The Beach Boys are one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of American music. Founded in 1961 by the Wilson brothers (Brian, Carl, and Dennis), their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine, the band's signature harmonies and blend of surf, rock and roll, and doo-wop made them an instant sensation.
West Coast music legend Billy Hinsche (pronounced: HINN-shee), renowned for his work as one third of Dino, Desi, & Billy and decades serving as a Beach Boys studio and touring musician not to mention riding shotgun on solo tours by the late-Carl Wilson and Al Jardine, died on November 20th of lung cancer at age 70. Sadly, his mother Celia died the same day at age 95. Family friend Lucy Arnaz revealed online that Hinsche's death was swift, explaining he died of "Giant cell carcinoma. Only diagnosed a couple weeks ago. It ravaged him like an out of control train." Hinsche, who along with childhood friends Dino Martin son of Dean Martin and Desi Arnaz, Jr. son of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball were mid-'60s L.A. power pop sensations as Dino, Desi, & Billy who remain best known for their pair of 1965 Top 20 hits, "I'm A Fool" and "Not The Lovin' Kind." That same year, Hinsche began recording with the Beach Boys, contrib