The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. They are known for their distinctive vocal harmonies and innovative music, which blends elements of rock, pop, and surf culture. The original lineup included brothers Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. The band's early hits, such as "Surfin' USA" and "California Girls," celebrated the carefree lifestyle of the California beach scene. Over the years, they evolved their sound, producing critically acclaimed albums like Pet Sounds, which is often regarded as one of the greatest albums in music history.