By Mark A. Moore
Jan & Dean were among the most successful artists of the late 1950s through the mid-1960s, with hits including “Baby Talk,” “Surf City,” “Dead Man’s Curve” and “The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena).” Slapstick humor and offbeat personas were a big part of their shtick, but Jan Berry was serious when it came to the studio. This book chronicles Jan’s career as a songwriter and arranger—and his tenure as producer for Jan & Dean and other acts—with day-by-day entries detailing recording sessions, single and album releases, concerts and appearances, film and television projects, behind-the-scenes business and legal matters, chart positions and more. Extensive commentary from Berry’s family, friends and colleagues is included. Studio invoices, contract details, tape box notes, copyright information and other particulars shed light on how music was made in the Hollywood studio system of the 1960s.
This is a full history of Jan & Dean, with biographical information on Jan Berry, full details of his 1966 car accident, his recovery, his return to the recording studio in 1967, and much more. The primary focus is on the original pre-accident era, 1958-1966.
Foreword by Brian Wilson, co-founder and leader of the Beach Boys.
8.5″ x 11″ paperback; 464 pp.; 168 photos, illustrations, and maps; 4 Appendices; Bibliography; Song Index; General Index.
$49.95 (print); $29.95 (e-book)
pISBN: 978-0-7864-9812-3
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2290-3
Published: February 18, 2016 (McFarland & Co.)
“Jennie Lee” . . . “Baby Talk” . . . “We Go Together” . . . “Heart and Soul” . . . “Linda” . . . “Surf City” . . . “Honolulu Lulu” . . . “Drag City” . . . “Dead Man’s Curve” . . . “The New Girl In School” . . . “The Little Old Lady (from Pasadena)” . . . “Ride the Wild Surf” . . . “Sidewalk Surfin’” . . . “You Really Know How To Hurt A Guy” . . . “I Found A Girl” . . . “Popsicle.”
Mark A. Moore 