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The Beach Boys, long known as "America?s Band," have been entertaining the world for almost 50 years, innovating their sound and impacting rock n? roll music in the process.
The group was formed in 1960 by brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, plus cousin Mike Love and friend Alan Jardine. Early influences on the quintet included The Four Freshman, known for their vocal harmonies. Brian Wilson was the leader of the band from the very beginning ? Dennis was quoted saying "Brian is the Beach Boys, and we are his messengers."
In the beginning of the band?s career, surfing and girls were their primary lyrical influences, and they were known for their candy-striped button-down shirts tucked into white pants.
After making a splash in Southern California with hits like "I Get Around," "When I Grow Up" (To Be a Man)" and "Help Me, Rhonda," the band became more experimental on the "Today!" album, drifting away from guitars and more on keyboards and percussion, plus harmonies. The band was known for releasing pop-friendly singles matched with darker ballads as B Sides.
The "Pet Sounds" displayed the band?s experimentation and Brian?s sophisticated song arrangement in the form of extremely popular songs. Hits from the album include "Wouldn?t It Be Nice," "God Only Knows."
The band?s hits from the 1960?s were somewhat overshadowed by the inner strife of the band, focused mainly on Brian Wilson?s psychological problems, including depression schizophrenia and paranoia, in addition to his heavy drug use and rapid weight gain. Many say that his condition was prompted by the constant desire to trump the Beatles.
Most of the band?s albums from the 1970?s are unknown ? Brian returned to the band in the mid-70?s after facing his demons, but lessened his involvement again. During the late ?70s, Dennis, who also battled with drugs, died in a drowning accident.
While the band has gone through many problems and lineup changes, they have remained a consistently popular touring unit, particularly after their 1988 hit with ?Kokomo" off of the "Cocktail" soundtrack.
Love and Bruce Johnston are on vocals when the band tours these days, as Carl died from lung cancer in 1988 and Al Jardine left the band for good in 1998. The collective is known as a nostalgic act, having performed together for years upon years, bringing a new sound to the rock n? roll era and providing Southern California fun with a soundtrack.
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