As a child of the 60’s, The Byrds come immediately to mind. They were the top band to come out of that era. But if I were a child of the 80’s, I might choose “Missing Persons” because of their hit, “Walking in LA”.

But over and above that, you’ve got composer John Williams, whose music for film and television has had an inestimable influence on popular culture for decades, from the iconic science fiction shows like Lost in Space, to the explosive success of film franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter. The music of Williams has had a monumental impact on not just Hollywood but the worldwide film industry, and I would tag him the leading film composer of our generation without hesitation.

Though born in New York in 1932, Williams and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1948, where he attended North Hollywood High School. He has garnered 51 Academy Award nominations, with 5 wins. In 2005, the American Film Institute selected Williams's score to 1977's Star Wars as the greatest American film score of all time.

There are many reasons to choose the best bands from Los Angeles. First, Los Angeles is home to some of the most talented and successful bands in the world. Second, the bands from Los Angeles are known for their high-quality music and performance. Third, the bands from Los Angeles are known for their dedication to their fans and their commitment to making great music. Finally, the bands from Los Angeles are known for their willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles and for their ability to stay ahead of the curve. The city has a long history of great music, and it is home to some of the best musicians in the world. The bands in Los Angeles are known for their innovation and creativity, and they are always pushing the envelope to create new and exciting music. Los Angeles is also home to a vibrant and diverse music scene, which means that there is always something new and exciting happening. The bands in Los Angeles are always breaking new ground and expanding the boundaries of what is possible in music. In addition, the bands in Los Angeles are often very talented and have a lot of experience.

Most of the places in LA are restaurants, with jazz acts brought in, rather than bars and breweries. I'm going to keep looking, though.

In the meantime: I'd try Nola's www.nolasla.com or Catalina Jazz Club www.catalinajazzclub.com

You can also try the Baked Potato in Studio City www.thebakedpotato.com or Industry Cafe and Jazz in Culver City, if you like Eritrean food with your jazz. www.industrycafeandjazz.com

Then, there's this place (which I haven't been to, but looks like it's more 20-something, and lots more fusion) - 2nd Street Jazz, in Little Tokyo. http://www.2ndstjazz.com/

There's also the Edison, which caters to a late 20's/30-something dressed-up crowd, often has jazz, and is always sumthin'. www.edisondowntown.com

And finally, don't forget: Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl is pretty awesome, and uniquely Los Angeles; check that schedule at http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/calendar.cfm

Sparks. Since 1972 and still performing locally around LA.

Very popular in UK, many Brits and Canadians mistakenly believed they were British.

Wikipedia describes them thus:

Known for their quirky approach to songwriting, Sparks' music is often accompanied by intelligent, sophisticated, and acerbic lyrics, and an idiosyncratic, theatrical stage presence, typified in the contrast between Russell Mael’s animated, hyperactive frontman antics and brother Ron Mael’s deadpan scowling.

Their best album in my opinion:

KIMONO MY HOUSE

with the hit song:

This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us.