Most people know Charles Manson as a cult leader who orchestrated a series of murders in Southern California. But before committing the crimes in 1969 that would send him to prison with a life sentence, Manson was trying to achieve fame in a different way: as a musician.
Manson had recorded a number of songs in the years leading up to the murders. While he was waiting to go on trial in 1970, an album of Manson's music was released called "LIE: The Love and Terror Cult."
The record did not circulate widely, but one of the songs did reach a larger audience. It was covered by a band you probably do know: the Beach Boys.
It’s not a total surprise the Beach Boys covered a song by this particular cult leader. Manson had actually lived and collaborated with band member Dennis Wilson for a while. You can read a little more about how the two met and what they did together here.