The recent death of Jefferson Airplane’s Paul Kantner reminded us of the west coast sound that added to the 60s music tapestry. San Francisco was a significant urban contributor of rock ‘n roll, and the intersection of Haight-Asbury was the hub of drug activity, where struggling rock bands gathered to find their voice.
It must have been a pretty interesting sight to have record companies and executives take meetings in afterhours bars looking for the next big thing.
Here’s our “Top 10 Greatest Classic Rock Stars, Bands or Singers” from the city by the bay…
10. Huey Lewis and the News
9. Steve Miller
8. Sly Stone
7. Johnny Mathis
6. Chris Isaak
5. Quicksilver Messenger Service
4. Carlos Santana
3. The Grateful Dead
2. Jefferson Airplane (Marty Balin, Grace Slick)
1. Journey
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Photo credit: Matt Becker