Van Dyke Parks is an American musician, songwriter, arranger, and record producer who has composed various film and television soundtracks. He is best known for his 1967 album Song Cycle and for his collaborations with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. In addition to producing or arranging albums by Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, Phil Ochs, Little Feat, Happy End, Ry Cooder and Joanna Newsom, Parks has worked with performers such as Syd Straw, Ringo Starr, U2, Grizzly Bear, Inara George, Kimbra, Suzy Williams, Bob Dylan and Silverchair.
Parks performing at Primavera Sound 2010
Van Dyke Parks and Brian Wilson onstage at the "Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE" premiere in London in 2004.
Brian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. Often called a genius for his novel approaches to pop composition, extraordinary musical aptitude, and mastery of recording techniques, he is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th century. His best-known work is distinguished for its high production values, complex harmonies and orchestrations, layered vocals, and introspective or ingenuous themes. Wilson is also known for his formerly high-ranged singing and for his lifelong struggles with mental illness.
Wilson during the Beach Boys' 2012 reunion tour
Wilson (top) with his brothers Carl (middle) and Dennis (bottom) at a Beach Boys photoshoot, early 1963
Wilson performing "Dance, Dance, Dance" with the Beach Boys at NBC TV studio, December 18, 1964
A view of Los Angeles from Beverly Hills, where Wilson took residence in late 1965