The Beau Brummels were formed in San Francisco in 1964 and they were the first nationally successful rock act to emerge from San Francisco; they were also the first American rock band influenced by the Beatles to have a hit. With a Searchers-like sound, the group was dubbed 'America's answer to the British Invasion.

They used 12-string guitar, soft harmonies, plaintive harmonica and minor-key melodies, along with Valentino's deep, tremulous delivery, to create a haunting sound that in turn spawned the Byrds and folk-rock.