LOS ANGELES - Jan Berry, a member of the duo Jan & Dean that had the 1960s surf-music hits "Deadman's Curve" and "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena," has died. He was 62. Berry had a seizure and stopped breathing Friday at his home. He was pronounced dead that evening at a hospital, said his wife, Gertie Berry. He had been in poor health recently from the lingering effects of brain damage from a 1966 car crash. Jan & Dean had a string of hits and 10 gold records in the 1960s with their tales of Southern California. Among them were 1964's "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena," about a hotrod racing grandma, and "Surf City," with its lines about taking the station wagon to a place where there are "two girls for every boy." With Brian Wilson (news) of the Beach Boys, William Jan Berry co-wrote the lyrics for "Surf City" and "Deadman's Curve," which featured the driving guitar licks and falsetto crooning of the wildly popular surf music. Berry's hit-making career with high school friend Dean Torrence was cut short in 1966 when Berry's speeding Corvette hit a parked truck and he suffered severe brain damage that left him partially paralyzed and unable to talk. His recovery was slow, but eventually he was able to resume singing and writing songs. In addition to his wife, Berry is survived by his parents, William and Clara Berry of Camarillo; three brothers and three sisters. http://www.jananddean.com
That sux. I got a Jan and Dean tape that is one of the only ones I listen to. I like the "Anaheim, Asusa and Cucamonga Timing****ociation and Book Review." And "Stingray". But somehow I don't think it's about my Schwinn. RIP. Jay
I saw Jan and Dean in concert once when I was a little kid when they shared a bill with the Woody Herman big band (the Thundering Herd) when the Hynes Auditorium opened in Boston in maybe 63 or 64. I guess the City or State or whoever owned the Hynes wanted something for everyone at that first ever show/event held at the place, which resulted in such a weird combination of acts. It was at the height of the "sidewalk surfin'" craze and all my friends were surfin' sidewalks on steel wheeled, wooden decked skateboards (the clay wheeled models were a few months away from showing up back east.) Jan and Dean rode out onto the stage on skateboards. They sure were some pretty influential surf and hot rod music pioneers.
Damn sad to hear. Loved their music. Deadman's curve was a classic car song. I just happened to find my tape of their life story last night while cleaning out the closet,,, THink I will grab a beer and go watch it.
I was soooooooooo bummed when Jan crashed in 66 and then I was pumped when he sang on TV in the 80's... Wasn't with the same gusto but he was damaged. Now, I'm bummed again over his death... I can't help but wonder...who's next? BTW, it was partially because of Jan & Dean that I bought my 64 'vette coupe..great car made even greater by a great song...
He made some great music in a great era of carefree America. RIP My condolences to his friends and family. Frank
Very sad to hear. At least he had another thirty plus years after the accident. He and Dean cranked out some great tunes. Yes, let's hope he's up there with all the other rock & roll guys and gals jammin' and cruisin' the Golden Mile. Condolences to his family and friends.
We will always remember the great songs. And parked in a rickety old garage is a brand new shiny red SUPER STOCK DODGE Jesus I LOVE THAT SONG !!!! RIP - JAN Feder.
dammit. i was so glad when i saw the commcercials for whatever the***** it was that featured excerpts from surf city.*****.
One of the greatest recordings I have ever heard was the 4th side of Jan & Dean's Anthology. It was a*****in' laugh riot! That impacted my life substantially...
Blessings to his family. I'm sure they were very proud of him. His music is of a very special time and just hearing it makes me feel good. RIP Jan Berry. HJ
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