Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke Parks is widely regarded as one of the most talented behind-the-scenes figures in rock and pop music and a respected, cult-favorite singer/songwriter in his own right. While he initially gained notice for his work with the Beach Boys in the mid-'60s, penning the lyrics to "Heroes and Villains" and much of the Smile album, he's also a producer, songwriter, arranger, and session musician who has worked with a dizzying variety of artists ranging from the Byrds, Randy Newman, and Little Feat to Fiona Apple, Joanna Newsom, and Skrillex. Parks' own music often shows a deep ...