Show Topic: 60s Music Spotlight – Surfin’ Music & the California Sound

This Monday, July 13th, 2026, we’re celebrating the unforgettable sounds of Surfin’ Music and the California Sound, two of the most influential musical movements of the 1960s.

From sun-soaked harmonies and infectious melodies to groundbreaking songwriting and studio innovation, this episode explores the music that captured the spirit of Southern California and helped define an era.

We’ll feature classic hits from The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, and other artists who helped create the distinctive California Sound, while also exploring how surf music evolved into sophisticated pop and rock recordings that continue to inspire musicians around the world. It’s a journey through one of the most creative and influential periods in American popular music.

Joining me is special guest David Beard, Editor-in-Chief of Endless Summer Quarterly, the official magazine of The Beach Boys and the group’s only officially endorsed publication. David will discuss his outstanding new book, All Summer Long: Conversations with the Beach Boys from Surfin’ to SMiLE, which chronicles the band’s remarkable evolution from their early surf hits through the groundbreaking albums Pet Sounds and SMiLE. Through firsthand recollections, the book offers an intimate look at Brian Wilson’s extraordinary creativity and the musical legacy of The Beach Boys.

If you’re a fan of surf music, harmony vocals, and the golden era of the California Sound, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Mark your calendars and join us for this special celebration of one of the most important chapters in music history.

Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Monday, July 13th, 2026

🏄 David Beard

David Beard returns to the show as Editor-in-Chief of Endless Summer Quarterly, the official magazine of The Beach Boys and the only publication officially endorsed by the band.

For years, David has documented the history, music, and legacy of one of America’s greatest groups.

We’ll focus on his new book, All Summer Long: Conversations with the Beach Boys from Surfin’ to SMiLE, which chronicles the band’s extraordinary creative evolution from their early surf music recordings through Pet Sounds, “Good Vibrations,” and the ambitious SMiLE project.

Drawing upon firsthand recollections from those who lived the story, the book offers a remarkable look inside one of the greatest creative periods in rock history.

esquarterly.com