The California Raisins

California Raisin claymation

== The California Raisins ==

File:California Raisins logo.png

The California Raisins logo

The California Raisins were a fictional rhythm and blues animated musical group as well as advertising characters composed of anthropomorphized raisins. They were popularized in the 1980s through a series of claymation television commercials for the California Raisin Advisory Board (CALRAB). The characters were created by Will Vinton Productions and were known for their renditions of classic Motown hits, most notably "I Heard It Through the Grapevine".

History

The California Raisins were created in 1986 as part of an advertising campaign to promote the consumption of raisins. The campaign was developed by the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding. The characters quickly gained popularity, leading to a series of commercials, merchandise, and even a Saturday morning cartoon series titled The California Raisin Show.

Characters

The main characters of The California Raisins included:

• A.C. – The lead singer, often depicted with sunglasses and a confident demeanor.
• Beebop – The drummer, known for his energetic personality.
• Stretch – The guitarist, characterized by his laid-back attitude.
• Red – The bass player, often seen as the quiet and serious member of the group.

Media Appearances

The California Raisins appeared in various forms of media, including:

• Television Commercials – The original claymation commercials that introduced the characters.
• The California Raisin Show – An animated television series that aired in 1989.
• Albums – The group released several albums featuring their renditions of popular songs.
• Merchandise – The characters were featured on a wide range of products, from toys to clothing.

Cultural Impact

The California Raisins became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They were featured in numerous parodies and references in popular culture. Their success is often cited as an example of effective advertising and the power of character branding.

Related Pages

• Claymation
• Motown
• I Heard It Through the Grapevine
• Saturday morning cartoon
• Will Vinton