The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are a "vocal surf" whose main songwriter, Brian Wilson, began writing more sophisticated songs and developing more and more sophisticated arrangements to the point where we might claim he invented Art Pop.

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys were built around a core of the Wilson brothers, their cousin Mike Love and childhood friend Al Jardine. However they have had numerous touring musicians and session musicians throughout their career. This list of members does not deal with either of those groups.

• Lead Vocals:
  • Mike Love,
  • Brian Wilson (studio only from 1964 to 199?),
  • Carl Wilson (rarely, <1998),
  • Dennis Wilson (rarely, 1968?-1983),
  • Al Jardine (rarely, 1963?>)
• Guitars:
  • Al Jardine (<1962, 1963>)
  • Carl Wilson (<1998)
  • David Marks (1962-63, 1997-99, 2011-12)
  • Blondie Chaplin (1972-73)
  • Ricky Fataar (1972-74)
• Keyboards:
  • Brian Wilson (studio only from 1964 to 199?)
  • Carl Wilson (rarely, studio only <1998)
  • Bruce Johnston (initially live only, 1965-72, 1978>)
  • Dennis Wilson (studio only, 1972-75)
• Bass Guitar:
  • Brian Wilson (<1964)
  • Bruce Johnston (initially live only, 1965-72, 1978>)
  • Carl Wilson (rarely, studio only <1998)
  • Blondie Chaplin (1972-73)
• Drums:
  • Dennis Wilson (<1983)
  • Ricky Fataar (1972-74)
  • (Session and touring drummers from prior to Dennis Wilson's death onward)
• Percussion: Mike Love
• Reeds: Mike Love

Surf Rock and Pop Origins

The Beach Boys began as a vocal pop and surf rock group.

Art Pop and Psychedelic Pop

As Brian Wilson evolved as a songwriter he also got more and more interested in arranging. Though initially this was mostly confined to the band's vocal arrangements, it eventually began to extend to the instruments as well. The turning point can probably be pinpointed to December 1965, when Wilson retired from touring, allowing him to concentrate on songwriting, arranging and production.

Art Pop and Psychedelic Pop Recordings

March 8, 1965: The Beach Boys Today!

November 22, 1965: "The Little Girl I Once Knew" backed with "There's No Other (Like My Baby)"

May 16, 1966: Pet Sounds

October 10, 1966: "Good Vibrations"

July 24, 1967: "Heroes and Villains"

September 18, 1967: Smiley Smile