Released August 30, 1971 Genre Pop Label Brother/Reprise | Recorded June 3, 1971 Length 4:07 Writer(s) Bruce Johnston | |
"Disney Girls (1957)" is a song written by Bruce Johnston for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1971 album Surf's Up. The lead vocals are by Johnston, who also plays upright piano, Synth Bass, and mandolin.
"Disney Girls (1957)" has proven to be one of Bruce Johnston's most enduring songs, still occasionally performed by The Beach Boys in concert to this day. It has been covered by many artists, including Art Garfunkel, Cass Elliott, Jack Jones, Captain & Tennille, and even Johnston himself, on his 1977 solo album Going Public. Cass Elliot's version (from the album Cass Elliot) is notable for featuring both Johnston and Carl Wilson.
Doris Day included a cover of the song on her 2011 album My Heart.
Violinist Alexander Rybak did a cover on his second album No Boundaries.
The song has long been considered Johnston's solo spot during Beach Boys live shows. It was performed during the band's 50th Anniversary and, along with "Wendy" (on which he was not the original lead vocal) was Johnston's only consistent lead during the shows.