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'The Beach Boys', California's iconic band, gave us hits like "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "Good Vibrations." Despite legal battles, they reunited with Al Jardine for a 50th-anniversary tour in 2012. Conflicts reemerged, leading to solo tours by Mike Love and leaving fans yearning for the original lineup's magic. A book in 2024 will cover their journey from a garage band to beloved legends, celebrating their albums from 1962 to 1974. Let's ride the wave and honor 'The Beach Boys' musical legacy.
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Brian Wilson, the oldest of three siblings, loved music since he was a little kid. Even at age 2, he was into fancy music like George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Besides being good at sports, he also taught his brothers to sing together.In 1961, Brian and his brothers, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine recorded a song called "Surfin'" that became popular. After signing with Capitol Records, Brian insisted on making the band's music himself, which was a big deal back then. "Pet Sounds" in 1966 was a huge success and changed things in the music world. In 1982, Brian had a really bad experience with drugs, but he's still a crucial part of the band's story.
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Brian took a long break but came back to performing in the late '90s. In 2004, he finally released the 'SMiLE' album, which had been on hold since 1967. He got honored at the Kennedy Center in 2007. The 2014 film Love & Mercy told his story, and his song "One Kind of Love" got nominated for a Golden Globe. His 2016 memoir is called I Am Brian Wilson. At 81, he was featured in a 2021 documentary, Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, and reunited with his bandmates in 2022 for A Grammy Salute to 'The Beach Boys'. In 2024, he thanked fans and wished everyone a Happy New Year with "Love & Mercy." Brian, a father of five, is married to Melinda Ledbetter.
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Dennis Wilson, the Beach Boys' drummer, thought their success came from being a close-knit family—three brothers and a cousin who loved what they did. In 1977, he said everyone in the band gave their all to the music.Dennis, known as the family's wild one and the only real surfer, inspired Brian to write the song "Surfin". But his contributions were affected by drug use and a complicated connection with Charles Manson.
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In 1971, Dennis teamed up with James Taylor for the film Two-Lane Blacktop. He released a solo album called Pacific Ocean Blue in 1977 but had trouble with a follow-up. Returning to the Beach Boys, he dealt with disputes, alcohol issues, and multiple marriages. Dennis, who had a romance with Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, sadly drowned in 1983 at 39. The band acknowledged his impact by inducting him into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame' posthumously in 1988.
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Carl, Brian's youngest brother, played lead guitar for the Beach Boys. He was inspired by Chuck Berry and sang on hits like "Good Vibrations" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice." Carl stepped in as a producer when Brian faced challenges in the late '60s and early '70s. He left the band in the early '80s but returned in 1983.
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Despite being diagnosed with cancer in 1997, Carl continued to play and tour with the Beach Boys. He passed away in 1998 at 51 due to complications from lung cancer. Carl left behind his wife, Gina Martin, and two sons from his previous marriage.
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Mike Love, one of the original Beach Boys, started singing with his cousins, the Wilson brothers, at family gatherings. They all loved harmonizing, and that's what brought them together.
In the '90s, Love launched StarServe to get celebrities to encourage young people to do community service. He spoke at big environmental events and got the Ella Award in 2014 for his singing achievements.
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In 2008, Love fought for and got the rights to the Beach Boys' name. He wrote a book about his Beach Boys' days in 2016 and released a solo album in 2017. Love, who likes Transcendental Meditation, is set on finding personal peace. He's the only original member still touring. He plans to play at the Stagecoach music festival in 2024. Married to Jacqueline since 1994, Love has eight kids and enjoys seeing people go crazy for their music.
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Bruce left The Beach Boys in 1972 for a solo career and wrote "I Write the Songs" for Barry Manilow, winning a Grammy. Brian invited him back in 1978, and he's been with The Beach Boys since. He's the only one touring with Mike Love post-Carl's death.
Step back in time with The Beach Boys in this picture gallery, exploring the vibrant history of the iconic band members.
From their early days of creating unforgettable harmonies to the heights of their musical success, this collection captures the essence of The Beach Boys' journey through the years.