The house on Cielo Drive where the Manson murders were perpetrated was the former home of Terry Melcher.

Melcher was asked by Manson to give him a recording contract with Columbia where Melcher was working as a record producer.

Manson was a friend of Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson, the only one of the group who actually surfed. Manson has co-author credit on at least one Beach Boys' song.

Melcher's refusal to sign him angered Manson enough to seek revenge. He apparently believed that Melcher was still living in the house when the gang broke in.

The story that Manson wanted to foment a race war with Blacks is true, but it was not the reason for the 1969 mayhem. I don't believe anyone Black was involved, victim or perpetrator.

Melcher was important in creating the Byrds signature sound and probably got Bruce Johnston to join the Beach Boys when Brien Wilson had his problems. He was also the son of Doris Day.