**John Stamos Releases Heartfelt Tribute to California with “Take Care of California”**
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Actor and musician John Stamos has unveiled a new song titled “Take Care of California,” collaborating with Grammy-winning artist Richard Marx. This heartfelt tribute showcases Stamos’s deep affection for his home state, and an exclusive premiere of its personal music video was granted to PEOPLE.
The music video is a nostalgic journey, featuring footage collected from the personal archives of both Stamos and Marx. The vibrant visuals blend slices of family vacations, cherished friendships, and everyday Californian life into what resembles a classic home movie reminiscent of the 1960s. Notable moments include glimpses of Stamos with his wife Caitlin McHugh and their eight-year-old son Billy, alongside heartwarming snapshots of his extended family.
In addition to these intimate representations, fans of Stamos’s iconic role in the beloved television series *Full House* will find delightful surprises throughout the video. It features cherished moments with his late co-stars Bob Saget and Dave Coulier, as well as early photos with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen during a nostalgic Disneyland outing.
The inception of “Take Care of California” emerged from a common feeling experienced by Stamos and his songwriting partner, Michael Gigante, during their travels. “We realised how much we long for California whenever we’re away,” stated Stamos in an interview with PEOPLE. “This song is a love letter to the state that has given us so much over the years.”
Stamos collaborated on the song with Gigante and producer Michael Campion, and included harmonica by Waylon Payne, whom he met through an intriguing twist of fate. “I was invited to play with Willie Nelson’s band at the Hollywood Bowl and borrowed Waylon for our track,” Stamos recalled, noting that the song initially lacked a certain element.
The turning point came when he reached out to Richard Marx, who had already asked Stamos to perform on his own album, *After Hours*. “I shared a rough mix of ‘Take Care of California’ with him, and hinted that his voice could elevate it,” Stamos explained. Marx, who views his time in California as pivotal, received the invitation with enthusiasm. “It was an easy yes,” he stated, recalling how the melody lingered in his head long after hearing it.
Marx’s excitement for the project didn’t stop at just being a featured vocalist. He expressed a desire for the song to take on even greater significance, proposing, “I believe this song should be the new state song for California.”
For Stamos, the message behind “Take Care of California” extends beyond nostalgia; it serves as a call to action for the preservation of the state’s beauty. “California is beautiful, complicated, resilient and fragile — and it needs taking care of,” he remarked. Stamos credits early inspirations from cultural icons like The Beach Boys and Disneyland for shaping his connection to the state, a relationship that has flourished through years of collaboration with the former.
His commitment to the state’s welfare is further demonstrated through philanthropic efforts with organisations such as Habitat for Humanity, which he and McHugh support. “It’s about appreciating what you have and doing your part to take care of it,” he added.
With aspirations for “Take Care of California” to become a signature anthem for the state, Stamos hopes it resonates with others who share his love for California. “If it finds its way into television, commercials, or movies that celebrate the state, that would be incredible,” he mentioned, conveying his ambition for the song to hold a meaningful place in California-centric narratives.
Ultimately, Stamos summarises his intentions for the track in simple terms: “It’s our love letter to California, and a reminder that if you love something, you should take care of it.” As the song hits the airwaves, it is sure to strike a chord for many who call California home.