LIFE The Beach Boys
LIFE: The Beach Boys
The Boys of Summer • The Beach Boys began as a surf group and then elevated their art, changing the course of music history.
Meet the Band • The five founding members of the Beach Boys each made an indelible contribution to the band’s unforgettable musical journey.
Family Affair • The Wilson brothers, their cousin, and a neighborhood pal formed a band that would capture the spirit of California surf culture and also the attention of an executive at Capitol Records.
Let’s Go Surfin’ Now • Hit records such as “Surfin’ Safari” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.” transformed a seaside phenomenon into a pop culture craze and lifted the Beach Boys to international stardom.
Pet Project • Brian Wilson took his artistry to new heights with the recording of Pet Sounds, creating an album for the ages and inspiring the Beatles to elevate their musical ambitions.
The Ride Gets Wild • Brian struggled with a Pet Sounds follow-up while dark and surprising characters such as the Maharishi and Charles Manson entered the Beach Boys’ orbit.
Sea Change • While the Beach Boys’ music enjoyed great popularity, these difficult years included band strife, Brian’s falling under the sway of his controlling psychologist, and Dennis’s death by drowning.
A Time to Smile • “Kokomo” gave the Beach Boys their biggest hit since “Good Vibrations,” and Brian released a delayed masterwork to critical acclaim while finding stability with the help of his new wife.
LIFE: The Beach Boys Photo Credits
LIFE Bookazines