In the heart of the Hollywood Hills, Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles served as a vibrant hub for music legends throughout the 1960s and 70s. Icons like Joni Mitchell, Jim Morrison, and Frank Zappa, alongside bands such as The Mamas & The Papas and Crosby, Stills & Nash, flocked to this idyllic neighborhood. The allure was a combination of affordable rent, a bohemian atmosphere, and close proximity to the Sunset Strip’s famed music venues like the Whisky A Go Go and The Troubadour.
At the center of this buzzing community was the Canyon Country Store, located at 2108 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles 90046. More than just a convenience store, it became a melting pot for musicians and hippies alike, radiating a unique bohemian spirit that endures today. Visiting the store offers a tangible link to this iconic era; browse memorabilia and vintage vinyl, savor their renowned pastrami sandwich, or simply pick up everyday essentials, all while soaking in the canyon’s legendary vibe.
The store’s legacy is deeply intertwined with rock history. Jim Morrison, living just around the corner at 8021 Rothdell Trail – the very street inspiring The Doors’ hit “Love Street” – immortalized the Canyon Country Store in his spoken-word piece. His lyrics, “I see you live on Love Street/ There’s this store where the creatures meet/I wonder what they do in there?/Summer Sunday and a year/I guess I like it fine, so far,” vividly capture the store’s enigmatic presence in the canyon’s cultural landscape.
This magnetic pull persists, drawing in contemporary musicians as well. Father John Misty frequented the store and famously met his wife, Emma Elizabeth Tillman, there. This encounter inspired the opening lines of his 2015 song, “I Went to the Store One Day”: “We met in a parking lot/I was buying coffee and cigarettes/Firewood and bad wine long since gone.”
The Canyon Country Store isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a living, breathing piece of Laurel Canyon history. It provides a unique glimpse into a time when music shaped a community and a neighborhood store was at its very heart. For those interested in exploring the cultural landscape of Los Angeles and understanding the backdrop to some of rock’s most enduring music, a visit to the Canyon Country Store offers an immersive and authentic experience.
