It was a Bahamian folk song that was first published in 1916 as “The John B. Sails.

“It’s also been known as”The Wreck of the John B.”…but we all know it as “Sloop John B.” from the Beach Boys’ legendary “Pet Sounds” album of 1966.

Al Jardine was a huge folk music fan, and played  The Kingston Trio’s version of the song for Brian Wilson…hoping he’d agree to have the Boys record their own version. Brian, however, was NOT a fan…but Al kept bugging him until he agreed.

He then sat down, put on his genius hat, and created a masterpiece: part sea shanty and part 60s-style wall-of sound pop with new chord progressions and lyric changes. Less than 24 hours later, the song was complete.

That’s right–from Al’s pitch to Brian’s completed masterpiece in less than a day. Now THAT is genius!

Of course, Al was hoping he’d get to sing lead, but Brian actually auditioned every one in the group…and settled on himself and Mike Love. Of course, Al was disappointed…but quickly realized it was the right move…especially after “Sloop John B.” climbed to #3 on the Hot 100…and became one of the Beach Boys most enduring hits. In fact, for decades, Rolling Stone Magazine included the song on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of all time!