A Cultural Legacy. A Global Stage. A Future of Sound.

A new nonprofit dedicated to honoring San Jose and Silicon Valley's musical heritage - and shaping its future.

Welcome to San Jose Rocks. Where music and innovation play on.

A cultural legacy. A global stage. A future of sound.

San Jose Rocks is a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the untold stories of how San Jose and Silicon Valley have helped shape the global soundscape — through legendary artists across every genre, groundbreaking technological innovations, and the creators and fans shaping what comes next.

From mariachi to hardcore punk, blues to EDM, hip-hop to classical, and everything in between — if it makes sound, San Jose and Silicon Valley have helped shape how the world experiences it.

San Jose Rocks. So does punk, mariachi, EDM, hip-hop, jazz, blues, and everything else.

Let's be clear: when we say "San Jose Rocks," we're not just talking about rock 'n' roll. We're talking about every beat, every genre, every sound that's been created, innovated, or transformed in San Jose and Silicon Valley.

From the world's first radio broadcasting station in 1909 to today's AI-powered music generation. From the Grateful Dead's first show to one of the most vibrant mariachi communities in America. From multitrack recording and Dolby noise reduction to the laptops powering bedroom producers across the Valley. From Stevie Nicks to Snow tha Product, from Taiko ensembles to EDM collectives — this region has shaped the global soundscape across every musical tradition.

San Jose Rocks shares, celebrates, and preserves this incredibly diverse musical heritage, while creating a platform to connect fans, innovators, educators, and musicians across generations and genres. We do this through:ch heritage, while creating a platform to connect fans, innovators, educators, and musicians across generations and genres. We do this through:

  • Public art, exhibits, and cultural events that drive local pride and tourism
  • Recognition of significant landmarks with celebrations, monuments, events, or plaques (such as the Grateful Dead 60th anniversary plaque at San Jose City Hall)
  • Music industry career fairs for students across Santa Clara County (coming soon)

Breaking News

The San Jose City Council’s Rules Committee has unanimously approved the creation and installation of a plaque that will mark the site of the Grateful Dead’s first-ever performance under their iconic name in 1965.

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Did You Know

Doobie Brothers

2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Doobie Brothers

By Dan Orloff | February 28, 2021

Since forming in 1969, The Doobie Brothers have sold more than 48 million albums, including three multi-Platinum albums, seven Platinum albums, and 14 Gold albums.

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Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Go Spartans!

By Dan Orloff | February 28, 2021

1967 – 1972: Formed by John Fogerty, Doug Clifford (born in Palo Alto), and Stu Cook in the late 1950s. Doug and Stu attended San Jose State, playing now under…

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Charles David "Doc" Herrold

World’s First Radio Station

By Dan Orloff | February 27, 2021

Doc Herrold launched worlds first radio station in downtown San Jose in 1909. And, coined the term “broadcasting”. His radio station is now KCBS 740 AM.

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The Creators

John Tristao

John Tristao has reached rarified air encountered by few others in rock ‘n’ roll. He was the frontman for Creedence…

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Count V

Count V

“The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame selected ‘Psychotic Reaction’ for their list of “500 Songs That Shaped Rock &…

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People

People!

Produced by San Jose Rocks alum Captain Mikey, People’s “I Love You” single vaulted into Billboard’s Top 20 by the…

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Paul Kanter

Paul Kanter

As a founding member and integral element of Jefferson Airplane, San Francisco’s first great rock ‘n’ roll band-then as the…

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