Brian Wilson (1942 - 2025)
- Jade Read
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Brian Douglas Wilson was born in 1942 in Hawthorne, California, into a home where music and pressure were constant. By age ten, he was harmonizing by ear and learning songs off the radio, especially vocal groups like The Four Freshmen. His father, a strong presence in his life, pushed him toward music early on. Brian’s relationship with music in those years was both driven and complicated, part love, part burden.
As he got older, music became everything. He spent long hours singing with his brothers and cousin Mike, experimenting with harmonies and learning on the fly. When Al Jardine joined in, they became The Beach Boys. Not long after, they began working on their first record. By the end of 1961, their debut single “Surfin’” was out.
The band’s popularity took off quickly, but Brian stayed behind more often, exploring new ideas in the studio. That focus led to Pet Sounds, a record that reshaped how people thought about pop music and production. It marked a turning point not only for the band but for the wider music world.
As time went on, Brian started to pull back from the band. He spent most of his days at home, keeping to himself. Though he would occasionally return to the piano or studio, much of that period was defined by isolation and a growing struggle between his creativity and his mental health.
In the years that followed, Brian began to reemerge. He started writing again and eventually released his first solo album. It wasn’t an easy process, but it showed that the spark was still there. Despite setbacks, music remained a constant presence in his life.
With time, Brian found more stability. He released new solo work, made more public appearances, and slowly returned to performing. Though his challenges didn’t go away, he seemed more at ease — both with himself and with the music that had always been a part of him.
In the next decade, Brian stepped further into the spotlight. He toured more often, revisited Pet Sounds live, and put out some of his most acclaimed solo material. In 2004, he finally completed Smile, the long-lost album that fans had waited decades to hear. It was a long time coming and felt like a full-circle moment.
In his final years, Brian stayed close to the music and the people who mattered most. He continued touring, revisiting old songs, and connecting quietly with fans and family. Now, with news of his passing, it’s clear we’ve lost more than just a musician — we’ve lost a voice that helped define how we hear, feel, and remember.
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