A Grammy Salute to The Beach Boys just re-aired on 29th May, Monday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS Television Network. You can also stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
The stellar performances from John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Beck, Fall Out Boy, Mumford & Sons, Charlie Puth, Pentatonix, LeAnn Rimes, St. Vincent, Weezer, and several others, were the highlight of the tribute, who covered the Beach Boys classics, honoring their legacy.
What made them special, and what should this generation know about the legendary group? Let’s find out–
Remembering The Beach Boys’ Legacy
The year was 1961…
It all started when a young Brian Wilson and his two younger brothers, Dennis and Carl, jammed to music at their home in Hawthorne, California. Together they discovered their passion and decided to give it a try.
Brian was already studying music theory. He took the leadership position at their small garage band. Their cousin, Michael Love, and friend, Alan Jardine, joined them. Brian was the original songwriter for their debut album, as he took inspiration from Black R&B music, Jazz, 1950s rock and roll, and older pop vocal groups, thus producing their very own unique sound.
The Wilsons’ father, Murry, managed this little band, acknowledging their musical talent.
The band enjoyed their first hit with Surfin USA in 1963 and has never looked back since.
However, the group never relied on a single theme for their music. They pretty soon abandoned the beach subtext so that they could write more personal songs. Their single Good Vibrations garnered them praise as rock innovators.
With immense success on the music charts, the boys toured all over the country. The group went on to win Grammys for Performace By a Vocal Group in 1967, Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1989, Music Film, and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.
Some of their greatest hits include
- Surfin’ U.S.A.
- Little Deuce Coupe
- Fun, Fun, Fun
- I Get Around
- Surf’s Up
- Kokomo
- When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)
- Dance, Dance, Dance
- God Only Knows
- Help Me, Rhonda
- Heroes and Villains
- That’s Why God Made the Radio
- California Girls
- Sloop John B
- Wouldn’t It Be Nice
- Be True to Your School
- Good Vibrations
But their journey was not always a smooth sailing one. The group bid farewell to some old members while welcoming new ones, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, and Blondie Chaplin, in later years. Nevertheless, they kept their passion alive for years, reuniting for their 50th anniversary and the Grammy’s tribute.
However, with over six decades of the Beach Boys, few said their forever goodbyes.
Which Beach Boys Are Dead?
Unfortunately, a couple of members of the very first lineup of the Beach Boys passed away before their time.
Dennis Wilson: The charming drummer and the middle Wilson brother passed away tragically in a drowning accident at Marina Del Rey. He was just 42 years old before his untimely death on 28th December 1983.
Carl Wilson: Carl was the dreamy youngest brother with a huge female following. He donned multiple hats as a bass guitarist, vocalist, and also keyboard player. Unfortunately, he lost his life to a fight with lung cancer on 6th February 1998, at the age of 52.
Which of The Beach Boys Is Still Alive?
Brian Wilson, Michael Love, and Alan Jardine from the first bandmates are still active with the group.
Brian took up roles in vocals, bass, and keyboard. He was also their record producer and took the artistic control of the band.
Mike Love has been the vocalist and lyricist for the Beach Boys since the beginning.
Alan Jardine was the band’s rhythm guitarist and also lent his honey vocals to their songs.
And the new bandmates Bruce Johnston and David Marks still perform with the group with multiple tours in a year.
Which Beach Boy Went to Jail?
Brian Wilson had several struggles throughout his career. He suffered from panic attacks in the early years of touring and decided to quit to take care of his health. But later, his poor mental health led to substance abuse for a few years.
He was first arrested in 1976 for “failing to surf and neglecting the use of state beach for surfing purposes” by the Highway Patrol Surf Squad. However, this was just a minor hiccup in his record.
But he faced serious charges in the 1980s when he was arrested for criminal trespassing with two other men who were reportedly carrying illegal drugs at the Republican National Convention hall. They were soon arraigned for a bond of $200.
Who Is the Oldest Beach Boy?
Brian Wilson is the oldest Beach Boy and the leader of the group. He published his autobiography, I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir, where he narrates his coming-of-age days and pursuing his musical passion. But the book also reveals his life’s struggles and abuse by his father during their early band days. He has strived through his mental illness in the 70s and heavy drug usage, only to come back with full force.
What do you think of the Beach Boys? Do you still listen to their classics, and which one is your favorite? Tell us your bias in the Beach Boys in the comment section below.
3 Comments
I lived and loved there music since I was kid I’m 70 now later in live my dream came true I ended up as a driver for them Al jardine was a pain in they ass .when I was touring with them Carl was sick but he kept touring jardine screwed The Beach Boys up with all his bull shit !
Have allwase like the band it’s got that beat that no other band has. Listening to their music, just put you on the beach with lots of sun and lovely girls. Still does even know and I’m getting on.
Liked the American band. Regret the problems they encountered. Have some alblums and play them often.