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American rock band renowned for their vocal harmonies, surf-themed anthems, and innovative production techniques. Formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961 by brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They pioneered the 'California Sound' with hits like 'Surfin' U. S. A.' and 'Good Vibrations'. Brian Wilson's complex compositions and studio experimentation, particularly on the album 'Pet Sounds' (1966), revolutionized pop music. Despite internal tensions, creative struggles, and personal tragedies (including Dennis Wilson's death in 1983), the band achieved massive commercial success and enduring cultural influence, becoming one of America's most iconic bands.

• Brian Wilson suffered a mental breakdown during the ambitious 'Smile' project (1966-1967), largely due to the pressures of touring, songwriting, and production, combined with LSD use and undiagnosed mental illness, leading to his withdrawal from touring.
• Dennis Wilson became entangled with Charles Manson and his 'Family' in 1968-1969, providing them temporary shelter and even recording some of Manson's songs before realizing the danger and cutting ties. Dennis drowned in 1983.
• Long-running legal disputes, particularly between Mike Love and Brian Wilson, centered around songwriting credits and royalties, notably for many of the band's biggest hits.
• The band experienced a massive commercial resurgence in 1988 with the number one hit 'Kokomo' from the 'Cocktail' soundtrack, despite Brian Wilson's minimal involvement.
• Carl Wilson died of lung cancer in 1998. Original member Al Jardine tours with his own version of the band ('Al Jardine's Endless Summer Band'), while Mike Love leads the official touring group licensed as 'The Beach Boys'.