BEACH BOYS - SLOOP JOHN B

Released: March 21, 1966

Charts:  US: #3   UK: #2 

"Sloop John B" is a traditional West Indies folk song that was first transcribed in 1916 by Richard Le Gallienne and later included in Carl Sandburg's “The American Songbag” in 1927. In 1966, the Beach Boys recorded their own adaptation of the song for their iconic “Pet Sounds” album, with Brian Wilson producing and arranging the track. The song is notable for its innovative a cappella vocal section, which was unique in pop music at the time.

"Sloop John B," backed with "You're So Good to Me," was released as a single on March 21, 1966, in the US and on April 15, 1966, in the UK. It quickly became one of the Beach Boys' most successful songs. In the US, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 on April 2 and peaked at #3 on May 7. The song topped the charts in Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Africa, and New Zealand. In the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Record World, it reached #2. It was the fastest-selling Beach Boys single to date, selling over half a million copies within two weeks of its release. 

"Sloop John B" is about a troubled sea voyage, first adapted in 1951 by Lee Hays of the Weavers as "The John B Sails" and later revived by Lonnie Donegan in 1960. The Beach Boys' version, released in 1966, was introduced to Brian Wilson by bandmate Al Jardine, who was a fan of the Kingston Trio's rendition. For their recording, Wilson added intricate harmonies and a 12-string guitar part, while also altering lyrics, such as changing "This is the worst trip since I've been born" to "...I've ever been on," subtly referencing the 1960s' acid culture. The Kingston Trio's 1958 version, rooted in the song's Calypso origins, influenced not only the Beach Boys' sound but also their image, as they adopted the Trio's wholesome style and striped shirts.

A music video for "Sloop John B" was filmed for the UK show Top of the Pops, directed by the Beach Boys' newly hired publicist, Derek Taylor. The video was shot at Brian Wilson's home on Laurel Way, with Dennis Wilson serving as the cameraman.