So hear us out… Maybe San Jose isn’t known as one of the biggest music cities in the US — but we’ve still had our share of musicians who’ve made it big.

Today, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible talent that found a start in our amazing city. If you’re more of an auditory learner — plug in those earbuds + listen to some of these local legends on our Spotify playlist. 🎧

🎶 Grateful Dead

This psychedelic Palo Alto jam band initially performed as the “Warlocks,” but after a name change, the first show they played as the “Grateful Dead” was in San Jose on December 4, 1965 at one of Ken Kesey’s Acid Test shows. Far out…

🎶 Los Tigres del Norte

This Mexican band moved to San Jose in the late 1960s + began recording with local company Discos Fama. Since then, this Grammy-winning band has found international success playing traditional + modernized norteño music. If you missed their February SJ performance, you can catch them later this year in Paso Robles or Fresno.

🎶 The Doobie Brothers

You’d have to be a Fool to not Believe this… This genre-spanning band came together in 1970 while performing around San Jose — in fact, singer-songwriter Tom Johnston’s Naglee Park house was recently made a historic landmark. After four Grammys, 16 Billboard top 40 hits + a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band will return to the Bay Area this September.

🎶 Fleetwood Mac

Well, obviously, this British-American band didn't get its start in San Jose, but Stevie Nicks + Lindsey Buckingham are both Bay Area natives. The duo actually attended San Jose State University before dropping out to pursue their musical career.

🎶 Smash Mouth

With roots in ska, rap, and punk music — this band of SJ locals came together in 1994 + found mainstream success with earlier albums like “Fush Yu Mang” and “Astro Lounge,” which included the hit song “All Star” (yes, the song from “Shrek”).

Share your memories of these local legends — and let us know if you want to get more SJ music recs.