The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in the early 1960s. They are known for their rich vocal harmonies and pioneering surf rock sound, later expanding into more complex pop and experimental music. The group was led creatively by Brian Wilson alongside brothers Carl and Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine. Their landmark album Pet Sounds is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in popular music. Songs like Good Vibrations and California Girls helped define an era. Their music captures themes of youth, California lifestyle, and emotional reflection, influencing generations of artists.