David Leaf – författare

"Brain Wilson. SMILE: Excellent! The man is my hero. I love him. I weep when I hear his band, I hear him sing. I love him." -Paul McCartney

The story of the Brian Wilson's legendary SMiLE album from Beach Boys authority David Leaf. The story of SMiLE is a story without precedent, appropriate for music that was and remains groundbreaking.

"This is the first book to tell the full story of Brian Wilson and SMiLE, including the details of the original SMiLE recording sessions and their increasingly legendary status as well as the final release of the album, the accompanying concerts and film, and its afterlife.

With over two dozen new interviews as well as generous excerpts from his extended 2004 interviews with Brian Wilson and SMiLE collaborator Van Dyke Parks, the book tells the story of SMiLE by those who were there in 1966 and from the participants in its 2004 resurrection, including all the members of Brian Wilson's band. It also features fan memories of what it was like to see Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE and what it meant to them.

With a foreword by Melinda Wilson and an anthology of essays from SMiLE historians, devotees, and music professors, this book promises to be the definitive word on the subject.

"If I had to select one living genius of popular music, I would choose Brian Wilson." -George Martin

"He's a modern-day Stravinsky, the way he constructs his music." -Questlove

"I don't think there is anyone his equal in pop music." -Linda Ronstadt

‘For thirty years, I’ve trusted David Leaf with my music and my story’ Brian Wilson

Originally published in 1978, this groundbreaking study was both the first full-length book on the band and the first to recognize Brian Wilson as one of the most significant musicians of the 20th century. Covering the turbulent family strife and internal conflicts as well as giving proper attention to the remarkable music, the book was an instant classic.

An intimate look at the Beach Boys’ rollercoaster career, it is told through the eyes of those who were there during their most legendary productions including Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations. It also includes Brian's first acclaimed solo album, his return to live performing, the landmark Pet Sounds tour, the All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson and the Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE world premiere.

Filled with surprising revelations, insight and behind-the-scenes detail, this remastered edition also features forewords by Jimmy Webb, the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb and Melinda Wilson.