Considered one of the greatest bands in rock history, The Beach Boys gained national attention following the release of their 1963 album Surfin' U.S.A. Their turbulent career, fueled by bandleader Brian Wilson's struggle with schizophrenia and the band's legal battles, coupled with their innovative "California sound," gave rise to what scholars refer to as Surfer Rock. Come explore the genius behind Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys as Dr. Tom Cimarusti (Professor of Music History at FGCU) examines the music of one of the successful and influential bands in pop music history.
Thomas M. Cimarusti, Ph.D., is a Professor of Music History at Florida Gulf Coast University, specializing in 18th and 19th-century music. He has lectured at universities nationwide and published extensively on Mozart, Beethoven, Italian opera, and chamber music.
"Probably the best lecture we’ve attended!" OLLI Patron