Pet Sounds (album)

David Gold created a special formula that became the defining element of the echo chambers in his Hollywood recording studio, Gold Star Studios. The studio itself reflected David’s inventive spirit — filled with furniture, electronic machines, and custom-built equipment crafted by his own hands. Every control board and every modification made over the years bore his personal touch, resulting in a sound that was unmistakably unique.

Bruce Johnston has been a member of the Beach Boys since the mid-1960s, first singing with the group on the hit "California Girls."  He appeared on most of the groups albums, including the seminal Pet Sounds and toured with the group for decades. Bruce is also a songwriter who penned "I Write the Songs" for Barry Manilow and co-wrote the instrumental hit "Teen Beat" with Sandy Nelson.

Ron McMaster grew up in the Sacremento area and joined a rock band while still in school. The band went through a few name changes before settling on Public Nuisance. They released a single and later recorded a full album (Gotta Survive), which was not released at that time. Years later the album was released on CD and gained the attention of Jack White who at first covered some of their songs and later signed the band to his label, Third Man Records. While still in school Ron also taught drums at Andy Penn’s Drum Shop before moving to Los Angeles where he started a new career as

Tommy Morgan played a significant role in elevating the importance and reputation of the harmonica in television, recordings, and motion pictures. Over his 63 year career, Tommy contributed to over 7,000 projects. He played, arranged, and composed music for several television programs and movies including several episodes of the "Twilight Zone". He played the harmonica for Billy Crystal in "City Slickers" and on the theme song for TV's "Sanford & Sons." Over his career, he recorded classical music and played with symphonies, which helped advance the harmonica, allowing more pe

Don Randi is among the most noted studio musicians that came out of Los Angeles during the famous Wall of Sound era.  Don was a member of the Wrecking Crew and played keyboards on countless hit recordings.  When listening to the Beach Boy's famous Pet Sounds album, you will hear Don’s piano and keyboards throughout the recording.  He plays the harpsichord on the beginning of Linda Ronstadt’s career jumping hit “Different Drum” (when she was a member of the group The Stone Poneys).  Don’s list of credits is incredible, as are the many instruments he not only played but also perfect

Paul Tanner joined Glenn Miller's newly formed band in 1938 and recorded all of the band's hits including "In the Mood" and "String of Pearls."  He often said "Everything the Glenn Miller Orchestra did from 1938-1942, I did."  When Glenn signed on to lead the military band during the war, the civilian band broke up and Paul moved to Los Angeles to record in the studios. While in southern California, Paul enrolled at UCLA, which offered him a teaching job and advanced degrees upon his graduation four years later; he went on to teach music there for nearly 30 years.  Among his stude

Fred Vail was making announcements on a local radio station in Sacramento, California when he was just 12 years old. While in high school, he led the committee that brought bands to the school dances. One such band, The Beach Boys, had just recorded a few songs that were climbing up the charts but they did not perform much outside of the Los Angeles area at that time. Fred booked the band, which was a big success. He later played a vital role in promoting and booking the band over the next several years. Among his amazing experiences with the boys was being in the studio when Pet