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Formed in 1961, by 3 brothers(Brian,Dennis, and Carl Wilson) , a cousin(Mike Love), and a good friend(Al Jardine), this band became known as the Beach Boys. Their first hit, was "Surfin'". Dennis came home and told his banded family and friend (they had already formed, but they didn't have any records,singles, or anything out, just had the whole "band" idea and all down) that they should write a song about surfing.
Well, they did. Mike sang lead, Brian drummed (Dennis couldn't drum yet), Carl played guitar, and Al played a double bass. That started it all. After that, they went on to have hits such as, "Surfin' USA","Help Me, Rhonda","I Get Around", "Fun,Fun,Fun,", etc. Bruce Johnston took Brian's place in touring in '65, so Brian could concentrate on the writings and productions.
Then, 1966 came around. The year when Brian would release his greatest gem, "Pet Sounds". This album would become, "The Greatest Album of All Time" according to MOJO. After Pet Sounds, a "pocket symphony", as Brain Wilson describes it, was put out, "Good Vibrations". That went to number one both here in the US and across the ocean in Europe. After that, nothing happened for awhile. As they were very popular in England, the US ws blind to their talent at the time. And they released some great albums and singles, and a couple hits, but nothing really shook the charts.
Brian was having less involement, and the group was under lots of pressure. Then, they became a real "big" touring band! Their concerts were huge successes! And their 4th of July concerts were real popular, too! The last forth of July with the original BBs was in 1983. That year, on December 28, they lost the heart of the band, drummer Dennis Wilson. Despite the loss, they had to continue, I mean they were the Beach Boys, they had been the Beach Boys their whole adult lives. They had ups and downs, disagreements within and without the band, and times when one member would leave the group or be fired temporarily, or when they thought they were going to break up, but things always worked out. They were always the Beach Boys.
So they continued.
Gave a large and great July 4, 1985 concert! Then once again, Brian was gone( except for a 25th anniversary concert in Hawaii). And in 1988, a big break happened! "Kokomo", went to number one! Once again, our boys were popular! They did many concerts throughout the '90s. Brian, although, not with the BBs, was a happy person. He had married and adopted a baby. Then in 1998 , tradegy struck again! Carl Wilson, the backbone and the angelic voice of the group was gone! Carl, himself, besides angelic vocally, was like an angel! Again, the boys went on. Brian has had solo success and adopted another baby. His most recent album, shows he has not lost his remarkable talent, and that he still has a sweet,soothing voice.
Mike continued, along with Bruce(who sometimes does concerts with Brian), and a touring band. and Al started the Beach Boys Family & Friends. So, that brings us to now. Although there may never be an actual Beach Boys again (with Mike,Bruce,Brian, and Al), they have left behind legacy already of which other bands only dream. They have a place in the history of music that not many other bands have had or will have.
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