Music in California
California is renowned for its vibrant music industry, having produced numerous world-famous musicians. The state's musical heritage is diverse, spanning genres from surf rock to Latin American music.
Official State Symbols
"I Love You, California" is the official state song, while the California Consolidated Drum Band is the official fife and drum band. The square dance is the state's traditional folk dance.
Indigenous Music
Many indigenous tribes have lived in California for centuries, with their music playing an important part of their traditions. In the late 19th century, American Indian music began to be incorporated into classical compositions.
Early Foreign Influences
Spanish and English explorers encountered Native Americans and established missions, introducing hymns and choirs. As California's non-native population grew, music was dominated by minstrel shows and sheet music sales, featuring performers like the Hyers Sisters.
Spanish and Mexican Influence
Mexican immigrants brought traditional folk guitar to California, and Spanish missions brought European music. Spanish language music developed a distinctive Californian style, separate from the music of Mexico and Spain.
Ranchera, Norteño, and Mexican and Latin American Music Today
California has a strong Mexican and Hispanic influence, with numerous Spanish language radio stations, music shows, and Mexican folk music bands. Popular genres include Ranchera, Norteño, and Son.
1930s and 1940s
Sidney Robertson Cowell collected American folk songs for the WPA Northern California Folk Music Project, which later inspired the creation of a "folk" category at the Grammy Awards. West Coast blues and Western swing also emerged during this period.
1950s and 1960s
In the 1950s, country music was influenced by the "Bakersfield sound," a reaction against Nashville's slick production. Folk music experienced a revival in the late 1950s and early 1960s, led by the Kingston Trio. R&B, with groups like the Robins, and Chicano rock also gained popularity.
Surf Rock, Sunshine Pop, and the California Sound
In the early 1960s, surf rock emerged as a popular genre, with groups like the Beach Boys. California also saw the rise of sunshine pop, and the development of the "California Sound," characterized by a relaxed and melodic style.
Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Experimental Music
The mid-1960s witnessed the emergence of garage rock, with bands like the Standells and the Seeds. Psychedelic rock flourished in San Francisco, with bands like Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, and Quicksilver Messenger Service. Experimental music also emerged, with the founding of the San Francisco Tape Music Center.
1970s and 1980s
Country rock, with bands like the Eagles and Jackson Browne, dominated the early 1970s. Funk, with acts like War and Tower of Power, also gained popularity. Latin R&B band Tierra formed in this period. California was also a hotbed for difficult-to-classify acts, such as Kim Fowley and Captain Beefheart.
Punk Rock in California
In the late 1970s, punk rock emerged in Los Angeles with bands like the Screamers and X. The South Bay produced American hardcore punk with bands like Black Flag and Minutemen. Orange County saw the rise of the Middle Class and Social Distortion.
Heavy Metal
Glam metal and thrash metal scenes emerged in the 1980s, with bands like Quiet Riot, Mötley Crüe, and Metallica.
Alternative Rock
Alternative rock thrived in California, with bands like Sonic Youth, Wall of Voodoo, the Cretones, Faith No More, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Experimental music also flourished, with the Los Angeles Free Music Society and Mr. Bungle.
Hip Hop
Hip hop music gained popularity in Los Angeles in the 1980s, with artists like Ice-T and Dr. Dre. The N.W.A. album "Straight Outta Compton" placed West Coast hip hop on the map.
1990s and 2000s
The 1990s saw the emergence of legendary rappers like 2Pac and Snoop Dogg. Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" solidified West Coast hip hop's dominance. Indie rock, with bands like Pavement and Beck, became popular. Hardcore punk and metalcore also flourished, particularly in San Diego.
Pop Rock, Pop Punk, and Alternative Rock
California produced many successful pop rock and pop punk bands, including New Radicals, Blink-182, and Eve 6. Alternative rock, with bands like Audioslave, Bad Religion, and Weezer, remained popular.
Desert Rock, Nu Metal, and Alternative Metal
Desert rock emerged from Palm Desert, with bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss. California was also at the forefront of nu metal and alternative metal, with bands like Korn, Linkin Park, and System of a Down.
Christian Rock, Experimental Music, and Jazz
Spirit-filled hardcore emerged in Southern California, with bands like No Innocent Victim. Experimental music continued to thrive, with venues like The Smell. California has also been home to influential jazz musicians like Dave Brubeck, Vince Guaraldi, and Cal Tjader.
2010s
Experimental hip hop acts Death Grips and clipping. formed. Kendrick Lamar achieved critical acclaim with his albums "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" and "To Pimp a Butterfly." In rock, Los Angeles band Haim gained success with their album "Days Are Gone."
Classical Music and Music Festivals
California has many established orchestras and a vibrant classical music scene. The state also hosts numerous music festivals, including Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Monterey Jazz Festival.