The Beach Boys hit the airwaves in 1962 with a unique brand of surf rock that was both fun and sonically innovative, creating pop songs with a streak of genius. If at first they came across as a bunch of wiry surfers who could play drums and guitars, The Beach Boys – especially their frontman Brian Wilson – came to be recognized as one of the coolest, most musically ingenious bands of the 1960s and beyond.
In midst of their 50th anniversary tour, The Beach Boys are releasing their 29th studio album, “That’s Why God Made the Radio.” In this audio essay, host John Hockenberry discusses the history of a band he once thought uncool, and how he came to regard them as the paragon of cool.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.