Van Dyke Parks

Highest Rated: 92% Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird (1985)

Lowest Rated: 39% Ceremony (2010)

Birthday: Jan 3, 1943

Birthplace: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

Although best known for his work as the lyricist on The Beach Boys' legendary magnum opus Smile in 1966-67, Van Dyke Parks went on to a fascinating and varied career that included a string of critically-acclaimed but poor-selling solo albums, film and television work, and an ever-growing cult following. A musical polymath with influences ranging from challenging modern American composer Charles Ives to elfin British folkie Donovan, Parks was among the first rock-era singer-songwriters to prove that it's possible to have a satisfying and long-lasting career while never coming close to the top of the sales charts.