Beach Boys Singer, San Jose Native Jeffrey Foskett Dead At 67

Jeffrey Foskett — a guitarist, singer and San Jose native known for his distinct falsetto and work with the Beach Boys — died Monday at 67, according to reports.

Foskett spent much of the 1980s and ’90s in Mike Love’s Beach Boys, before switching over to Brian Wilson’s solo band for more than 15 years, then returning to the Beach Boys in 2015, according to Variety.

“God called one of his great ones home,” Love said in a social media post. “Jeff’s sense of humor, talent, charm and genuine heart of gold did not go unnoticed by anyone who crossed his path.”

Foskett was raised in San Jose, Rolling Stone reported, and was a fan of the Beach Boys from a young age before eventually joining the band.

“I’m so heartbroken that my dear friend Jeff Foskett has passed,” Brian Wilson posted on social media. “Jeff was always there for me when we toured and we couldn’t have done it without him. Jeff was one of the most talented guys I ever knew. He was a great musical leader and guitarist and he could sing like an angel.

“I first met Jeff in 1976 when he knocked on my door in Bel Air and I invited him in, and we were friends ever since. I don’t know what else to say.”

Foskett had battled anaplastic thyroid cancer, according to reports, and he took to social media in March to mark four years of treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center and the completion of a second round of radiation.

“I don’t often post on Social but I thought this milestone was significant,” he wrote, noting his treatment allowed him to meet his grandson.

Beach Boys member Al Jardine and his wife, Mary Ann, described Foskett as having a “beautiful spirit and zest for life.”

“Jeff always kept in touch with us, no matter which Beach Boys hat he was wearing,” the couple posted on social media. “He was so talented on so many different levels but it was his wonderful sense of humor that kept him balanced and helped him navigate all the hard knocks you get in the music business. Jeff had a contagious positive spirit and never gave up hope.

“… Rest in peace Jeff and thanks for always making us smile.”