Birth of California Surf Rock in 1962

Birth of California Surf Rock in 1962

In October 1962, the Beach Boys released their debut studio album, *Surfin' Safari*. The record's title track became a major national hit, popularizing the surf rock genre and cementing the California beach lifestyle in global pop culture.

When the world spun faster in 1962

Chapter 1

The global soundtrack of 1962

Chapter 2

Silver screen revolutions

Chapter 3

Pages that changed the world

Chapter 4

Living rooms go global

Ch 1 · The global soundtrack of 1962

schopenhauer 1962's Global Sound

Bossa nova breeze, bossa nova breeze, In sixty-two it crossed the seas!

schopenhauer The origins of California surf rock music.

The twist sweeps across the globe

schopenhauer Chubby Checker's hit dance track achieved a rare, history-making chart double.

Fun Fact

Twist ban: In 1962, the dance craze 'The Twist' was banned at the US White House by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy because she felt it was too inappropriate.

Bossa nova takes Carnegie Hall by storm

schopenhauer Brazilian musicians brought the cool sounds of bossa nova to New York in 1962.

Glossary

bossa nova (noun)
A style of Brazilian music blended from samba and jazz, characterized by a relaxed, lyrical flow. In 1962, Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd popularized the genre globally with their album Jazz Samba.

Quiz

What was the title of the Beach Boys' debut album released in October 1962?

Gossip

Which 1962 music trend would you dance to?

Spin Sixty-Two

BETA

schopenhauer Spin the dial to discover the music, movies, and cultural milestones that defined 1962.

schopenhauer The Beatles audition for producer George Martin at Abbey Road Studios

Quiz

Which folk singer recorded their self-titled debut album in just a few hours in late 1961, releasing it in March 1962?

schopenhauer Chubby Checker leads a global dance revolution with the Twist

Quiz

Which soul icon recorded the influential live album 'Live at the Apollo' in October 1962?

schopenhauer Brazilian artists introduce bossa nova music at Carnegie Hall.

Quiz

Which Brazilian musical genre, meaning 'new trend,' took New York's Carnegie Hall by storm in November 1962?

Quiz

In October 1962, which British band released their debut single 'Love Me Do'?

Quiz

Which artist's song 'The Twist' hit number one in both 1960 and 1962?

Quiz

Which iconic French singer recorded the hit song 'Tous les garçons et les filles' in 1962, launching the yé-yé pop movement?

Quiz

Which legendary jazz saxophonist collaborated with guitarist Charlie Byrd on the landmark 1962 album 'Jazz Samba'?