For many, Los Angeles is a city of inspiration. It’s a place where people come to turn their dreams into reality. The glitter of Hollywood, the wealth, and the endless beaches can be more intoxicating than any strong drink. So it’s no surprise that the city’s unique history and spirit have been captured in its music. While the official anthem of Los Angeles is “Seventy-Six Cities,” there are many unofficial ones, too. These songs all convey the beauty and grandeur of LA, while also touching on the challenges, dreams, and hopes of its residents. You can discover more about the city’s culture and lifestyle by visiting los-angeles-trend.
The Story Behind “Seventy-Six Cities”
Los Angeles was one of California’s first 27 counties, established on February 18, 1850. The county covers 1,290.6 square kilometers (498.3 square miles), with 1,214.9 km² (469.1 sq mi) of land and 75.7 km² (29.2 sq mi) of water.
On September 14, 1965, brothers Steve and Paul Colwell performed their song, “Seventy-Six Cities,” for the first time at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Gordon T. Nesvig later recalled how impressed the board members were. It’s the only way to explain why they unanimously voted to adopt “Seventy-Six Cities” as the county’s official song. Supervisor Warren M. Dorn was the one who made the proposal.
Interestingly, since the song was adopted, the county has grown to 88 cities, and the population has swelled from seven to ten million people. The song’s lyrics reflect the post-war boom and the city’s ambitious spirit. Its language has a certain pomp and circumstance characteristic of the era, presenting the city as a perfect place to live and work.
Analyzing the Anthem
A closer look at the official Los Angeles anthem reveals several key themes:
- The song begins with an allegory of God creating the world and deliberately choosing Los Angeles as an “earthly paradise.” It highlights the diversity of the landscape and its appeal to residents and tourists alike.
- The central image of the growing county and its complex structure is the “seventy-six cities.” The lyrics convey an optimistic view of future growth.
- The song suggests a shared identity that unites its people. The idea is that all county residents, regardless of where they live, belong to one big, friendly family.
- One of the verses mentions earthquakes, fires, and floods, with the phrase “spirit in our blood.” This line underscores the residents’ ability to rise up and overcome hardships time and again.
- The final verse elevates Los Angeles’s mission to a global level, suggesting the city can show humanity how to live and work together as one family, with no room for evil or hatred.
The lyrics of “Seventy-Six Cities” are written in a simple and direct style, making it easy for a wide audience to understand. However, it still maintains an elevated, solemn tone that perfectly suits an official anthem. To learn more about how this song fits into the city’s musical legacy, be sure to read our full history of music in Los Angeles.
The Colwell Brothers: Steve and Paul
The Colwell brothers were born in San Marino, a city within Los Angeles County, where their family lived. This area also became the starting point for their musical careers.
Steve and Paul Colwell, two of three brothers, wrote and composed the famous song “Seventy-Six Cities” in September 1965 on a train ride from Chicago. They were traveling to Los Angeles with a musical troupe called “Sing-Out ’65” (later known as “Up with People”). Their goal was to perform at the Hollywood Bowl and Jordan High School in Watts. This was just a month after some of the deadliest and most destructive riots in LA’s history.
At the time, “Sing-Out ’65” was already known for its clear, positive, and vibrant performances. They came to Los Angeles with a message of hope, peace, and a better way forward—a message that was clearly reflected in the lyrics of their famous composition.
The Hidden History
As mentioned earlier, “Sing-Out ’65” eventually changed its name to “Up with People.” Actress Glenn Close, a former member, famously described it as a “cult.” Lee Storey later directed a documentary titled “Smile ‘Til It Hurts: The Up With People Story,” which delved into the group’s alleged control tactics, unusual sexual politics, and arranged marriages—revelations that can be shocking for modern viewers. The film, released in 2009, holds a rating of 7.2 out of 10 stars. Storey was inspired to create the documentary after learning that her husband had been involved with the musical troupe in the 1960s.
It’s worth noting that some other former members have disputed the film’s characterization, claiming the group was simply trying to promote conservative values during a time of cultural upheaval. Its religious roots are undeniable, with the song’s first verse containing a direct reference to God.
LA’s Unofficial Anthems
While the official LA anthem, “Seventy-Six Cities,” is solemn and uplifting, the city’s unofficial anthems are far more diverse. They reflect the many facets of Los Angeles and come from artists of various genres. These aren’t songs chosen by the city government, but rather tunes that have become deeply rooted in the city’s culture—the kind of songs locals can’t help but sing along to.
Ultimately, LA’s unofficial anthems are about the soul of the city and what resonates most with its people.
Top Unofficial LA Anthems
Here are some of the most beloved songs about Los Angeles, each with its own special feel.
- “Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty is one of his biggest hits. With its easygoing vibe, jangling guitars, and original sound, it stands out from the crowd. “Free Fallin'” is a classic story of a “good girl” and a “bad boy.” The video captures 80s Los Angeles with its malls, skate parks, and goths, while also flashing back to the “golden age” of the 50s. This was a time of poodle skirts, vinyl records, and Sweet 16 parties. “Free Fallin'” gives a sense of the pioneers’ freedom, exciting possibilities, and terrible isolation. The final verse, with the line, “I’m gonna be in free fallin’ out into nothin’/Gonna leave this world for a while,” is truly captivating.
- “To Live & Die in L.A.” is a famous song by legendary rapper Tupac Shakur from his 1996 album, “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.” The song celebrates 90s Los Angeles—its unique atmosphere and lifestyle, from the sun and beaches to the girls, cars, and undeniable vibe. The song and its video are like a true street report from LA during that era.
- “I Love L.A.” by Randy Newman was first released on his 1983 album, “Trouble in Paradise.” It’s a song about Los Angeles with a simple, repeatable chorus that crowds shout along to: “We love it!”
- “Life in LA” by Ariel Pink takes you on a journey through a hot, dry, sunny day. Ariel Pink masterfully blends various musical genres, from hippie to 70s funk with synthesizers.
- To round out the list, there’s Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness,” from 2012. The song portrays Los Angeles through a lens of melancholy and sadness. In “Summertime Sadness,” LA serves as the backdrop for a story of separation and lost love.
The list of unofficial LA anthems could go on, but only one song—”Seventy-Six Cities”—holds the title of the official anthem of Los Angeles.
