Creators
This isn’t just where music history lives. It’s where music keeps evolving.
From garage bands of the 1960s to current musical and technological groundbreakers, San Jose and Silicon Valley are rich in melodic history. This vibrant region serves as home to the artists crafting today’s most iconic video game soundtracks, skate punk, underground scenes, and DIY venues that foster creativity and innovation.
Moreover, it is a growing center for mariachi and LatinX musical expression, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of the area. Adding to this rich musical landscape, San Jose is also home to tech firms — including some of the world’s largest companies — that are shaping how we create, record, and hear music. We’re proud to celebrate our historical roots as well as embrace new genres and technologies as they continually evolve.
Who Knew?
The Grateful Dead's first show
In 1965, the Grateful Dead performed the group’s first show in a downtown house located near San Jose State University, on the site of San Jose’s current City Hall — the house has since been moved to nearby St. John Street a few blocks away
The Doobie Brothers & Smash Mouth's early days
In 1965, the Grateful Dead performed the group’s first show in a downtown house located near San Jose State University, on the site of San Jose’s current City Hall — the house has since been moved to nearby St. John Street a few blocks away
The Beatles' first visit to the Bay Area
San Jose resident Paul Catalana promoted the Beatles’ first two concerts in the Bay Area following their 1964 American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show
Connected to the roots of legends
Other bands with strong connections to San Jose and the Valley include Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane, Fleetwood Mac, Trapt, and Los Tigres del Norte
The Creators
Papa Doo Run Run
As the British Invasion reached a fever pitch in 1965, every American garage band seemed intent on emulating the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds or the Kinks. And four kids from Cupertino who would one day become Papa Doo Run Run…
Greg Kihn
Greg Kihn began his career in his hometown of Baltimore, MD, working in the singer/songwriter mold, but switching to straightforward rock ‘n’ roll when he moved to San Francisco in 1974.
Smash Mouth
San Jose’s sonic sensation, crafting catchy anthems, and igniting the ’90s music scene with their infectious blend of rock and pop, achieving unparalleled success and enduring acclaim.
December People
Meet another local innovation in rock music. Meet Campbell, CA’s Robert Berry and December People. Holiday music will never be the same.
Laurie Roberts, Goddess of the Airwaves.
On June 19, 2021, a group of Laurie Roberts’ friends came together at Pruneyard Cinemas in Campbell, CA to celebrate the life of a person who left San Jose and the Bay Area a better place than when she arrived.
John Tristao
John Tristao has reached rarified air encountered by few others in rock ‘n’ roll. He was the frontman for Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Before being tapped by Creedence, Tristao had logged many years with San Jose hitmakers People! and West Coast…
Count V
“The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame selected ‘Psychotic Reaction’ for their list of “500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll.” Not bad for a one-hit wonder!” Went to #5 on Billboard in 1966.
People!
Produced by San Jose Rocks alum Captain Mikey, People’s “I Love You” single vaulted into Billboard’s Top 20 by the spring of 1968, then circled the globe as a chart-topper wherever it was released.
Paul Kanter
As a founding member and integral element of Jefferson Airplane, San Francisco’s first great rock ‘n’ roll band-then as the main cog in Jefferson Starship, the aggregation spawned in the mid-’70s when the Airplane rolled into the hangar for the…
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
The most star-studded shows ever presented at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds must have been the pair of Northern California Folk-Rock Festivals of 1968 and 1969. The musical glories of Woodstock and the Monterey Pop Festival are indisputable!
Larry Norman
In 2001 The Gospel Music Association recognized Norman-with over 50 albums in his career dossier-for his pioneering efforts in the field of Christian Rock and inducted him into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Syndicate of Sound
If any one song summed up the swaggering teenage spirit of 1966-the year revered by rock historians as the fountain head of what is now called “garage rock”, it was “Little Girl” by the Syndicate of Sound – hitting #8…