Who suggested that The Beach Boys record 'Sloop John B'?

Who suggested that the Beach Boys record “Sloop John B”? Al Jardine. Jardine, who had a strong interest in folk music, brought the traditional song to Brian Wilson’s attention.

Jardine had heard the song through earlier folk recordings, especially the Kingston Trio’s 1958 version, titled “The Wreck of the John B.” He suggested that the Beach Boys adapt it, and Wilson then created a dramatically arranged version for the group. Jardine also modified part of the chord progression, giving the arrangement a distinctive harmonic turn.

Wilson produced the recording and changed several lyric phrases while shaping the track into a sophisticated pop production. The instrumental backing was recorded in July 1965, followed by vocal sessions later that year. The finished recording appeared on Pet Sounds in 1966 and became the album’s second single.

A common misunderstanding is to credit Wilson alone because he arranged and produced the record. Wilson was central to the finished sound, but Jardine was the band member who suggested recording the folk standard in the first place.