Two days ago, the world celebrated the 80th birthday of Paul McCartney. Today, there is the matter of another 80th birthday. I’m talking about Brian Wilson, the true genius of the Beach Boys, and one hell of a survivor.
Brian has survived an abusive (an understatement, if ever there was one) father. He has survived battles with mental illness. He has survived countless lawsuits filed by fellow Beach Boy Mike Love. He has survived the deaths of his two younger brothers, Dennis and Carl.
Considered by many as the greatest American composer/lyricist of the 20th century, Brian Wilson has created a legacy unmatched by many rock and roll artists. While he wrote or co-wrote (and produced) all time classics such as Good Vibrations, I Get Around, Help Me Rhonda, Darlin’, God Only Knows, and many, many others, you won’t hear any of those songs in this medley.
What you will hear are Beach Boys songs featuring Brian on lead vocals, all of them memorable, and yes, he wrote or co-wrote these, too.
Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play buttons are on the left … Volume sliders are on the right
Brian Wilson Medley
All of those years listening and enjoying music without knowing much of the history and lives of the musicians. Thank you, Ray, for all of the info you gather and share. It gives me much more appreciation for the songs and their musicians.
Jim, thank you for your very kind comments. You don’t know how much I appreciate them.
It’s just that until I first began with WIOX and being part of your Streaming Oldies, I just listened without appreciating everything that goes into the artist’s work.
I think that’s true of most people, Jim. It’s one of the reasons I love what I do. 🙂
Ray most people have no idea what goes on behind closed doors!! This man in my humble opinion should go down in history as one-off the greatest song writers of all time!! The greed and egos that some have ruined many a great musician yet Brian survived all of these tragedies!! To this day in all the band’s I’ve played in I wish I could have come close to this bands harmony and there songs were so perfect for our time and thanks to you keeping this music alive makes me so happy!! And I think it is so important for you to let us know some of the history behind the scenes!! You sir are one of the best at what you do and I for one want you to know how much I appreciate it and I think the rest of the group would agree!! Love ya
Fred, that is so very kind of you. It is comments like yours and Jim’s that make all the work worthwhile.
I agree wholeheartedly about Brian. To overcome all the obstacles he faced and still create the musical masterpieces he did is nothing short of astonishing. He is, quite simply, a musical genius and we won’t see his kind anytime soon.
Love Ya!
Happy birthday Brian! If ever there was a voice that could cut deep into your heart, this is the man! I have always thought this guy had more talent in his little finger than all the rest of the team. Have loved the beach boys for as long as I can remember, and I have played their cities in my cars over the years repeatedly! You picked out some wonderful songs featuring Brian, Ray, and that comes from your massive knowledge of their collections. I can always depend on you to pick the very best, and I admire your knowledge! This was fantastic I will definitely listen to it again, and who knows I might just play it in my car. Thank you so much for this treat on a Monday morning. Now I’ve gotta get outside and work in my yard! You’re the best!
Thank you, Sandy 🥰
I have always believed Brian was the heart and soul of the Beach Boys, and I think it is ridiculous that Mike Love continues to tour using the band’s name. His group is missing four key ingredients … No Brian Wilson, no Carl Wilson, no Dennis Wilson, and no Al Jardine. That isn’t the Beach Boys, it’s a damn cover band.
I am so glad you enjoyed the music and the memories. ❤️
OMG .. I LOVE this and brings back a kind of funny memory. Back in 85 (I think) when we still lived in Denver we had gone to Vermont for vacation. We took the kids up to Montreal to a big amusement park up there Our youngest was around 2 (he’s now 39 … lol). We didn’t prepare for mishaps with a 2 year old, so when it happened it put Dennis in a “mood” and we had to leave. As we were walking out of the park .. Brian Wilson stopped, said hi and a few words .. the Beach Boys were doing a free concert there. I tried talking Dennis into staying so we could see this once in a lifetime concert .. he evidently wasn’t as impressed as I was and we left …………. would have been so awesome to see them live … oh well.
Penny, I’m sorry you didn’t get to see the concert, but, WOW, that is an incredible memory! 🥰