The California Raisins

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Birth name
Also known as
Born
OriginUnited States
Died
GenresR&B, Soul
Occupation(s)
Instrument(s)



The California Raisins were a fictional R&B animated musical group as well as advertising and merchandising characters composed of anthropomorphized raisins. Lead vocals were sung by musician Buddy Miles. The California Raisins were popular in the late 1980s through claymation television commercials and merchandising.

History[edit | edit source]

The California Raisins were created by the California Raisin Advisory Board (CALRAB) in 1986. The concept was developed by advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding. The characters were animated using claymation by Will Vinton Studios.

The Raisins gained popularity with their first commercial, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," a cover of the Marvin Gaye song. The commercial was a hit, leading to a series of advertisements, merchandise, and even a television special.

Media Appearances[edit | edit source]

The California Raisins appeared in several television specials, including Meet the Raisins! and The Raisins: Sold Out!. They also had a short-lived Saturday morning cartoon series called The California Raisin Show.

Music[edit | edit source]

The Raisins released four studio albums and a number of singles. Their music was primarily R&B and soul, featuring covers of popular songs. The albums were released under Priority Records.

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

The California Raisins became a cultural phenomenon, leading to a wide range of merchandising including toys, clothing, and lunchboxes. They were featured in magazines, comic books, and even had a video game developed for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Despite their decline in popularity in the early 1990s, The California Raisins remain a nostalgic icon of 1980s pop culture. They are remembered for their unique claymation style and catchy music.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External Links[edit | edit source]

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