David Lee Roth Sings ‘California Girls’ With The Beach Boys’ Mike Love
David Lee Roth joined honoree Mike Love for a spirited rendition of 'California Girls' as the Beach Boys singer was honored as recipient of the 21st Ella Award in Beverly Hills. The award is given out annually by the Society of Singers.
The Thursday night performance highlighted each man's success with the iconic track, co-written by Brian Wilson and Love. Both the original version, from 1965, and Roth's cover from two decades later would rise to No. 3 on the Billboard charts, coincidentally enough.
Roth's 1985 update, which marked his solo debut away from Van Halen, included backing vocals from Christopher Cross -- another of the performers on hand for this week's Ella Awards. Others included: America, Micky Dolenz from the Monkees, Dean Torrence from Jan and Dean and fellow Beach Boys Al Jardine and David Marks. The event was hosted by Love's longtime friend, actor and part-time Beach Boy John Stamos.
Previous honorees for the Ella Award, which recognizes achievements in song as well as humanitarian efforts, include Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett and Gladys Knight. It was named after jazz virtuoso Ella Fitzgerald. The Society of Singers is a non-profit organization that, according to its website, is "dedicated to maintaining and restoring the personal dignity, health, and welfare of professional vocalists nationwide."