Sacramento, California has a long and illustrious history of producing some of the most iconic blues music in the United States. From the country music of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard to the rock and roll of Creedence Clearwater Revival, this city has been home to some of the most influential musicians in American history. Even today, Sacramento continues to be a hotbed for musical talent, with artists such as Jewel, Eddie Vedder, and Chris Isaak all having roots in the city. The late 1980s saw a surge in affordable recording technology, which allowed local musicians to create their own music and share it with the world.
This led to the formation of the Sacramento Area Music Awards (Sammies), which have been recognizing local talent for over 15 years. The Sammies have helped to shed light on the contributions that Sacramento has made to the music industry. One of the most influential bands to come out of Sacramento was The Cramps. Erick Purkhiser and Kristy Wallace, better known as Lux Interior and Poison Ivy (Rorschach), met at California State University, Sacramento in 1972. They went on to form The Cramps, a pioneering psychobilly band that has had a lasting impact on the music industry. Sacramento also had a thriving garage-rock scene in the mid-to-late 1960s. This was documented by Alec Palao in his compilation The Sound of Young Sacramento, as well as by Jerry Perry in his monthly publication Alive & Kicking.
Big Beat Records also released a two-CD set called The Ikon Records Story which featured some of the best garage-rock bands from this era. Fanny, an all-female rock band from Sacramento, released four albums on Reprise Records before disbanding in 1975. Jean Millington, one of the members of Fanny, went on to marry David Bowie's guitarist Earl Slick. Her sister June is still actively involved in the DIY and bifriendly music scene today. Sacramento has been home to some of the most influential musicians in American history. From country music stars like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard to rock legends like Creedence Clearwater Revival, this city has produced some of the most iconic blues music in the United States. The Sammies have helped to recognize and celebrate these contributions over the past 15 years. The city's musical legacy is still alive today with many local venues hosting live performances from both established and up-and-coming artists.
There are also several festivals throughout the year that celebrate blues music from around the world. Whether you're looking for a night out or just want to experience some great music, Sacramento is sure to have something for everyone.
