Their songs have become iconic in the music industry. At the center of them was Brian who worked tirelessly to perfect their harmonies and memorable sound. While the rest of the group added to the songs, the heart and soul of the band was Brian Wilson.

It’s an interesting fact that there was one Beach Girl. Toni Tennille of The Captain and Tennille joined the group for a short stint along with her husband Daryl Dragon in the band’s 1972 tour. In later years John Stamos played with the band off and on, although music fans still think of The Beach Boys as the Wilson brothers, Love, Jardine and Johnson.

The Beatles held The Beach Boys in high regard and thought that Brian Wilson was a musical genius. In many respects, the two bands were in competition with each other, with each album trying to top the others’ latest release.

Brian stated in his autobiography, “I Am Brian Wilson,” that “‘Rubber Soul’ is probably the greatest record ever. It wasn’t just the lyrics and the melodies but he production and their harmonies.” And Paul McCartney says “God Only Knows” is his favorite song. So, each band had great respect for the other throughout their long careers.

The Beach Boys supplied the soundtrack for an entire generation. Their laid-back California songs combined with their surfing songs helped lay the groundwork for many surfing movies and continue to be among film soundtracks today.

What many people do not realize is that the lyrics in many of The Beach Boys songs are tame with wholesome values. “Wouldn’t it Be Nice” for instance was about young couple who were anxious to grow up so they could be married and live together. And “Fun, Fun, Fun” focused on parental control when the young driver took advantage of her freedom in her T-Bird until daddy took it away after learning she was getting out of control with the car. Listen to the lyrics and hear the old-fashioned messages and love and devotion between two people. Besides the lyrics, the sound of The Beach Boys is instantly recognizable. They blended their voices in a way no other band had before or since. They were definitely a unique group.

“Good Vibrations,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “In My Room,” “Be True to Your School,” “The Warmth of The Sun,” “Surfer Girl” and more continue to be enjoyed by many generations of music lovers. While their individual personal lives might have been a bit over the top when it came to not-so-wholesome living, their songs stayed down-to-earth. Young love, fun in the sun, girls, cars and California were front and center in their hit recordings.

So, with the passing of Brian Wilson fans of The Beach Boys might think it is the end of the line for the songs that have been taken to hearts around the world. Take heart, the remaining members of the band will be touring this summer and fall, with Stamos joining periodically. So it is not the end of The Beach Boys. And if they stop touring, there are always their albums to remind people of the great sound and fun lyrics created by this iconic group.

The Beach Boys will be appearing in Deer Valley Resort on Aug. 1 and 2. Get your tickets now.