Bruce Johnston

Bruce Johnston (born June 27, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois) is a musician who is better known as a member of The Beach Boys. Contrary to what many might believe, Johnston was actually not one of the original members of the band. He joined in 1965 after Glenn Campbell who was replacing Brian Wilson decided to embark on a solo career.

Related Topics:
June 27 - 1942 - Chicago, Illinois - The Beach Boys - 1965 - Brian Wilson

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Johnston, a Chicago native, subsequently would leave the band once after the Surf's Up album, then return. Throughout the 70's however he would assist and guest on each album the band released. He officially rejoined the band for the L.A. (Light Album) sessions in 1978.

Related Topics:
Chicago - L.A. (Light Album) - 1978

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A man of many musical capacities, Johnston was raised in Beverly Hills, where he was a member of a band named The Sleepwalkers. He also participated in one song with The Teddy Bears, he played with the Ritchie Valens band, and founder of the Surf Stompers as well as member of the duo The Rip Cords (otherwise known as Bruce & Terry) with Terry Melcher, which produced the hit, "Hey Little Cobra." He played various instruments in each of those bands, including keyboards and drums. He didn't really start playing bass until his first tenure with The Beach Boys.

Related Topics:
Beverly Hills - The Sleepwalkers - The Teddy Bears - Ritchie Valens - Surf Stompers - Bruce & Terry - Terry Melcher

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Johnston is frequently credited as one of the original greatest supporters of the Beach Boys' 1966 signature album Pet Sounds. He wrote several Beach Boy songs, notably, "Disney Girls" (1971), which was covered by both Captain & Tennille and Art Garfunkel. He also helped, as a songwriter, to create some Barry Manilow hits ("I Write the Songs") and he released his own solo album, Going Public, in 1977.

Related Topics:
Pet Sounds - 1971 - Captain & Tennille - Art Garfunkel - Barry Manilow - 1977

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Johnston is still a member of the touring version of The Beach Boys.

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