}} The Beach Boys recorded their version in 1965. Dean Torrence of
Jan and Dean is featured on lead vocals along with
Brian Wilson. Torrence is not credited on the album, but
Carl Wilson is heard saying "Thanks, Dean" at the song's conclusion. Capitol's
Al Coury rush-released "Barbara Ann" as a single without informing the band, after the relatively poor performance of the group's previous disc, "
The Little Girl I Once Knew". The song entered the
Billboard Hot 100 chart the week ending January 1, 1966. The week ending January 29, the song leaped from to and was in position to replace "
We Can Work It Out" by
the Beatles as the next song. However, "
My Love" by
Petula Clark unexpectedly vaulted into the position the week ending February 5, 1966. Consequently, "Barbara Ann" peaked at on the US
Billboard Hot 100 ( in
Cash Box and
Record World) and at in the UK in January 1966. It also topped the charts in Germany, Switzerland and Norway. It was the Beach Boys' biggest hit in Italy, reaching .
Cash Box said the Beach Boys apply a "distinctive, easy-going style complete with plenty harmony and counterpoint portions".
Record World called it a "sweet Beach Boy tribute" to "that certain girl". Variations of the Beach Boys' version of the song have been released. A version without the party sound effects can be found on the
Hawthorne, CA album. The group sang the song as an encore on their
Live in London album. As a solo artist, Brian has a rendition on his live album
Live at the Roxy Theatre, and in 2001 performed it himself, with the ensemble, on
An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson. In 1987, the group re-recorded the song as "Here Come the Cubs" with re-written lyrics about the
Chicago Cubs. It became the team's official theme that year, replacing "
Go, Cubs, Go".
Personnel •
Brian Wilson - lead vocals, bass •
Al Jardine &
Carl Wilson - backing vocals, guitars •
Bruce Johnston,
Mike Love,
Dennis Wilson - backing vocals
Guests •
Dean Torrence - lead vocals ==Covers and parodies==