This Thursday, October 29th, 2026, we're bringing you another Rock n Roll Memories show, featuring some of the greatest music from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

We'll revisit the songs and stories behind legendary artists including The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Buddy Holly, James Brown, Harry Nilsson, and many others.

From the early days of rock and roll and the British Invasion to the California sound, soul music, and the unforgettable pop recordings of the 1970s, we'll celebrate the artists and music that continue to bring back wonderful memories.

Joining us for his third appearance on The History of Rock and Roll is our special guest David Leaf, an acclaimed writer, director, producer, and music historian whose work has documented some of the most important stories in popular music.

David is especially known for his longtime association with Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, beginning in the late 1970s.

We'll revisit his groundbreaking 1978 biography, The Beach Boys and the California Myth, and discuss his more recent books exploring Brian Wilson's remarkable life, musical creativity, and the complex history behind some of The Beach Boys' most celebrated recordings.

We'll take a closer look at David's book SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson, exploring the fascinating story of the legendary SMiLE project, its ambitious recording sessions in the 1960s, the circumstances surrounding its original abandonment, and its eventual revival decades later.

We'll also talk about Brian Wilson's extraordinary songwriting, his musical partnership with The Beach Boys, and the creative vision behind classics such as "Good Vibrations," "God Only Knows," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," and many others.

David will share memories from his years working with and documenting Brian Wilson, along with stories about the music that helped define the California sound.

We'll also explore David's work documenting The Bee Gees, including his 1979 book The Bee Gees: The Authorized Biography, his involvement with the 2000 documentary Bee Gees: This Is Where I Came In, and the HBO documentary The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.

We'll discuss his teaching and research on The Beatles, along with other musical stories from his remarkable career.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 29th, and join us for a special show filled with classic music, fascinating memories, and stories behind some of rock and pop's greatest artists.

Don't miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2026

📚 David Leaf

David Leaf is an acclaimed writer, director, producer, educator, and music historian whose career has been closely connected with some of the most influential artists in popular music.

He is especially recognized for his extensive work documenting the life, music, and creative legacy of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, an association that began in the late 1970s.

David's groundbreaking 1978 biography, The Beach Boys and the California Myth, explored the group's remarkable musical achievements and the complicated personal and creative history behind their success.

His later book, God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth, revisits and expands upon that history, offering readers a deeper understanding of Brian Wilson's extraordinary musical journey.

We'll focus on David's book SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson, which examines one of the most fascinating recording projects in rock history.

Originally conceived in the 1960s, SMiLE became legendary for its ambitious musical ideas, unfinished recordings, and the decades-long journey that eventually brought Brian Wilson's vision back to life.

David will discuss the story behind the project, its creative significance, and its lasting place in the history of The Beach Boys.

Beyond his work with Brian Wilson, David has also documented the remarkable career of The Bee Gees. His 1979 book, The Bee Gees: The Authorized Biography, explored the group's rise to international fame, while his documentary work includes Bee Gees: This Is Where I Came In and the HBO feature documentary The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.

David will also share his experiences teaching and discussing the music and cultural impact of The Beatles, along with other memorable stories from his years researching, writing about, and working with legendary musicians.

David Leaf Official Website

📖 David Leaf's Books – Recommended Reading

David has shared the following book links for listeners who would like to explore more about Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and the extraordinary story of SMiLE.

SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson

Discover the story of Brian Wilson's legendary SMiLE project, from its original conception and recording sessions in the 1960s to its eventual completion and enduring influence on popular music.

Amazon US: SMiLE – Amazon US

Amazon UK: SMiLE – Amazon UK

Paperback Edition:

Amazon US: SMiLE Paperback – US

Amazon UK: SMiLE Paperback – UK

God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth

David Leaf's examination of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys explores the music, personalities, relationships, and creative achievements that shaped one of America's most influential rock groups.

Amazon US: God Only Knows – Amazon US

Alternative Amazon US Link: God Only Knows – US Edition

Amazon UK: God Only Knows – Amazon UK

Free Reader's Guide: Download the God Only Knows Reader's Guide

Note: Some book links may be affiliate links.