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San Diego: Music Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Compilations and classic songs that put you in mind of the city, from Traveler’s city playlist.

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Compilations:

Blue Pacific, Michael Franks (1990)
Smooth-jazz singer Michael Franks’ 1990 album is an autobiographical celebration of his hometown, La Jolla, and one of his best works.

Brushfire Fairytales, Jack Johnson (2001)
The debut album by Hawaii-born singer-songwriter Jack Johnson in 2001 features gentle surf music crafted during his brief time in the San Diego area.

Greatest Surfing Songs!, The Beach Boys (1992)
Features a dozen Southern California surf sound classics, including "Surfin’ U.S.A.", "Surfin’", and "Catch a Wave." Listen for mentions of La Jolla, Del Mar, and other San Diego locales.

The Heart of Saturday Night, by Tom Waits (1974)
Master singer-songwriter Tom Waits grew up in National City, the rough suburb south of downtown. This 1974 album’s tracks were performed extensively around town in the early 1970s.

Classic Songs:

From folk singers to mellow jazz artists, musicians have been inspired by San Diego. Here are some tunes to take you there:

1. “Balboa Park” by Bruce Springsteen
2. “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys
3. “San Diego Serenade” by Tom Waits
4. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by The Eagles
5. “They Go to San Diego” by Mel Torme
6. “30 More Miles to San Diego” by Dean Martin
7. “Rosalita” by Bruce Springsteen
8. “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” by Bing Crosby
9. “Deckchairs and Cigarettes” by The Thrills
10. “My Town” by Buck-O-Nine

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San Diego Multimedia

Know Before You Go: San Diego

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