27
Sep, 2016
Dean Torrence ‘58 tells the Jan & Dean story
[Posted September 27, 2016] Legendary entertainment talents including Marilyn Monroe (then Norma Baker), Elizabeth Taylor, Randy Newman and many, many more have been part of the University High School tradition. But in the early-‘60s heyday of the Surf culture, was anyone bigger than Jan & Dean?
Both Jan Berry ‘58 and Dean Torrence ‘58 attended Uni and Torrence has told their story in his just-published book, Surf City: The Jan and Dean Story, now available at Amazon.com. About the book:
“The Jan and Dean Story is a personal story of the iconic musician and entrepreneur Dean Torrence. As a memoir, The Jan and Dean Story has elements of humor, tragedy and redemption. It tells their story from the early high school friendship struck up between Jan Berry and Dean Torrence and their ascent to the dizzying heights of stardom riding the crest of the “surf” craze. The Jan and Dean Story is as much about the culture of the 1960s as it is about music. Dean has lived an incredible life and continues to promote a lifestyle and surf culture that is now universally admired and followed throughout the world.
“The story also recounts Jan’s tragic car accident and his ability to recover enough to continue to perform will be inspiring to many readers even those not familiar with surf music. For pop culture addicts and music buffs alike this book is indispensable. As early teen icons, Jan and Dean left an indelible mark on the music of the 60’s and the American psyche.”
Torrence sent us a notice of the publication date of September 27 (today), adding “Thought you might enjoy seeing and maybe even reading this book, all about West Los Angeles.” And an amazing time in America, when West Coast surfers – like Uni’s Jan & Dean – introduced a new vocabulary, lifestyle and music to the world.