I am nearly 40 years old, and own most BB albums (as well as most solo albums by Brian and of course POB by Denny). I got deeply into the BBs about 15 years while in college, after picking up a copy of the Sunflower/Surf's Up double album. That of course lead me to discover other later gems, such as Friends, Carl and the Passions, Love You (it's one of my favorites..), 20/20, etc. However, I must admit... as a kid, and even a pretty astute music fan in high school, I had no idea that the BBs had such a wonderful, prolific career in the late 60s and 70s. As a kid, I grew up listening to the BBs while riding in the car with my dad, or at home... you know, Surfin USA, California Girls, I Get Around, Surfer Girl, Help Me Rhonda, etc. And of course I was familair with Kokomo and the stuff they were doing on Full House with John Stamos. But again, it wasn't until college that I discovered the treasure chest of BBs material. I know MANY others my age now who had no idea that the BBs were even around in the 70s. In fact, I played Sunflower and Love You for a friend last weekend... he was totally blown away. So, I guess, as someone who wasnt around then, why is this music not as well known as the early stuff? Was it just not popular then? And if not... WHY?!

Bruce has always reminded me of a record producer turned band member. He spent  a lot of time down here in Nashville over the years. Although he  is quite a self promoter, he is very talented. The studio folks down here all respect him. I am told he also is a very good piano/keyboard player. I have seen some other posts questioning his playing ability. I think those comments are un founded.

Indeed. Check this out. This is Bruce. Just Bruce and the piano, performing Disney Girls, and it is excellent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4m5SfdZ_n4

I suppose it would be The Beatles for me, however, I am equally partial to Motown (as a whole.... the sound was primarily created by a group of a session musicians 'the Funk Bros.). But nothing even comes close to the BBs

I have been listening to Sunflower/Surfs Up (double album) here a lot lately, and realized that Bruce Johnson had three lead vocals on Sunflower (At My Window, Tears in the Morning, Deirdre). And of course had lead on Disney Girls on Surfs Up. All excellent songs. But it got me wondering. Bruce's lead vocal selections are few and far between on the other albums we appeared on, even the ones in the 80s and 90s. I know that he provided lots of harmony, but on most concert films from the 70s/80s.... you never see Bruce take a lead vocal. When I saw the BBs a few months ago, he did Disney Girls, Do You Wanna Dance, and maybe another. But was just wondering. Why was he never featured more as a lead vocalist? Even when he was a member of the Rip Chords, I don't recall any tracks where he was singing lead (they were all usually Ernie, Phil, or Terry Melcher). Just something I was wondering.

Good question. Maybe he's just not comfortable being the lead/main guy in the spotlight. I've always pictured Bruce more as the behind-the-scenes guy. He was a successful sessions musician, and went on to write and produce some neat sh*t before joining the BBs, and after. I guess he was content with playing a mainly supportive role on stage. After all.. he's "the group's biggest fan", or how he likes to put it himself.

Sounds like a reasonable explaination to me.

And thanks! Good to be here among fans!



P.S. Welcome to the board, chaps!

It was not the Mike and Bruce show when I saw them in Georgia last month. It was the Mile, Bruce, and Uncle Jesse show. And let me tell you. I've never seen so many females, from late teens to post-menopausal go nuts for a man like they did Stamos.

Did Steve Douchey ask Bruce's opinion on Benghazi?

I am surprised Bruce didn't offer it off the bat! haha

I have been listening to Sunflower/Surfs Up (double album) here a lot lately, and realized that Bruce Johnson had three lead vocals on Sunflower (At My Window, Tears in the Morning, Deirdre). And of course had lead on Disney Girls on Surfs Up. All excellent songs. But it got me wondering. Bruce's lead vocal selections are few and far between on the other albums we appeared on, even the ones in the 80s and 90s. I know that he provided lots of harmony, but on most concert films from the 70s/80s.... you never see Bruce take a lead vocal. When I saw the BBs a few months ago, he did Disney Girls, Do You Wanna Dance, and maybe another. But was just wondering. Why was he never featured more as a lead vocalist? Even when he was a member of the Rip Chords, I don't recall any tracks where he was singing lead (they were all usually Ernie, Phil, or Terry Melcher). Just something I was wondering.