Bart Mendoza

Bart Mendoza is a journalist, author, musician, and lifelong advocate for popular music whose career has been shaped by both performance and storytelling. Growing up, he was inspired by his grandfather, who sang Mexican cowboy songs while strumming guitar beneath a favorite tree — an image that left a lasting impression. At age ten, seeing the Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night proved transformative, igniting a passion that would guide much of his musical life. After receiving his first guitar as a Christmas gift — a well-loved instrument discovered at a garage sale — Bart formed a band with friends while attending La Jolla High School. That group evolved into Manual Scan, which released albums and performed internationally, including appearances in England. Immersed in Southern California’s vibrant record store culture, Bart worked at the influential Licorice Pizza chain from 1980 to 1985 while assisting with local concert promotions and supporting Capitol Records events. These experiences helped launch his path as an interviewer and writer for fan publications and later the San Diego Union-Tribune, where he became known for uncovering meaningful connections between artists and the San Diego music scene. A natural storyteller, Bart shared numerous memorable experiences during his NAMM interview, including the unexpected rediscovery of a song he wrote years earlier that ultimately found a home with Germany’s Bear Family Records. Throughout his career, Bart has balanced musicianship with journalism, documenting the artists and cultural moments that continue to shape modern music history.