Van Dyke Parks is an American musician, songwriter, arranger, and producer known for his eclectic blend of folk, pop, Americana, and baroque pop music. He gained significant recognition for his collaborations with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys on the influential but unreleased album "Smile." Parks' own albums, such as "Song Cycle" (1968) and "Discover America" (1972), are noted for their complex arrangements and literary, often surrealistic lyrics. Over his career, Parks has made a significant contribution to the evolution of American popular music through his innovative compositions and production work.