The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group originally consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They are known for their harmonious vocal style and innovative music, which often features themes of surfing, cars, and youth culture. The Beach Boys gained fame with hits like "Good Vibrations," "California Girls," and "Surfin' USA." Their album Pet Sounds, released in 1966, is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, influencing many artists and shaping the sound of popular music.