Associated Press
Brian Wilson, 1966
Brian Wilson, 1966
Happy Birthday, Brian Wilson
June 20, 2008
From the living room of his parents’ house to the world stage, Brian Wilson worked tirelessly to establish the classic California surf sound with the band he founded, the Beach Boys. Wilson is well known for the sunny tunes he wrote, both for his group and for himself, although he has struggled for years to overcome the pain of an abusive childhood. Now, Wilson is a healthy songwriter and performer with a long list of musical achievements.
Email ThisEarly Days
In 1961, when Brian Wilson was 19, his parents took a Labor Day weekend vacation, leaving him and his two younger brothers $250 for expenses. Wilson and his cousin had written a song for a tryout session in a recording studio. Along with the brothers and a friend, they used the money to buy their own musical equipment and rehearse the song in the Wilson’s Hawthorne, California living room. The Beach Boys were born.
Source: Brian Wilson.com
Wilson’s father was abusive, both mentally and physically. “He was a very mean man. He was our (the Beach Boys’) manager when we started but was so hard to live with that we fired him,” Wilson said. Some, including Wilson’s wife Melinda Ledbetter, believe the artist’s emotional problems in adulthood were a result of his tempestuous relationship with his father. Wilson is deaf in one ear, which may also have been caused by beatings.
Source: New York Times
Major Accomplishments
In 1966, having established themselves as the nation’s favorite surf band, Wilson and The Beach Boys attained pop star status as one of the few bands to give the Beatles competition. The Beach Boys had released the hit song “Surfin’ Safari” in 1962, which kicked off Southern California’s burgeoning surf rock scene. In 1964, “I Get Around” became the band’s first number one hit.
Source: VH1
After struggling with mental illness and becoming estranged from the Beach Boys, Wilson embarked upon a solo career that culminated with “Smile,” released in 2004.
Source: Rolling Stone
The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Source: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rest of the Story
In 2002, after an extended hiatus and doubts concerning his ability to overcome stage fright, Wilson played concerts in London. A DVD release of shows from January and July of that year showed Wilson playing his album “Pet Sounds” from beginning to end, and bringing some audience members to tears.
Source: BBC
“Pet Sounds” drew praise from some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Elton John.
Source: Pet Sounds at 40: An Appreciation
Watch a YouTube video of Wilson and Al Jardine performing “Pet Sounds” in February 2007.
Source: YouTube
Wilson and his band are opening the 2008 Kenwood Concert season, a London outdoor music series, in June and July.
Source: Picnic Concerts
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