After the members, who was the most important person to the band?

[adamghost]

Interesting thought experiment...we all know that in the '60s there was great debate over who could be called the "Fifth Beatle" and in terms of influence and effect on the music and creativity and closeness to the band, you would have to say it was George Martin.

So who would that person be in the Beach Boys' legacy?  Obviously, there's no clear-cut figure like George Martin.  But what one person, outside of the band, was most influential and key to the inner workings and/or creative output of the band?  It could be a person who was involved in the recordings, or in the management, or whatever.  

The two people who most immediately leap to my mind are Murry Wilson and Chuck Britz.  Perhaps Fred Vail, though that's a bit more obscure.  Any other ideas?  Obviously in the '80s and '90s it would be Terry Melcher, but I am thinking in terms of attaching the most weight to the band's overall legacy, and that gives the edge to people who had influence in the '60s era.

[?]

I think Murry probably takes it, for better or worse.  It's hard to imagine it ever really starting without him bulldozing a path...

But for the sake of discussion, maybe Jan Berry?  Didn't he teach Brian a lot about production in the early days?

[Mike's Beard]

Murry, hands down. For all his faults the guy moved heaven and earth to break the group into the biz.

[Lowbacca]

Murry. They wouldn't be anything if it hadn't been for his effort and energy in the first few years, and his faith in the boys.

[Rocky Raccoon]

While the band had no George Martin (well, Brian filled the producer spot), Murry was definitely their Brian Epstein in the early years (though not nearly as posh  ).

[hypehat]

Gotta say Murry. Either that, or either Christian/Usher, and at a push Tony Asher.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Chuck Britz.

[Jukka]

Murry. It's just a plain fact. His money got the band started, he bought Brian his first four-track machine, convinced Capitol to allow Brian produce their records. Maximun respect to Chuck Britz, but he more like the band's Norman Smith.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Murry. It's just a plain fact. His money got the band started, he bought Brian his first four-track machine, convinced Capitol to allow Brian produce their records. Maximun respect to Chuck Britz, but he more like the band's Norman Smith.

First tape recorder, yes. 4-track as is commonly understood, no.

[Wah Wah Wah Ooooo]

Chuck Britz, Murry, Desper...

I'd add Hinche, Carter, Meros, Foskett and the other long time touring band members.

[Letsgoawayforawhile]

Jack Rieley.

[oldsurferdude]

All of the above with the crown going to MW. Favorite period-JR.

[Moon Dawg]

 

Murry. It's just a plain fact. His money got the band started, he bought Brian his first four-track machine, convinced Capitol to allow Brian produce their records. Maximun respect to Chuck Britz, but he more like the band's Norman Smith.

First tape recorder, yes. 4-track as is commonly understood, no.

 You were in the room when Murry gave Brian the recorder, correct? 

[Magic Transistor Radio]

With such a long career they had several. So I will say Murry Wilson from 61-64, Chuck Britz 64 -- 67 (?), Desper 67 - 72(?), Jack Reiley (72 - 74), Bill Hinche ? (late 70s), Bruce Johnston (79-80). Terry Melcher (80s and 90s), Christian Love? (otts?), Joe Thomas and Jeff Foskett (2012)

[Magic Transistor Radio]

Murry. It's just a plain fact. His money got the band started, he bought Brian his first four-track machine, convinced Capitol to allow Brian produce their records. Maximun respect to Chuck Britz, but he more like the band's Norman Smith.

First tape recorder, yes. 4-track as is commonly understood, no.

 You were in the room when Murry gave Brian the recorder, correct? 

He was in the room when Murry was born.

[Sheriff John Stone]

Does Phil Spector count, or is he more of an influence than a person?

[HighOnLife]

Murry.

[Moon Dawg]

 Murry Wilson

[Autotune]

Chuck Britz.

Bob Flanigan.

George Gershwin.

[Jon Stebbins]

Murry without a doubt, and Chuck Britz for sure. A couple of females deserve to be name checked in this thread...Audree was not only mom, but a musical influence as well, and Marilyn whom spent countless hours singing back bits to Brian and inspired, counseled, and gave feedback while he composed most of the songs we all love.

[bgas]

Murry, Audree, Jodi Gable

[J.G. Dev]

I dare say Landy would be up there. He had significant impact on Brian and the band at several different time periods.

[hypehat]

I dare say Landy would be up there. He had significant impact on Brian and the band at several different time periods.

Man, f*** Eugene Landy. I hope there is a special place in hell for him.

[Sound of Free]

Murry for all the reasons already stated, and Audree for insisting Brian add Dennis to the band.

[JanBerryFarm]

Murry Wilson (Audree Wilson), of course.