Exploring the Unexpected Story Behind ‘Sloop John B,’ a Beloved Beach Boys Hit in New Documentary at Cannes Market
EXCLUSIVE: The Beach Boys are renowned for their hit “Kokomo,” which features the line “Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I want to take ya…” However, this isn’t their only song with Caribbean roots.
The classic track “Sloop John B” from the album Pet Sounds traces its origins to the Bahamas, a narrative explored in the upcoming documentary Bringing Her Home: The Story of Sloop John B. Produced by Rising Tide Productions, the documentary will be presented by Odin’s Eye Entertainment at the Marché du Film in Cannes, accompanied by promotional footage ahead of a festival campaign slated for fall 2026.
Released 60 years ago this Saturday, Pet Sounds is acclaimed as one of the greatest albums in music history. “Sloop John B,” the seventh track on the album, emerged from a Bahamian folk tradition and was introduced to Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ leader, by band member Al Jardine. Jardine, one of the two surviving members alongside Mike Love, is featured in the documentary.
According to a release, Bringing Her Home: The Story of Sloop John B examines how the song, rooted in Bahamian culture, made its way into American pop history and underscores its relevance today. A key component of the documentary is the creation of a new recording of “Sloop John B” at Lenny Kravitz’s studio in Eleuthera, supported by longtime collaborator Craig Ross. This version features Bahamian musicians alongside special guests, melding traditional and contemporary sounds.
The release highlights that the documentary intertwines island narratives, music history, and archival research, aiming to complete, rather than rewrite, the song’s legacy. It honors both the Bahamian culture that inspired it and the Beach Boys’ iconic rendition.
Currently in production and post-production, filming has taken place across the Bahamas, with recording sessions conducted at Kravitz’s studio. The documentary is produced by David House and Edgar Seligman, and executive produced by Michael Favelle of Odin’s Eye Entertainment, which is also managing international sales.
“This film is about completing the journey of a song that began in The Bahamas, was carried into the world by generations of musicians, and became immortal through The Beach Boys,” said House and Seligman in a statement. “With Al Jardine’s participation and a new recording created in Eleuthera, this is a chance to honor the full legacy of ‘Sloop John B’ with joy, dignity, and respect.”
Rising Tide Productions, based in the Bahamas, aims to create cinematic narratives grounded in culture, legacy, music, and place. Odin’s Eye Entertainment, founded in 2006, has established itself as a global leader in the production, distribution, and international sales of feature films and television content.
