck was born on December 6, 1920, in Concord, California. He showed an early interest in music and began studying piano at a young age. Brubeck's early influences included jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, as well as classical composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Claude Debussy.
Queens of the Stone Age
1996 Formed by Josh Homme in Palm Desert, California, after the breakup of his previous band, Kyuss, a pioneering group in stoner rock
Beth Hart
Beth Hart was born on January 24, 1972, in Los Angeles, California. She began singing at a young age and honed her craft in local clubs and bars throughout Southern California. Hart's early influences included blues and rock artists like Etta James, Janis Joplin, and Aretha Franklin, whose soulful vocals and emotional delivery would leave a lasting impact on her own musical style.
Blink-182
Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Known for their catchy, energetic pop-punk sound and humorous, often irreverent lyrics, Blink-182 became one of the most influential bands in the punk rock revival of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The band’s mix of fast-paced songs and youthful themes resonated with audiences worldwide, making them icons of a generation. Over the years, they have experienced multiple lineup changes, but their influence on pop-punk remains undeniable.
1992 Blink-182 is formed by Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Scott Raynor in Southern California.
2016 Release of California, their first album with Skiba, featuring hits like "Bored to Death." The album receives positive reviews and a Grammy nomination.
While Blink-182 has not won a Grammy Award, a disgrace, they received a nomination for Best Rock Album for California in 2017.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is an American singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique voice, dark aesthetic, and genre-defying music. Born on December 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California, Eilish began her career at a young age and quickly rose to fame with her debut single "Ocean Eyes." Her innovative approach to music and her candid, relatable lyrics have made her a defining figure in contemporary pop music.
Linkin Park
Linkin Park was an American rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. Known for blending nu-metal, rap, electronic, and alternative rock, the band achieved massive success in the early 2000s with albums like Hybrid Theory and Meteora. Led by vocalists Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park’s emotionally charged lyrics and innovative sound garnered a worldwide fan base. Their music explored themes of loss, identity, and personal struggle, making them one of the best-selling bands of the 21st century.
Green Day
Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987 in East Bay, California. Known for bringing punk rock into mainstream music, the band is often credited with revitalizing and popularizing the genre in the 1990s. Founded by Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt, they have become one of the best-selling music acts of all time, with hit albums like Dookie and American Idiot that cemented their legacy as a powerhouse in rock music. Their energetic performances and politically charged lyrics have earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim worldwide.
2003 Armstrong is arrested for DUI in Berkeley, California.
Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. Known for their unique and eclectic style, which fused rock, folk, bluegrass, and jazz, the band became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. With their devoted fanbase, the "Deadheads," the Grateful Dead created a legacy of live improvisational performances and a sense of community that continues to influence the music world. Their ability to experiment and extend musical boundaries established them as one of the most iconic bands in rock history.
Matteo Mancuso
2018 Performed at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, one of the largest music industry trade shows in the world.
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra AKA “Ol’ Blue Eyes” was born Francis Albert Sinatra on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He died May 14, 1998, in Los Angeles, California and was an American crooner (singer), actor, and producer. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and a cultural icon of the 20th century. He famously “did it my way”.
The Monkees
Formation - The Monkees were formed in Los Angeles, California by Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider for a TV show about a rock band.
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers were formed in San Jose, California by lead vocalist Tom Johnston and drummer John Hartman.
NWA
N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was an American hip-hop group from Compton, California, that became one of the most influential and controversial acts in the history of rap music. Formed in 1987, the group is often credited with helping to establish the genre of gangsta rap, characterized by its explicit lyrics and depiction of the harsh realities of urban life. N.W.A's unflinching portrayal of issues such as police brutality and racial inequality resonated with many and sparked widespread debate and controversy.
Metallica
Metallica was formed in Los Angeles, California, by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson on October 25, 1984, in Santa Barbara, California, is an American singer, songwriter, and television judge. Known for her playful, cartoonish style and catchy pop anthems, Perry has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
2010 Released "Teenage Dream” which became the first album by a female artist to produce five number-one Billboard Hot 100 songs "California Gurls” "Teenage Dream” "Firework” "E.T”. and "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)."
Linda Ronstadt
Personal Life Throughout her career, Ronstadt has kept her personal life relatively private. She has two adopted children and has been romantically linked to public figures like California Governor Jerry Brown and filmmaker George Lucas.
The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas were formed in Los Angeles, California, by rappers will.i.am (William Adams) and apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda), along with Taboo (Jaime Luis Gomez).
Robben Ford
Robben Ford, born on December 16, 1951, in Woodlake, California, is an acclaimed American blues, jazz, and rock guitarist. Known for his sophisticated playing style and blending of various genres, Ford has had a significant impact on contemporary guitar music and has collaborated with numerous legendary artists.
George Duke
George Duke, keyboardist extraordinaire, was born on January 12, 1946, in San Rafael, California. He developed an early interest in music, starting piano lessons at age four. Duke's formal music education includes a bachelor's degree in trombone and composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a master's degree in composition from San Francisco State University.
Johnny Cash
Arrests He was arrested several times, including for smuggling amphetamines into the U.S. from Mexico and starting a forest fire in California.
Lee Ritenour
Lee Ritenour is an acclaimed American jazz guitarist known for his versatile playing style and contributions to contemporary jazz, smooth jazz, and fusion genres. Born on January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Ritenour began his professional career at a young age and has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians throughout his extensive career. He is recognized for his technical skill, musicality, and prolific output, including numerous solo albums and contributions to other artists' works.
Ray Charles
Death - Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, in Beverly Hills, California.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2006 "Stadium Arcadium" A double album featuring hits like "Dani California" and "Snow (Hey Oh)."
2007 Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Dani California"
2007 Best Rock Song for "Dani California"
Rage Against the Machine
1991 Rage Against the Machine was formed in Los Angeles, California. The band quickly garnered attention with their energetic live performances and provocative lyrics.
Tupac Shakur
"All Eyez on Me" - Tupac released this double album, which is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It featured hits like "California Love" and "How Do U Want It."
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "California Love" (1997)
1. "California Love" (1996)
Blink 182
Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Known for their catchy melodies, irreverent humor, and energetic performances, Blink-182 is considered a key band in the pop-punk genre.
2016 Release "California” which debuts at number one on the Billboard 200.
The Eagles
The Eagles, one of the most successful American rock bands, epitomized the Southern California rock sound of the 1970s. Known for their harmonious vocals and classic hits like "Hotel California” "Take It Easy” and "Desperado” they became one of the world's best-selling bands. Their music, blending rock, country, and folk, achieved massive commercial success and critical acclaim. They cultivated their cowboy ‘outlaw’ image. Despite breakups and reunions, the band continues to perform, with founding members Don Henley and Joe Walsh leading the charge, ensuring their legacy endures.
The Eagles were formed in Los Angeles, California by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner.
Hotel California - Released their critically acclaimed album "Hotel California” which included iconic tracks such as "Hotel California” and "Life in the Fast Lane."
1977 Record of the Year for "Hotel California."
1. "Hotel California" (1976) - An iconic rock anthem
2. "Take It Easy" (1972) - epitomizes the Southern California rock sound.
The Doors
The Doors were formed in Los Angeles, California by Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek. Later joined by Robby Krieger and John Densmore.
Van Halen
Formation - Van Halen was formed in Pasadena, California, by brothers Eddie Van Halen (guitar) and Alex Van Halen (drums), along with David Lee Roth (vocals) and Michael Anthony (bass).
Miles Davis
1991 Passed away on September 28 in Santa Monica, California, leaving behind a profound legacy.
Little Feat
Little Feat is an American rock band formed in 1969 by singer-songwriter Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne in Los Angeles, California. Known for their eclectic blend of rock, blues, funk, jazz, country, and R&B, Little Feat has cultivated a devoted following with their distinctive sound, masterful musicianship, and dynamic live performances.
The Beach Boys
Surf’s Up! The Beach Boys, the quintessential American rock band, captured the essence of California's surf culture with their harmonious and innovative sound. Known for classics like "Good Vibrations” "Surfin' USA” and "Wouldn't It Be Nice” they became pioneers of the "California Sound”. Formed in the early 1960s, their music evolved from surf rock to more complex and symphonic pieces. Despite internal strife and lineup changes, The Beach Boys continue to perform, with Brian Wilson and Mike Love often leading separate tours, celebrating their enduring impact on popular music.
The Beach Boys were formed in Hawthorne, California, by brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine.
2. "California Girls" (1965) - An iconic song that epitomizes the California sound and lifestyle, and remains a staple of their live performances.
Dr Dre
Dr. Dre, born Andre Romelle Young on February 18, 1965, in Compton, California, is a renowned American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He has significantly shaped the hip-hop landscape, co-founding the seminal group N.W.A., pioneering the G-funk sound, and launching the careers of numerous iconic artists. His influence extends beyond music into business, notably through his co-founding of Beats by Dre, a line of headphones and audio products that revolutionized the industry.
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band formed in London in 1967. Known for their turbulent history, harmonious vocals, and enduring hits, they have become one of the most successful rock bands in history. Originally coming out of the 1960’s UK Blues Boom as a Blues band fronted by Peter Green, they eventually morphed into the most popular California soft rock band ever. You couldn’t get away from their album “Rumours” in 1977 – it was everywhere!
Joe Walsh
His contributions to songs like "Hotel California" and "Rocky Mountain Way" have solidified his status as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, earning him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has been credited with reviving the mainstream popularity of rock music at a time when pop and dance were dominating the charts.
Larry Carlton
Larry Carlton, AKA "Mr 335" born on March 2, 1948, in Torrance, California, is a renowned American guitarist whose work spans a variety of genres including jazz, blues, pop, and rock. Carlton's interest in guitar began at age six, and by his teenage years, he was deeply immersed in jazz.
Steve Lukather
Steve Lukather, born on October 21, 1957, in San Fernando Valley, California, is a renowned American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Best known as a founding member of the rock band Toto, Lukather's career spans over four decades and includes numerous collaborations with top artists across various genres.
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