LIFE: Beach Boys

The Beach Boys kicked up good vibrations throughout the 1960s, and all these years later, the invitation to go on a surfing safari is as enticing as ever. LIFE’s special tribute to The Beach Boys tells the stories behind classic songs from California Girls to Kokomo, and also of the members of the band, including visionary but troubled songwriter Brian Wilson. With Pet Sounds recognized as one of the most important records in the history of popular music, The Beach Boys are as influential as they are enjoyable. God only knows what we’d be without them.