About the Book
This unforgettable and in-depth exploration of The Beach Boys' incredible output during their early to peak years, from 1961 to 1967, interweaves recollections by group members, family, friends, and musical colleagues.
David Beard compiles a wide range of fascinating and eye-opening conversations and original interviews with the group and integral figures in the band's history, including Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, Jan Berry, Dean Torrence, Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, Ginger Blake, and many others. All Summer Long is based on over 30 years of archival interview content and provides a wealth of fresh insights into the personalities, circumstances, and decisions that shaped the music created by one of the most enduring acts in popular music history.
This book covers the early transformative years of 1962 –1963 when Brian Wilson was working at breakneck speed, as well as the influences of Jan & Dean. It looks at Brian and The Beach Boys' incredible leap forward in music, the changing arc of Brian's creativity in 1965, the triumph that was Pet Sounds, the synergistic shift with “Good Vibrations” in 1966, and the outcome of the SMiLE recordings. The subjects themselves take center stage in this book, sharing their recollections which allow their emotions to be fully conveyed. Love, laughter, sorrow, and joy are captured along with the history of the groundbreaking and chart-topping recordings. Grab a board and get ready for the ride of your life.
Table of Contents:
Foreword by John Stamos
Introduction
1. In the Beginning (1950s - 1961)
2. Doo-wop Day Dreamers (1961)
3. Who Put the Bomp (February - December 1962)
4. When Summer Comes (January - June 1963)
5. There's a World (July - December 1963)
6. Surviving the Wich Stand (November 1963 - March 1964)
7. Keep an Eye on Summer (April - July 1964)
8. Ride the Wild Surf (August - October 1964)
9. The TA.M.I. Show (October 28 - 29, 1964)
10. Home for the Holidays (November - December 1964)
11. The Music is a Changin' (January - July 1965)
12. Welcome to the Party (August - December 1965)
13. Wiping out with Batman (January - April 1966)
14. Emotional Intention (January - July 1966)
15. When it Rains (June - October 1966)
16. She Sends Me There (October 1966)
17. The Golden Spike (October 1966 - May 1967)
Acknowledgements
Additional Thanks
Glossary of Interviewees
Selected Discography of Songs and Albums, 1959 - 1966
Index
About the Author
About the Author :
David Beard is Editor-in-Chief of Endless Summer Quarterly, The Beach Boys publication of record and the group's sole officially endorsed magazine. In addition to his 30+ years of researching The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, and the music culture in the pages of ESQ, Beard compiled and edited The Beach Boys' official tour programs and a VIP hardcover coffee table book in 2015 and 2016. In 2021, he was responsible for organizing and, along with Rob Bonfiglio, co-producing the reunion recording “Add Some Music to Your Day,” which featured Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks, and the founding member's children under the name California Music.
Review :
All Summer Long made me laugh and it made me cry because it expresses the innocence of The Beach Boys and their integral bonds with one another. As a family member of The Beach Boys, this story was personal for me – but even I was enlightened as to how this all began. David Beard's loyalty and passion for The Beach Boys shines brightly throughout this book.
Many people have been touched by The Beach Boys. . . David Beard touched them, shining light on each member and getting to know the 'whys,' the 'hows,' and their evolution. It's very meaningful to see his devotion and celebration of their story – all those years and all those layers.
The Beach Boys' music is as beautiful as anything human beings have ever composed or recorded, yet their story has been steeped in confusion and rancor for decades. David Beard's lifelong devotion to the group and remarkable library of interviews has allowed him to tell the epic tale in their own words: one foot in the darkness but always striving for the light.
David Beard, Endless Summer Quarterly editor for more than thirty years, has now collected his interviews with the band and other key individuals to tell the group's story in their own words. This book should be in the collection of every Beach Boys enthusiast and music lover. Music historians and writers will find it an invaluable resource in understanding the musical legacy of The Beach Boys.
All Summer Long is easily one of the best Beach Boys books I have ever read. David has collected over 30 years' worth of conversations, allowing readers to live almost day to day with those who were there. You're right there in the studio, you're with them on tour, you're with them through the ups and downs, and it's all directly from their point of view. It doesn't get much more authentic than that!
All Summer Long now goes on top of the pile as one of the definitive Beach Boys books. Essential for fans, as well as anyone who cares about the history of pop music. Along with scholarly research, take a seat at the table and hear The Beach Boys telling their story themselves. A must read!
For more than 30 years, David Beard has been a guardian of The Beach Boys' legacy. With unmatched passion and rare access, he's preserved the voices, memories, and magic of the band that changed music forever. All Summer Long gathers his most intimate and revealing conversations: a tribute to Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks – the brothers in harmony. Warm, human, and deeply felt, this is the story only David could tell.
No one has a deeper understanding, dedication, and access to the music and people who comprise The Beach Boys story than David Beard. All Summer Long is an indispensable volume in an ongoing story of American music.
I can't believe that it was more than 30 years ago when I was David's first interview for Endless Summer Quarterly. We have had so many interviews since then, and they have always been a hoot. Check out All Summer Long to read some of those interviews plus interviews from all the other important players who made all those summers so special.
If you are a completist, this is The Beach Boys book for you. David Beard has been a respectful caretaker of The Beach Boys' legacy for many years through thick and thin. David has amassed a treasure trove of interviews from band members and associates, many of whom are no longer with us, and wisely does not editorialize, letting the subjects speak for themselves. Truly a must-have for the hardcore Beach Boys fan.
