Our History

Our History: Nearly 20 Years in the Making

Dan Orloff & Tom Muller

San Jose Rocks began in 2006 as a program of History San José, originally founded by Dan Orloff and Tom Muller with the mission to promote music education and revive the spirit of live music in San Jose and Silicon Valley. Even then, our vision was clear: to shine a light on the local bands, musicians, songwriters, DJs, inventors, venues, promoters, and technologists who helped shape the way the world makes, hears, and experiences music.

With strong support from History San José and an inspired creative community, San Jose Rocks hosted two Hall of Fame events in 2006 and 2007, generating major media attention and laying the foundation for what we’ve now relaunched as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Today, San Jose Rocks is more committed than ever to collecting, curating, and celebrating the rich and often overlooked musical legacy of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley. We’re doing that through this site, through storytelling and digital media, and soon—through live events that invite the community to join us in documenting and honoring this important cultural history.

Why Now?

We feel a sense of urgency. As time passes, so do the people, stories, and artifacts that connect us to our musical past. By reviving San Jose Rocks, we aim to preserve those memories before they’re lost, and to inspire future generations with the stories of this region’s influential but underrecognized role in shaping music and innovation.

With Deep Gratitude

We would not be here today without the incredible support of so many individuals and organizations who believed in this project from the very beginning.

To History San José — Alida Bray, Steven Cox, Barbara Johnson, and Pam Watson: Your support and patience gave San Jose Rocks its start.

To our creative collaborators — Dave Choice, Frank Anzalone, Mark Fenichel, Dave Lepori, and John Paulson: You captured the sights and sounds that told our story better than words ever could.

To the artists who inspired us — Roy Chaney, Kenn Ellner, John “Mouse” Michalski, and Bob Gonzalez: You were our childhood heroes and lifelong supporters. (And Bob—we promise to stop calling you daily!)

To our media allies and champions — Scott Budman, Mike Colgan, Rob Fladeboe, Robert Handa, Tim Jeffries, Brad Kava, Greg Kihn, Sal Pizarro, Mark Purdy, Shay Quillen, Len Ramirez, Laurie Roberts: Thank you for helping us share this story far and wide.
A special thanks to Mark Purdy, whose 2003 article “South Bay Deserves Much of the Credit Accorded S.F. for ’60s Bands” sparked the original idea.

To Jud Cost, historian and writer: Your words gave depth and color to every induction and program we created.

To Read Zaro and Miki Hall of Bel-Aire Productions: You didn’t just help us stage events—you opened doors.

To Orloff Williams — especially Mike Bohrer and Nanci Williams: Thanks for rolling with Dan’s “Great Adventure” and its ADD-fueled detours.

To our extended creative family — Robert Berry, William Bohrer, Jim Dawson, Dennis Erokan, Jim Gordon, Genie Phirippidis, Geoff Roach, Laurie Roberts, Steve Siacotos, Monica Zent, and especially Kathy Linton: Your encouragement and friendship kept this idea alive.

To Dan Doherty, web developer and trusted collaborator: Thank you for building the digital foundation we stand on today.

To Kathy Royer: Your support helped bring this vision back to life—and got the band back together again.

From Then to Now

San Jose Rocks may be a new nonprofit today, but it’s built on a legacy nearly two decades strong. We’re here to tell the stories, preserve the memories, and celebrate the powerful role San Jose and Silicon Valley have played in the history of music.

Thank you for being part of it.