Local musician recognized after more than 50 years on stage
ESCONDIDO — Larry Grano, a drummer whose career began with an impromptu performance at an Elks Lodge and has stretched more than half a century, was inducted last Friday into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, the honor recognizes a body of work that has included collaborations with nationally known performers and a long presence in the San Diego music scene.
Grano, who grew up in Allied Gardens and now lives in Escondido, traced the start of his musical life to age 5 when his father handed him an opportunity on a lodge stage. He described the moment as the moment the “hook” for music was set. His father later bought him a snare drum, and aside from a pause for Little League baseball, drumming became his central pursuit.
“Why don’t you sit there and play the drums: When the piano player starts, you start; and when he stops, you stop. So I did it. And when the song ended, I got applause. The hook was set.”
Over the years, Grano has shared stages with a wide array of artists, from San Diego songwriter Jack Tempchin — whose song “Peaceful Easy Feeling” became an Eagles hit — to blues guitarist Coco Montoya, former Wings member Denny Laine and jazz-fusion bassist Stanley Clarke. He has also maintained a long musical relationship with San Diego-based singer Eve Selis. Those collaborations were among the reasons cited by Hall of Fame organizers for his selection.
Grano’s induction class included several acts and artists from the region; organizers have recognized punk pioneers, roots-rock figures and jazz performers in recent years. Grano reacted to news of his nomination with good humor and reflection. At times lighthearted, he joked about leaving town; at other moments he acknowledged the mentors, peers and listeners who encouraged his pursuit of music.
“I’m reminded of everybody who has helped me, who reached out and saw that I wanted it and said, ‘Okay.’”
Upcoming local performances
Grano is scheduled to play behind the drum set this fall at the final concerts of country-rock co-founder Richie Furay before his retirement. These performances include a Nov. 6 show at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, and a Nov. 7 appearance at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. The Escondido date will give local audiences a chance to see an inductee in his hometown area while Furay concludes a decades-long career.
| Date | Artist | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 6 | Richie Furay (with Larry Grano) | California Center for the Arts, Escondido |
| Nov. 7 | Richie Furay (with Larry Grano) | Coach House, San Juan Capistrano |
Local roots and regional impact
Grano’s career is rooted in the San Diego region. He and Selis both grew up in Allied Gardens, a neighborhood north of Interstate 8 near Mission Gorge Road and College Avenue. The local connection continues to shape his identity as a musician: while he has performed with nationally recognized artists, Grano remains identified with the neighborhoods and venues of San Diego County and Escondido.
- Career span: roughly 55 years in music
- Notable collaborators: Jack Tempchin, Coco Montoya, Denny Laine, Stanley Clarke, Eve Selis
- Local ties: grew up in Allied Gardens; longtime Escondido resident
For Escondido residents, Grano’s Hall of Fame induction highlights the continuing presence of veteran performers who emerged from the local music ecosystem. His upcoming performance at the California Center for the Arts offers a nearby opportunity for the community to celebrate both his recent honor and a career that has intersected with multiple generations of musicians.
The San Diego Music Hall of Fame has in recent years sought to chronicle and honor the diverse musical traditions of the region, from punk and roots rock to jazz and blues. Grano’s induction adds a seasoned drummer with deep local ties to that roster, underscoring Escondido’s ongoing role as part of the broader cultural life of North County San Diego.
