I originally posted a tribute to the Beach Boys in the spring of 2024, under the title “Good Tidings,” as we eagerly awaited seeing the group last summer at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Upon hearing the sad news today of Brian Wilson’s passing, it seemed right to revisit that tribute. When I did, I realized that I wanted to rework it a bit – as a salute to the man whose genius and heart allowed him to put the sun up in the sky for so many of us, despite his own struggles in the darkness.

Here’s to all the amazing songs that he gave us – and to someone who shared his soul through his music. Rest well and good tidings, Brian.

With love, A California Girl

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The Beach Boys will always have my heart, and diving into a Beach Boys CD (remember those?) recently reminded me of why. It’s because of the sunshine, the summer, the spirit of the music.

While California Girls played its heart out, my own heart was lifted by the absolute joy of the music and lyrics (and my right to call myself that after all these years here). The sweet longing of Surfer Girl making one’s “heart come all undone”; the devoted promise of Don’t Worry, Baby; the true summer-love declaration of God Only Knows – all of these songs share the sunshine, the shoreline, and the melody lines that translate into smile lines.

To that end, I defy you to sit still while listening to Surfin’ USA, with its upbeat drumbeat and its literal tour of the best places to surf. Or to not smile while hearing the joyride that is Little Deuce Coupe. Or to keep your grin under wraps while the pure fun, fun, fun of well, Fun, Fun, Fun (featuring Daddy’s little darling and her T-bird) plays.

So much Beach Boys music is an ode to the innocence of summer – a paean to those moments of falling in love for the first time and to the joy of declaring it to the world. From its opening signature bars to its wish to hurry to the time when one can be grown up and in love forever, Wouldn’t It Be Nice is one of my favorites – a song that always, always brings a smile to my face. And while Good Vibrations is lauded by so many as the Beach Boys’ masterpiece, it’s the sweet songs of summer that capture my imagination – and my heart – for sure.

When I recently mentioned to B. that the Beach Boys would be performing here in a few months, he reminded me that the original group is no more (he saw them decades ago when most of the original members were still there and tells me that those were some of the most fun concerts he’s ever been to). He asked if, knowing that, I still wanted to go. Maybe, I said. Maybe it’s a way to hold on to endless summer through the trying times. (And maybe the fact that he purchased tickets, as an early anniversary present, after hearing me read aloud the first draft of this blog post is the reason he remains my forever summer love.)

To the beach, boys.

©2025, 2024 Claudia Grossman