David Leaf: podcast appearances and interviews

David Leaf, born on April 20, 1952, is an American writer, director, and producer recognized for his focus on musical history and biography. Since the late 1970s, he has been associated with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, which has significantly influenced his work. In 1978, Leaf published a biography titled The Beach Boys and the California Myth, offering an in-depth look at the band’s internal tensions and family background that had not been previously publicly explored. Music critic Richie Unterberger noted that Leaf was the first author to write extensively and candidly about the Beach Boys. In addition to his work on the Beach Boys, Leaf authored the first authorized biography of the Bee Gees. His recent publication, SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson, was released on April 15, 2025, further exemplifying his focus on Brian Wilson's musical career. Leaf's contributions to music writing have been recognized with awards including a Peabody and a WGAW award. Since 2010, he has served as a professor at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, sharing his expertise and experience with students.