The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys is a rock band formed in the American city of Hawthorne, Los Angeles (California) in 1961. Distinguished by their vocal harmonies, they are one of the most influential groups of the rock and roll era. The group, led by its principal composer and producer Brian Wilson, pioneered new approaches to popular music production, combining their affinities for jazz-based vocal groups and 1950s rock and roll to create their unique sound. He later arranged his compositions for studio orchestras and explored a wide variety of styles, often incorporating elements of classical music as well as jazz and unconventional recording techniques in innovative ways. The band was founded by the Wilson brothers: Brian, Carl and Dennis; along with a family cousin, Mike Love (vocals); and a schoolmate of Brian's, Al Jardine. Bruce Johnston later joined the group to replace Brian Wilson in live performances.