I am a massive Beach Boys fan. They’re a top-five band for me, and have impacted me and my life in various ways since I really started listening to them back in 1998.
Among fans of my ilk, and believe me, as die-hard as I consider myself, there have been and are Beach Boys fans who are far beyond my knowledge and expertise, David Leaf is a renowned figure. He wrote the first book about the band, giving them credit for being more than just surf and pop music. He was also one of the first to recognize Brian Wilson as the genius that he is.
David Leaf has been a close friend of Brian’s for decades, and has chronicled and celebrated Brian’s life and career in various ways, including the documentary Beautiful Dreamer and his new book, Smile: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson. Both chronicle Brian’s history with his magnum opus, Smile, which he first worked on and abandoned in 1966, and resurrected in 2004.
I was excited to chat with David about his new book. As you’ll hear off the top, I have a personal connection to him, as he helped give me an opportunity that remains a highlight of my life. Watch the video below and enjoy our talk about Brian, the Beach Boys, and David’s own journey to California and the world of America’s band.
You can order Smile: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson by David Leaf here.
Andy: I remember that trip to Minneapolis quite well. Thanks for making that happen.
That was a fun time, Joe. Pretty good for two guys who hadn’t met before it 🙂