Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin Bruce Johnston
Jan 3, 2025
Bruce Johnston, renowned for his work with the Beach Boys, shares captivating insights from his storied career. He dives into the magic of song intros, analogizing them to 'doorbells' that welcome listeners. Reflecting on the vibrant 1950s music scene, he recalls the birth of surf music and its cultural significance. Johnston shares amusing anecdotes about the Rip Chords and Beach Boys performances while discussing the spontaneous nature of songwriting. He also highlights the unmistakable bond between surfing and music, illustrating how they shaped artistic lives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
First Gold Record and Missed Opportunity
- Bruce Johnston's first gold record came from Teen Beat, unintentionally co-written in high school.
- He turned down playing piano on To Know Him Is To Love Him for a date.
1950s Los Angeles and Musical Inspiration
- In the 50s, Los Angeles was like "Pat Boone's heaven," a world of Ozzie and Harriet and pre-rock and roll.
- Johnston's musical life changed upon hearing The Robins on KGFJ, inspiring his Beach Boys journey.
Doo-Wop and Early Influences
- Johnston loved doo-wop, favoring Black singers' cooler style, while growing up on diverse music at home.
- Hearing The Flamingos' I'll Never Ask For You solidified his decision to enter the music business.