Ten Little Indians (The Beach Boys song)

"Ten Little Indians"
Single by the Beach Boys
from the album Surfin' Safari
B-side	"County Fair"
Released	November 1962
Recorded	August 8, 1962
Genre	Surf rock
Length	1:30
Label	Capitol
Songwriter(s)	Brian Wilson Gary Usher
Producer(s)	Nick Venet
The Beach Boys singles chronology
"Surfin' Safari" (1962) "Ten Little Indians" (1962) "Surfin' U.S.A." (1963)

"Ten Little Indians" is a song recorded by American rock band the Beach Boys. It was first released in October 1962 as the third track on the Beach Boys' debut album, Surfin' Safari.

Background

"Ten Little Indians" was written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher and is based on the traditional children's rhyme Ten Little Indians. It was recorded by the Beach Boys at Capitol Studios on August 8, 1962. The instrumental break includes the initial theme in a different key.

Chart positions

Released as a single in November 1962, "Ten little Indians" charted at number 49 on the Billboard chart. The song was mainly successful in America's Midwest, reaching the top 30 in Chicago, Dallas and Pittsburgh, reaching as high as number nine in Minneapolis (KDWB) in a New Year 1963 chart still dominated by "Surfin' Safari". It wasn't as successful in other regions of America but did reach number 21 on Atlantic City/Philadelphia's WIBG. When released in Sweden, it peaked at number six on the national chart.

Personnel

• Mike Love – lead, harmony and backing vocals; saxophone
• David Marks – harmony and backing vocals, rhythm guitar
• Brian Wilson – harmony and backing vocals, bass guitar
• Carl Wilson – harmony and backing vocals, lead guitar
• Dennis Wilson – harmony and backing vocals, drums

Charts

Chart (1962)	Peak position
Canada CHUM Chart	39
Sweden	6
US Billboard Hot 100	49
US Cash Box Top 100	50