"David Leaf has been at the forefront of some of the most important stories in popular music. In the over the 20 years I’ve known him I’ve found him to be a great chronicler of how culture shapes our world. His love and knowledge for the music come through his storytelling every time. I’m always excited to see what he’s making next."
Academy Award winning director Morgan Neville
NEWS: The Latest from Leaf
January 2024
This is very exciting. I made the Top Ten list.
https://somethingelsereviews.com/2024/01/19/best-of-2023-rock-books-bono-chris-blackwell/
I hope this year’s book gets a similar reception. It’s out in October. More details soon.
David
August 31, 2023…
There’s a major new project brewing, Details to come soon. I think it will make everybody SMiLE.
David
June 30th, 2023 was the one year anniversary of the publication of God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth. These are links to the four pieces that were published to celebrate the occasion: An update of the Reader’s Guide for the book, a new review (the best review I’ve ever gotten on anything), a list of the best podcasts I’ve done in the past year, and an article about “The Church of Brian Wilson.” A beautiful piece. Enjoy
Reader's Guide: https://medium.com/p/58bb1af66634
Review: https://medium.com/p/131d8a89b026
Interview List: https://medium.com/p/e477a2d8887e
Church of Brian Wilson: https://medium.com/p/a93e682594c4
Here’s a recent article about me and my work. It’s a beautiful piece. Thank you, Aimee. https://medium.com/@atperhach/the-story-the-storyteller-78e87d6d062b
Just hit the web…Part 1 of a great Public Radio interview focusing on God Only Knows. https://exchange.prx.org/pieces/478587-music-archive-showcase-154-talk-music-with-me
The WGAW is on strike. That means, “Pencils Down.” Since joining the Writers Guild in 1986, this is the third time I’ve been on the picket line. the strike will go at least two months or more because nothing will happen until the Screen Actors Guild either settles or joins us on the line if/when they walk out at if/when their contract negotiations break down. In the meantime, at least the weather is cooperating. May Gray and June Gloom over at Fox where I’m out there every day. Except when I’m in class at UCLA.
A great review from Culture Sonar https://www.culturesonar.com/god-only-knows-the-story-of-brian-wilson/
I’m on Tik Tok (Thanks, Giggens).
The God Only Knows VIP Experience has been a great success!
Thanks to your generosity, all of the money raised by the sale of the signed and limited edition books (as well as the assorted memorabilia), will be donated to the UCLA Brian Wilson Scholarship Fund.
There are still a handful of the Brian-signed Beautiful Dreamer promo CD sleeves remaining, a couple of Platinum level books as well as nearly two dozen of the Silver Tier books left. Just click on VIP Experience above.
The site will be open to accept orders through December 16th.
Thank you so much for making this so successful.
David Leaf
P.S.---And if you just want to buy the book, here’s the link to the only place where the book is still in available. https://amzn.to/3zNkbbp
GOD ONLY KNOWS…The Holiday Gift for the Music Lover in your life…
If you haven’t yet bought God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth, my publisher tells me that this is the only place where the book is still in stock. https://amzn.to/3zNkbbp
In the UK, it can be found at bookstores and online. Available at https://amzn.to/37YYBXf
If you want to hear what I think are the best podcasts/interviews I’ve done so far, here are the links.
I’d Rather Be Reading https://anchor.fm/idratherbereadingpodcast/episodes/David-Leaf-on-The-Beach-Boys--the-California-Sound--and-Musical-Genius-Brian-Wilson-e1oh366/a-a8jq0nh
Arroe https://youtu.be/8B0RCi8nxHo
Buskin on the Beatles (Two Parts) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TdMUOS-nzU
The Beach Boys Basement Parts 1 & 2 https://youtu.be/R7G2Od6TJpU
On October 12th, there was a celebration of the book in my classroom at UCLA . Hosted by Roy Firestone, featuring two members of Brian’s band… https://vimeo.com/760483346
The Michael Shelley Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/.../michael.../id214243338
My Rock Moment Https://linktr.ee/myrockmoment
Hollywood & Levine (Parts 1 & 2) Episodes 295 and 296
Radio Free Brooklyn https://traffic.megaphone.fm/RADIO1485766829.mp3?updated=1665101789
Giggens https://youtu.be/Hxh34SPiWuY
Here's a podcast I did with a young and very smart fan with questions that nobody asked.
Material Issues with David Bash https://youtu.be/x5XXLapS1wQ
Surf’s Up: A Beach Boys Podcast
Beach Boys Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0COzjHcpGM
Breakfast With The Beatles (Check their archives)
KPFK " Available for approx two months at kpfk.org "Audio Archives.
Denny Somach Rock Podcast https://youtu.be/sPSocKIFcXU
And if you want to hear what the critics are saying….
“Legendary” Mojo Magazine
‘Essential reading for anybody who cares about Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys and the evolution of rock & roll.’ Jason Fine, former Editor-in-Chief, Rolling Stone
***** Shindig!
“A labor of love and an absolute must.” Outside Left
'David Leaf’s matchless The Beach Boys and the California Myth overshadows any book that documents the group’s most successful years.' The Guardian
'The first and best explanation and analysis of exactly what happened to Brian, the myth of SMiLE and all the other 'inside' information fans take for granted today' Elliot Easton, The Cars
“An absolute must.” Larry LeBlanc, The Hot Seat
'When I championed the first edition of this book in 1978 in Melody Maker, I wrote "The definitive story. Probably the best book ever of any aspect of music history. A one of a kind effort, a new genre of journalism by going behind the scenes without sensationalizing." In our world, the sequel is almost never better than the original. But in the rock biography universe, David Leaf’s God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth is akin to The Godfather Part II. In this massive update, Leaf reveals deeper truths about Mr. Wilson that make his adventures with Brian feel like a page-turning novel.' Author and music historian, Harvey Kubernik
Print Interviews
Endless Summer Quarterly
David Leaf
September 18, 2022
The God Only Knows VIP Experience goes live late Monday afternoon. (Assuming that there are no tech issues.)
A limited signed and numbered edition of God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach boys & The California Myth. Rare Brian Wilson items.
A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Brian Wilson Scholarship for Composing, Arranging and Producing Popular Music at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
I spent the weekend signing collectibles from my private "stash." Check out the video at my Facebook page.
September 17, 2022
Hello Fellow Fans & Collectors,
My Thursday post at Facebook (and here) raised a lot of questions. So let me see if I can answer them all.
On Monday, the “book” page at www.leafprod.com, will go live with the God Only Knows VIP Experience. I’ll announce it here and at Facebook.
The “VIP Experience” is designed to be both a way to get autographed books to those who really want them as well as be a fundraiser for the UCLA Brian Wilson Scholarship fund.
What will be at my website? Simply, there is going to be a limited and numbered signed edition of God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth. For this offering, I am signing and numbering only two hundred copies of the book. Once they’re gone, there will be no more. That’s why it’s called a limited edition. 😊
Of the two hundred books that I sign, there will be only thirty books that Brian has also signed. Only 30. Those will be priced higher than the books with my signature alone. Please order only one. And let your collector friends know.
There will also be an additional thirty numbered and signed (just by me) books that will come with special signed piece from Brian. Those will also be at a premium. Again, please only order one.
The next three tiers at the website page include the signed (just by me) and numbered book and other collectibles.
Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, I won’t be doing a book tour. If we do have bookstore signings in Southern California later this month or in October, you will find details right here.
In advance, thank you for your support.
David
*************************************************************************************************************************************************
September 15, 2022
We're in the final stretch....getting very close to going live with the God Only Knows VIP experience.
Right now, I’m busy signing and numbering a limited edition of God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth that combined with some very cool collectibles from my private “stash,” will soon be available at my website, leafprod.com.
In addition to my signed and numbered books and one-on-one Zooms there will be a few surprises that will be sure to please you.
Once everything is finalized, I'll announce it here and at my Facebook page.
Please note: A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Brian Wilson UCLA Scholarship Fund for aspiring student songwriters that I established in 2019.
The UK press loves it. It's out here in three weeks. You can pre order the U.S. edition of God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth at https://amzn.to/3zNkbbp
“Legendary” Mojo
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“Laudable” 8/10 Uncut
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***** Shindig!!
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“Remarkable study of Brian Wilson…This book is a labour of love and an absolute must!” Outside Left https://lnkd.in/gs_VebET
And reviews are coming in stateside...
“When I championed the first edition of this book in 1978 in Melody Maker, I wrote” ‘The definitive story. Probably the best book ever of any aspect of music history. A one of a kind effort, a new genre of journalism by going behind the scenes without sensationalizing.’
In our world, the sequel is almost never better than the original. But in the rock biography universe, David Leaf’s God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth is akin to The Godfather Part II.
In this massive update, Leaf reveals deeper truths about Mr. Wilson that make his adventures with Brian feel like a page-turning novel.”
Author and music historian, Harvey Kubernik
“I love reading what David writes about Brian almost as much as I love listening to Brian’s music.” Jimmy Webb
*********************************************************************************************************************
This press release just went out. Very exciting....less than a month to go before it hits the stores from coast to coast.
GOD ONLY KNOWS: THE STORY OF BRIAN WILSON, THE BEACH BOYS AND THE CALIFORNIA MYTH TO BE RELEASED SEPTEMBER 22ND FROM OMNIBUS PRESS.
UPDATED CLASSIC BIOGRAPHY BY PEABODY AWARD-WINNING WRITER DAVID LEAF INCLUDES EXCLUSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY, SIR BARRY GIBB, JIMMY WEBB, MELINDA WILSON AND OTHERS.
“For over thirty years I’ve trusted David Leaf with my music and my story. The 2001 Radio City tribute to me was a highlight of my career. And his SMiLE film ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ was one of the reasons I was able to finally finish the record. He’s a true friend.” Brian Wilson
Los Angeles, CA – August 24, 2022 - A brand new and extensively updated edition of the classic rock biography God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth by David Leaf is published by Omnibus Press and will be released on September 22nd .
Pre-order the book here: https://amzn.to/3dgPN1v
Originally published in 1978 and updated in 1985, The Beach Boys and the California Myth by David Leaf was the first book to focus on Brian Wilson and recognize him as one of the most significant and influential artists of the 20th century. An intimate look at Brian’s rollercoaster life and career, the book was told through the eyes of those who were present at Wilson’s most legendary productions including Pet Sounds, Good Vibrations and SMiLE. It covered turbulent family strife and internal conflicts as well as Brian’s remarkable music. The book became an instant classic.
Omnibus Press regards the original edition of the book as historically important and it is essentially unchanged in this new edition. Leaf has written two major new pieces that bookend his original opus, so in this edition readers are basically getting ‘two books in one’. Included in the section that precedes the original work are exclusive contributions from Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Barry Gibb, an introduction from Jimmy Webb, notes from Melinda Wilson, the previously untold stories of Leaf’s first meetings with The Beach Boys, and much more.
Leaf explains, “When I wrote the original I was twenty five and an intense, driven journalist on a mission to uncover the truth about Brian Wilson’s life. In the wake of the publication of the 1978 edition I became Brian’s friend and occasionally his partner on landmark projects. Now as an “elder statesman” in Brian’s life and story, this reminiscence is a celebration of Brian’s 80th birthday.”
He continues, “What makes this book unique is that it’s the only one written by somebody who began writing about Brian as an ‘outsider’ and who is now an ‘insider.’ Alongside Brian during his creative rebirth, I experienced so many key moments in his solo career - some of which I wrote and produced - including 2001’s All Star Tribute To Brian Wilson and my 2004 film, Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of SMiLE. This update is filled with eyewitness recollections from so many unforgettable events, including the day when Brian was the only American rock legend to play at the Queen’s Jubilee in London. In telling these stories, my wish is to provide a wealth of information that will give the reader unexpected and invaluable insights into the man behind the myth.”
The eight new chapters in this wide ranging update feature a gallery of 40+ photographs, including some previously unseen, candid behind-the-scenes looks at Brian’s creative renaissance (with ‘inside’ information about the making of his first acclaimed solo album), on the scene reportage from Wilson’s return to live performing, the incredible Pet Sounds tours, and the triumphant Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE world premiere in London. God Only Knows is filled with stunning revelations on Wilson’s life and artistry, and Leaf’s adventures with Brian offer the reader insight and perspective only the author can provide.
https://www.leafprod.com/ https://omnibuspress.com/
For further info please contact Beachwood Entertainment Collective
Jean Sievers -- jean@beachwood.la
Lauren Mele – lauren@beachwood.la
Pre-order the book here
21 days left in August. Then, 21 days in September. And, at last, we get to September 22nd, the release date of God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & The California Myth. You can pre-order here: https://amzn.to/3dgPN1v
While working on the book, I created a series of playlists that, depending upon my mood, worked for that day’s writing.
I could easily create a list with another 100 songs (and there are a dozen albums that I played in their entirety too), as I looked back on what I had written in 1978…and what I had lived through as my fandom turned into friendship and even collaboration. What a journey. The music made it all worthwhile.
Vocal Magic
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0h4O8P4mc8DVYOqsQxl1XC?si=d82ee2237e28417b
When I Grow Up…Pet Sounds, The Prequel
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0mFdPht7xbXoxph2bZCH98?si=6b53efe49d7d4d4e
Ballads…Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4UxUTW6HF6zfKL7Oubwhv0?si=30b68522ce9845ba
Uptempo Tunes… Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gjvwFXdWkfPRNGD36v4rT?si=19df30595af54b07
Brian Wilson: Blowing Minds and Telling The Truth
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6vDVoh8vWdYz7KFP2pYFi7?si=80cb388e607248dc
Those Who Inspired Brian Wilson, Those He Obsessed About, Those He Inspired and More…
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6PE7KIN8anu1IOMD6gysrM?si=401a221c91e14d55
And, if you want to hear me talk about the book…I was just on the Giggens podcast. He's a really smart and enthusiastic interviewer. https://lnkd.in/gEi6tSD4 The subject? God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys & the California Myth. Available in the UK and everywhere else in the world at https://amzn.to/37YYBXf
GET BACK! This was an amazing experience. Just days before Peter Jackson’s mega documentary series, Get Back, premiered on Disney +, I had a chance to Zoom with the legendary director. We recorded an interview for my UCLA course, “The Reel Beatles.” He’s obviously brilliant, a massive Beatles fan and we even spoke for a minute about You Can’t Do That my first music documentary. Towards the end of our conversation, he brought up one of my best films, The U.S. vs. John Lennon. He said that he wished “The U.S.” had won that battle, meaning no green card for John…and no fatal night in 1980.
The folks at Disney really know how to do these press things.
I was in a “Zoom waiting room,” then transferred to the holding place
And then, there he was, from way across the ocean…
Man, does he talk fast, and give you a lot of information in a minute.
He asked me about my A Hard Day’s Night doc. Pretty cool that he knew I’d done it. We even discussed rights issues between Shenson and the Beatles regarding A Hard Day’s Night and Help.
But I was there to talk Get Back, and the fact that I was “Professor David Leaf” of UCLA’s “The Reel Beatles” gave the conversation a different tone from so many other promotional interviews he was doing. No promoting necessary. No explaining what Let It Be was.
I told him that by the time my students see Get Back, they’ll have seen The Beatles First Visit, A Hard Days Night, Help, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine, Let It Be, The Beatles Anthology, Eight Days A Week, all of their key TV appearances and lots of other Beatles related documentaries.
He was just so engaged. We were supposed to only speak for 20 minutes, but we went much longer. He answered all of my questions. Now that I’ve seen Get Back, I can’t wait to talk with him again. Which Mr. Jackson may do when my “Reel Beatles” class at UCLA starts again in March.