Brian Wilson

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Brian Wilson 1960 yearbook

The WIlson Brothers 1962

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Brian Wilson (1965) (cropped)

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The Beach Boys TV (cropped Brian)

From The Hills (246346499)

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Pet Sounds Mixing

Brian Wilson
Wilson in 2005
Background information
Birth name	Brian Douglas Wilson
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 Inglewood, California, U.S.
Genres	Rock, pop, psychedelic rock, baroque pop
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer
Years active	1961–present
Website	brianwilson.com

Brian Douglas Wilson (born June 20, 1942) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the rock band The Beach Boys. He is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the late 20th century. Wilson's work with the Beach Boys helped to shape the sound of 1960s pop music and rock music.

Early Life

Brian Wilson was born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, to Murry and Audree Wilson. He grew up in nearby Hawthorne, California, where he developed an early interest in music. Wilson was influenced by the vocal harmonies of groups like The Four Freshmen and the rock and roll sounds of Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley.

The Beach Boys

In 1961, Wilson co-founded the Beach Boys with his brothers Carl and Dennis, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. The band quickly gained popularity with their distinctive vocal harmonies and songs about California youth culture, such as "Surfin' U.S.A." and "California Girls."

Wilson served as the band's primary songwriter and producer, crafting complex arrangements and pioneering new recording techniques. His innovative approach culminated in the 1966 album Pet Sounds, which is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Mental Health Struggles

Throughout his career, Wilson has struggled with mental health issues, including schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder. These challenges led to his withdrawal from the Beach Boys in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite these difficulties, Wilson continued to create music, both as a solo artist and with the Beach Boys.

Solo Career

Wilson released his first solo album, Brian Wilson, in 1988. He has since released several more solo albums, including Smile in 2004, which was a reimagining of the unfinished Beach Boys album Smile. His solo work has been praised for its emotional depth and musical complexity.

Legacy

Brian Wilson is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. His work with the Beach Boys and as a solo artist has inspired countless musicians and continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. Wilson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beach Boys and has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music.

Related Pages

• The Beach Boys
• Pet Sounds
• Smile (The Beach Boys album)
• Carl Wilson
• Dennis Wilson
• Mike Love
• Al Jardine
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Bipolar disorder