You would have a very difficult time finding somebody who wasn’t familiar with the Beach Boys and their music. Just the simple mention of the band likely has one of their songs playing in your head.
Unfortunately, one of the founding members and a creative force behind the Beach Boys has passed away. Brian Wilson, who is responsible for some of the earliest hits of that band from the 60s has died at 82.
The news came from the family as they announced it on his official webpage. No further information was given at the time.
The Beach Boys were founded in Hawthorne, California in 1961. Brothers Brian, Dennis, and Karl Wilson along with a friend Al Jardine and their cousin, Mike Love experienced success after the release of their first single, ‘Surfin’. They became the first rock act to sign with Capitol Records shortly after.
Over the years, the Beach Boys would be in the top 40 at least 35 times. No other American band has been able to achieve that level of success.
Each member contributed to the unique sound and harmonics of the Beach Boys. They all played a part, but Mr. Wilson is thought to be the mastermind behind their success.
He wrote some of the most well-known songs of their day, including, Surfer Girl, Surfing USA, I Get Around, California Girls, and Don’t Worry Baby. Just the mere thought of one of their songs makes you think about the blue skies and sandy beaches of Southern California.
Many other famous songwriters and singers appreciated their sound as well. This included Bob Dylan, who loved the polished sound of their recordings. He once said: ‘That ear — I mean, Jesus, he’s got to will that to the Smithsonian!’
Ever since the beginning, the Beach Boys experienced a great level of success. It was a combination of American songwriting, harmonies that mimicked a barbershop quartet, and music that really pushed them to the next level.
Eventually, Brian Wilson would move away from his early songwriting formulas and look for a more personal sound. He began to test the limits of harmony and song structure.
In 2017, an article was published in which music critic Sasha Frere-Jones called him ‘indie rock’s muse.’
There were times when the Beach Boys would record songs written by other musicians. This included some other members of the band, but Dennis would eventually say: “Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys. He is all of it. Period. We’re nothing. He’s everything.”
Despite the success that they experienced, Brian Wilson led a rather unhappy life. He eventually suffered a breakdown in the late 60s that had an impact on him personally and his work moving forward.
Brian Wilson will be missed but he leaves behind a legacy of music that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
