Mike Love facts: Beach Boys star's age, wife, children and career explained

24 May 2024, 12:34 | Updated: 28 May 2024, 11:48

Mike Love, a founding member of The Beach Boys, is a name synonymous with the golden age of American rock and surf music.

His journey in music began in his early teens, when his love for harmony and vocal performance set the stage for what would become an illustrious career.

As the co-lead singer and lyricist for The Beach Boys, Love played a pivotal role in crafting the band’s iconic sound, which blended rock, pop, and elements of jazz, setting them apart in the 1960s music scene.

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Throughout his career, Love’s contributions have been instrumental in the creation of timeless hits such as ‘Good Vibrations,’ ‘California Girls,’ and ‘Kokomo.’ His lyrical prowess and distinctive nasal voice became trademarks of the band’s signature style, encapsulating the carefree, sun-soaked spirit of Southern California.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including internal band conflicts and the evolving landscape of the music industry, Love’s resilience and passion for music have kept The Beach Boys’ legacy alive.

Beyond his work with The Beach Boys, Mike Love has also ventured into solo projects and activism.

1. How old is Mike Love?

   

   As of 2024, Mike Love is 83 years old. He was born on March 15, 1941.

   Mike Love's parents were Edward Milton Love and Emily (Glee) Wilson. He comes from a musical family, with several relatives also involved in the music industry.

   He was born in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in the affluent community of Baldwin Hills in Los Angeles, where he spent his formative years. Growing up in this environment, he was exposed to the vibrant culture and burgeoning music scene of Southern California, which greatly influenced his musical career.

2. When were the Beach Boys formed?

   

   The Beach Boys were formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California.

   The original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike, and their friend Al Jardine.

   Bruce Johnston later joined the band in 1965.

   The band's unique sound, characterized by intricate vocal harmonies and surf-themed songs, quickly gained popularity, making them one of the most influential and enduring bands in the history of American music.

3. What conflicts has Mike Love had within the Beach Boys over the years?

   

   Mike Love has had several notable conflicts within The Beach Boys over the years, primarily involving creative differences, business disputes, and personal tensions.

   Some of the most significant conflicts include:

   Creative Differences with Brian Wilson: Mike Love often clashed with Brian Wilson, the band’s primary songwriter and producer, over the musical direction of The Beach Boys.

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   Love preferred the band’s early surf rock and pop sound, while Wilson wanted to explore more experimental and artistic styles, as seen in the album Pet Sounds. This tension led to frequent disagreements about the band’s music and future direction.

   Legal Disputes: In the 1990s, Mike Love filed a lawsuit against Brian Wilson over songwriting credits, claiming he had not been properly credited or compensated for his contributions to many of the band’s songs.

   Love won the case and was awarded co-writing credits and royalties for several hits, including ‘California Girls’ and ‘I Get Around.’

   Band Management and Leadership: There have been ongoing disputes over the management and leadership of The Beach Boys.

   Mike Love has often been at odds with other band members regarding business decisions, touring schedules, and the use of The Beach Boys name.

   In the late 1990s, Love secured the rights to tour under The Beach Boys name, leading to further tensions with the Wilson family and other members.

   Personal Conflicts: Personal relationships within the band have also been strained, particularly between Mike Love and other members like Al Jardine.

   These conflicts have sometimes resulted in lineup changes and periods where certain members were excluded from touring or recording with the band.

   Despite these conflicts, The Beach Boys have continued to endure, with Mike Love remaining a central figure in the band’s ongoing legacy and touring activities. The band have reunited several times over the years, including at the launch of their 2024 documentary on Disney+.

4. What songs has Mike Love written?

   

   The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (Official Music Video)

   Mike Love has co-written many of The Beach Boys’ most famous songs. Some of the notable songs he has written or co-written include:

   1. ‘California Girls’ (co-written with Brian Wilson)
   2. I Get Around’ (co-written with Brian Wilson)
   3. ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ (co-written with Brian Wilson)
   4. ‘Good Vibrations’ (co-written with Brian Wilson)
   5. ‘Help Me, Rhonda’ (co-written with Brian Wilson)
   6. ‘Surfin’ Safari’ (co-written with Brian Wilson)
   7. ‘Surfin’ U.S.A.’ (lyrics written by Mike Love, music adapted from Chuck Berry’s ‘Sweet Little Sixteen’)
   8. ‘Kokomo’ (co-written with John Phillips, Scott McKenzie, and Terry Melcher)
   9. ‘Be True to Your School’ (co-written with Brian Wilson)
   10. ‘Little Deuce Coupe’ (co-written with Brian Wilson)

5. Is Mike Love married and does he have children?

   

   Over the years, he has been married five times and has a total of eight children.

   Marriages:

   Suzanne Belcher (1961-1964)

   Francie St. Martin (1964-1967)

   Tamara Fitch (1971-1977)

   Catherine Linda Martinez (1981-1984)

   Jacqueline Piesen (married in 1994 and still together)

   

   Children:

   From his marriage to Suzanne Belcher, he has a daughter named Hayleigh Love.

   From his marriage to Tamara Fitch, he has a daughter named Maureen Love.

   From his marriage to Catherine Linda Martinez, he has two children, Christian Love and Sean Love.

   With Jacqueline Piesen, he has four children: Ambha Love, Brian Love, Summer Love, and Melinda Love.