BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, June 11, songwriter and founder of the legendary Beach Boys band, Brian Wilson passed away at his home in Beverly Hills with his daughters and his caregiver. He was 82. Wilson’s daughters confirmed his death on their dad’s webpage.
Photo Credit: Snapshot From Google
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father, Brian Wilson passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy, at this time, as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love and Mercy.”
Wilson, the great musician himself, kept a magnificent record of the Beach boys recording history. He captured so much on his website. It’s like a digital museum. Other legendary musicians of all different genres including John Lennon, Elton John, Bob Dylan, and so many are tributed by photographs and interviews.
No one had to tell you that Brian Wilson was doing what he loved and loved what he did. He loved his band, and his fellow band members, but he loved other people’s bands too. Music lived deep in his soul so that when he sang, his audience could feel it.
In 1963, it all started with the number one hit, “Surfin’ USA.” This song was a great introduction to, “The Beach Boys.” For decades after its release, this song could be easily identified by title and band name.
“Surfin’ Safari,” was technically released in 1962.
1963 brought the in the beach songs, “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” and “Little Deuce Coupe.”
In 1964, two albums were released, “The Beach Boys in Concert,” and “All Summer Long,” “Shut Down,” Volume 2, and “The Beach Boys Christmas,” album.
1965 was “The Beach Boys Party,” “Summer Days,” and “The Beach Boys Today.”
In 1966, The Beach Boys released their number one selling album of all time, “Animal Sounds.” “Wild Honey,” and “Smiley Smile,” were released in 1967.
“Friends,” was released in 1968, “20/20” in 1969, “Live in London,” and “Sunflower,” 1970.
“Surf’s Up,” in 1971, and “Carl and the Passions”, “So Tough,” in 1972.
In 1973, “The Beach Boys in Concert,” and “Holland,” were released. “Endless Summer” in 1974.
“Spirt of America” was released in 1975, “15 Big Ones,” in 1976, “The Beach Boys Love You,” in 1977, and “M.U.I”. in 1978.
“Keepin’ the Summer Alive,” in 1980, “Made in the USA,” in 1986, and “Surfin’ Safari Live,” in 1989. “Summer in Paradise” in 1992, “Stars and Stripes,” Volume 1 in 1996, “Endless Harmony” and “The Live Box,” in 1988.
The list goes on. “The Smile Sessions,” 2011, and in 2012, “Good Timin’ Live,” was recorded in Knebworth, England. “Made in California,” in 2013.
In 2015, “Warmth of the Sun,” and “The Beach Boys on Tour,” in 2018.
The list goes on and is too numerous to mention all. Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys left an everlasting footprint on the hearts of their fans nationwide, and some worldwide.
By Sharon