Childhood and Education Journey of Brian Wilson in Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Brian Wilson. A timeline of key moments.
Brian Wilson is a highly influential American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, best known as the co-founder of the Beach Boys. Revered for his innovative approach to pop music, he's celebrated for his complex harmonies, orchestrations, vocal layering, and introspective songwriting. His high production values and mastery of recording techniques have cemented his status as one of the 20th century's most significant songwriters. Wilson has faced lifelong challenges with mental illness, adding another layer to his complex persona.
June 20, 1942: Brian Wilson Born
On June 20, 1942, Brian Douglas Wilson was born in Inglewood, California, at Centinela Hospital Medical Center. He was the first child of Audree Neva and Murry Wilson.
1943: Hearing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue
At age two, in 1943, Brian Wilson heard Glenn Miller's rendition of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, which left a lasting emotional impact on him.
1944: Birth of Brother Dennis
In 1944, Brian Wilson's younger brother, Dennis, was born.
1946: Birth of Brother Carl
In 1946, Brian Wilson's younger brother, Carl, was born.
1954: First Music He Felt Compelled to Learn
In 1954, Brian Wilson recalled Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" as the first music he felt compelled to learn and sing.
1955: Began Composing Original Music
In 1955, Brian Wilson began composing original music at the age of 12.
1955: Rendition of 'Smokey Joe's Cafe'
Later, Brian Wilson recorded renditions of the Robins' "Smokey Joe's Cafe" (1955).
1956: First Pop Album Listened to in Entirety
In 1956, Brian Wilson listened to The Four Freshmen's album Freshmen Favorites in its entirety, marking it as the first pop album he experienced this way.
1958: Greatest Vocal Album Ever Heard
In 1958, Brian Wilson regarded Voices in Love by The Four Freshmen as "probably the greatest single vocal album I've ever heard".
1958: Rendition of 'Devoted to You'
Later, Brian Wilson recorded renditions of the Everly Brothers' "Devoted to You" (1958).
October 1959: Essay Submission
In October 1959, Brian Wilson submitted an essay, "My Philosophy", for his Senior Problems course, stating his ambition to "make a name for myself [...] in music."
September 1960: Enrollment at El Camino College
In September 1960, Brian Wilson enrolled as a psychology major at El Camino College in Los Angeles, also pursuing music.
1960: Rendition of 'Hully Gully'
Later, Brian Wilson recorded renditions of the Olympics' "Hully Gully" (1960).
1961: Meeting Judy Bowles
In mid-1961, Brian Wilson met Judy Bowles, a high school student, at a baseball game, marking the beginning of his first serious relationship.
1961: Music Tastes of 1961
Inquired about his music tastes in 1961, Brian Wilson replied "top 10", referring to the top hits of the era. He particularly admired Chuck Berry's rhythm and lyrical thoughts.
1961: Diminished Obsession with The Four Freshmen
It is likely that Brian Wilson learned nearly the entirety of The Four Freshmen's recorded repertoire up through 1961, after which his obsession with the group diminished.
August 1962: Meeting Marilyn Rovell
In August 1962, Brian Wilson met Marilyn Rovell, another high school student and singer, leading to a romantic involvement.
1963: Engagement to Judy Bowles
During Christmas 1963, Brian Wilson and Judy Bowles were engaged, with plans to marry the following December. His song 'Surfer Girl' (1963) was inspired by Judy.
1963: Hearing "Be My Baby"
Upon hearing the Ronettes' 1963 hit "Be My Baby" on his car radio, Brian Wilson immediately pulled over and declared it the greatest record he had ever heard.
December 1964: Marriage to Marilyn Rovell
In December 1964, Brian Wilson and Marilyn Rovell were married.
December 23, 1964: Brian Wilson's Breakdown on Flight
On December 23, 1964, Brian Wilson experienced a breakdown on a flight from Los Angeles to Houston, sobbing uncontrollably due to stress over his recent marriage. He played the show in Houston but was replaced for the rest of the tour.
1964: Psychological Strain and Shift Away from Surf Themes
By late 1964, Brian Wilson faced mounting psychological strain from career pressures and began distancing himself from The Beach Boys’ surf-themed material.
1964: Nervous Breakdown and Shift in Focus
In 1964, Brian Wilson had a nervous breakdown and resigned from regular concert touring with The Beach Boys. He shifted his focus to songwriting and production.
1964: Referencing meeting with Marilyn Rovell
In 1964, Brian Wilson's "All Summer Long" referenced his first meeting with Marilyn Rovell with the lyric "Remember when you spilled Coke all over your blouse?". Also, in 1964, Wilson wrote "The Warmth of the Sun" shortly after separating from Judy Bowles.
1964: Relocation and Social Circle
In late 1964, Brian Wilson relocated to a one-bedroom apartment on Hollywood Boulevard and began cultivating a new social circle. This marked his first independence from familial oversight and led to new friendships.
1965: Religious Experience with LSD
In 1965, Brian Wilson took LSD and described it as a profound religious experience, learning about patience and understanding.
1965: "Don't Hurt My Little Sister" written
In 1965, Brian Wilson wrote "Don't Hurt My Little Sister" about his early relationship with Marilyn Rovell, inspired by a remark from Marilyn's older sister Diane.
1965: Temporary Separation and Reconciliation
In 1965, after unsuccessful efforts to distance Brian Wilson from Loren Schwartz, Marilyn temporarily separated from him due to his drug-associated social circle. The couple soon reconciled and moved into a new home in Beverly Hills.
1965: Musical Ambitions, Drug Use and Relocation
Throughout 1965, Brian Wilson's musical ambitions progressed significantly. He relocated to an apartment with his wife and first took LSD, composing portions of "California Girls" during the experience. He also attributed persistent paranoia later that year to his LSD use.
1966: Turning Point
Associates often cite late 1966 as a turning point, coinciding with erratic behavior during sessions for the track "Fire" (or "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow") for Brian Wilson.
1966: Acknowledged Using Pills
In 1966, Brian Wilson acknowledged using "pills" for introspection rather than leisure and viewed psychedelic usage as benign. He also did an interview in 1966.
1966: Belief that music starts with religion
In 1966, Brian Wilson expressed his belief that all music "starts with religion", and while he recognized a "higher being who is better than we are", he was not traditionally religious.
1966: Difficulties during interview
In 1966, during an interview with Brian Wilson, David Oppenheim and others found it hard to get much information from him, with one person saying 'He's not verbal.'
1966: Wilson Reflects on the British Invasion
Reflecting in 1966, Brian Wilson stated that "The Beatles invasion shook me up a lot. [...] So we stepped on the gas a little bit."
April 1967: Relocation to Bel Air and Home Studio
In April 1967, Brian Wilson and his wife relocated to a mansion in Bel Air, where Wilson began constructing a personal home studio.
1967: Possible LSD use
Around 1967, Brian Wilson consumed LSD for a second time when he was 23.
1967: Documentary and Irresponsible People
In 1967, television producer David Oppenheim visited Brian Wilson's home while filming the documentary Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution, characterizing the attended scenes as “a playpen of irresponsible people.”
1968: Equating Religion and Meditation
By 1968, Brian Wilson had equated religion and meditation, though he ultimately abandoned Transcendental Meditation (TM).
1968: Hospitalization and Treatment for Anxiety
By 1968, Brian Wilson's mental health had worsened and he experienced paranoid delusions. Following the birth of their first child in 1968, Marilyn became concerned about Wilson's mental health. Wilson was hospitalized later that year and prescribed Thorazine for severe anxiety disorder. He may have self-admitted and possibly received treatments ranging from talking therapies to doses of lithium and electroconvulsive therapy during this stay. Also, in the late 1960s, Wilson and his bandmates promoted Transcendental Meditation (TM). By 1968, he had equated religion and meditation, though he ultimately abandoned TM.
1968: Decline in Songwriting and Emotional State
In 1968, Brian Wilson's songwriting output and emotional state declined substantially, leading him to self-medicate with food, alcohol, and drugs. He also began using cocaine and expressed suicidal ideation.
1968: Birth of Daughter Carnie
In 1968, Carnie Wilson, one of Brian Wilson's daughters with Marilyn Rovell, was born.
1968: Withdrawal from Trying
In a 1968 interview, Brian Wilson explained, "We pulled out [...] because I was about ready to die. I was trying so hard. So, all of a sudden I decided not to try any more."
1968: Hospitalization
In mid-1968, Brian Wilson was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Once discharged later in the year, Wilson rarely finished any tracks for the band.
May 1969: Financial Difficulties and Health Food Store
In May 1969, Brian Wilson disclosed the Beach Boys’ near-bankruptcy to reporters. In July, he opened a short-lived health food store, the Radiant Radish.
1969: Affair with Debbie Keil Begins
From 1969 to 1970, Brian Wilson maintained an affair with Debbie Keil, a telephone operator who worked for The Beach Boys.
1969: Birth of Daughter Wendy
In 1969, Wendy Wilson, one of Brian Wilson's daughters with Marilyn Rovell, was born.
1970: Affair with Debbie Keil Ends
From 1969 to 1970, Brian Wilson maintained an affair with Debbie Keil, a telephone operator who worked for The Beach Boys.
1970: Wilson on "Don't Worry Baby"
In a 1970 interview, Brian Wilson cited the B-side of "I Get Around", "Don't Worry Baby", as "Probably the best record we've done".
February 1972: Appearance at the Whisky a Go Go
In February 1972, at an America gig at the Whisky a Go Go, Dan Peek recalled that Brian Wilson "held court like a Mad King as Danny Hutton scurried about like his court jester."
1972: Relocation to Holland and Inspiration for Mount Vernon and Fairway
During the summer of 1972, Brian Wilson joined his bandmates in relocating to Holland. Inspired by Randy Newman's album Sail Away, he wrote a fairy tale, Mount Vernon and Fairway, drawing on memories of listening to the radio at Mike Love's family home during his youth.
June 1973: Seclusion Following His Father's Death
Following the death of his father in June 1973, Brian Wilson secluded himself in the chauffeur's quarters of his home, engaging in self-destructive behaviors and drug abuse. His family eventually took control of his financial affairs.
1974: Minimal Output and Social Life with Danny Hutton
In 1974, Brian Wilson's output was minimal due to preoccupation with cocaine, magazines, and hanging out with Danny Hutton. He spent nights at Hutton's house with colleagues like Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. Marilyn Wilson often sent friends to retrieve him.
1975: Decline in Health and Intervention
In 1975, Brian Wilson's increased substance abuse and weight gain led to interventions from his wife Marilyn and band manager Stephen Love. Stan Love was appointed as Wilson's caretaker. Wilson was threatened with legal action regarding his contract with Warner Bros. and eventually entered Eugene Landy’s therapy program in October.
1975: Minimal Output and Social Life with Danny Hutton
In 1975, Brian Wilson's output was minimal due to preoccupation with cocaine, magazines, and hanging out with Danny Hutton. He spent nights at Hutton's house with colleagues like Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. Marilyn Wilson often sent friends to retrieve him.
1976: Dismissal of Landy
At the end of 1976, Brian Wilson’s family and management dismissed Eugene Landy after he raised his monthly fee to $20,000.
1976: Beliefs on Messiah and Drugs
In 1976, Brian Wilson described himself as having over-diversified his readings, maintaining then that he still believed, as he did in the 1960s, that the coming of "the great Messiah [...] came in the form of drugs" while acknowledging that his own drug experiences "really didn't work out so well, so positively".
1976: Landy refuted schizophrenia diagnosis
In 1976, Landy refuted the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, suggesting Wilson's main issue was "being scared".
1977: "The Night Was So Young" released
In 1977, Brian Wilson released the song "The Night Was So Young", inspired by Debbie Keil's frequent visitations to the Wilson household.
1977: "Roller Skating Child" released
In 1977, Brian Wilson's song "Roller Skating Child" was released. The song was inspired by his daughters.
July 1978: Separation from Marilyn Rovell
In July 1978, Brian Wilson and Marilyn Rovell separated.
November 1978: Institutionalization
In November 1978, after his marriage unraveled and his alcoholism worsened, Brian Wilson was institutionalized at Brotzman Memorial Hospital for several months.
1978: Regression and Overdose
After a disastrous Australian tour in 1978, Brian Wilson regressed and began secretly acquiring cocaine and barbiturates. In mid-1978, following an overdose, he left his family, hitchhiked, and eventually ended up in a gay bar, later being found by police in Balboa Park and hospitalized for alcohol poisoning.
1978: "My Diane" released
In 1978, Brian Wilson released the song "My Diane", which was about his affair with Marilyn's sister.
1978: Diagnosis of Manic-Depressive Psychosis
In 1978, Brian Wilson was diagnosed with manic-depressive psychosis, in addition to the since-retracted diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, when he was a patient at Brotzman Memorial Hospital. In July 1978, Wilson and Marilyn separated.
January 1979: Filing for Divorce
In January 1979, Brian Wilson filed for divorce from Marilyn Rovell. Marilyn received custody of their children and a half share of Wilson's songwriting royalties.
January 1979: Dismissal of Caregivers
In January 1979, while hospitalized, Brian Wilson's caregivers Stan Love and Rocky Pamplin were dismissed.
1981: End of relationship with Debbie Keil
Brian Wilson continued his relationship with Debbie Keil until 1981.
1982: Re-entry into Landy's program
In 1982, after Brian Wilson overdosed on alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs, his family and management staged an elaborate ruse to persuade him to re-enter Landy’s program. The group falsely informed Brian that he was destitute and no longer a Beach Boy, insisting he reenlist Landy as his caretaker to continue receiving his touring income.
1982: Trust document and hospitalization
In early 1982, Brian Wilson signed a trust document granting Carl Wilson control of his finances and voting power in the band's corporate structure. Brian was involuntarily admitted for a three-day stay at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica.
January 1983: End of Relationship with Carolyn Williams
In January 1983, Brian Wilson's relationship with one of his nurses, Carolyn Williams, ended.
March 1983: Relocation to Malibu Home
In March 1983, Brian Wilson, under Landy's direction, moved to a Malibu home where he lived with Landy's aides and was cut off from many of his friends and family, including his children and ex-wife Marilyn.
1983: Landy's Annual Charges
From 1983, Landy charged approximately $430,000 annually for his services and began to assume the role of Brian Wilson's creative and financial partner.
1984: Misdiagnosis of Schizophrenia and Brain Damage
In 1984, Brian Wilson was misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, with doctors also finding evidence of brain damage caused by excessive and sustained drug use.
1985: Suicide Attempt
In mid-1985, Brian Wilson attempted suicide by swimming as far out to sea as possible before one of Landy's aides retrieved him.
1986: Dating Melinda Kae Ledbetter
In 1986, Brian Wilson began dating Melinda Kae Ledbetter.
1986: Landy's role in Brian's life
In 1986, Landy continued to exert control over every aspect of Brian Wilson's life, including his musical direction, leading to accusations of creating a Svengali-like environment.
1988: "Little Children" released
In 1988, Brian Wilson's song "Little Children" was released. The song was inspired by his daughters.
1988: Unreliable honesty
In 1988, journalist Verlyn Klinkenborg observed that while Brian Wilson was known for being brutally honest, what he believes to be true depends on his mood at the time and could vary dramatically if inquired on another occasion.
1989: Backing Vocals for Linda Ronstadt
In 1989, Brian Wilson contributed backing vocals to Linda Ronstadt's single "Adios".
1989: First Relationship with Ledbetter Ends
In late 1989, Brian Wilson and Melinda Kae Ledbetter's relationship ended prematurely due to interference by Landy.
1990: LSD use leading to "Jesus Christ complex"
In 1990, Brian Wilson stated that LSD use in the mid-1960s led him to develop a "Jesus Christ complex". Following this, he consulted with a psychiatrist regarding the adverse effects of LSD.
May 1991: Conservatorship Suit Filed
In May 1991, a conservatorship suit was filed by Brian Wilson's family, leading to the dissolution of his partnership with Landy in December and a subsequent restraining order.
1991: Reconnecting with Melinda Kae Ledbetter
After 1991, Brian Wilson and Melinda Kae Ledbetter reconnected.
1991: Disassociation from Eugene Landy
In 1991, Brian Wilson disassociated from his controversial partnership with his psychologist, Eugene Landy.
1991: Release of Memoir
In his 1991 memoir, Brian Wilson recalls writing his first song for a 4th grade school project concerning Paul Bunyan.
February 6, 1995: Marriage to Melinda Kae Ledbetter
On February 6, 1995, Brian Wilson and Melinda Kae Ledbetter married. Ledbetter became Wilson's manager.
1997: Relocation to St. Charles, Illinois
In 1997, Brian Wilson relocated to St. Charles, Illinois, to work on a solo project with Joe Thomas.
1998: Interview About Favorite Albums
In a 1998 interview, Brian Wilson listed 15 Big Ones and Love You as his two favorite Beach Boys albums.
1999: Belief in Phil Spector
In 1999, when asked for his religious beliefs, Brian Wilson responded: "I believe in Phil Spector".
2000: Difficulties Interviewing Wilson
In 2000, Edgers wrote that "no writer will ever understand Brian Wilson", highlighting his often "clipped and conflicting" responses, adding that he "generally makes it clear to interviewers that he would rather be somewhere else — and that's when he's feeling good."
2000: Interview about deafness
In a 2000 interview, Brian Wilson stated that his deafness had been present at birth and unrelated to his father's physical abuse.
2002: Reflections on Mental Health and Career
In 2002, Brian Wilson reflected on his mental health and career, lamenting that his successful treatment had inhibited his creativity and songwriting.
2002: Wilson's statement on the Landy program
In a 2002 interview, Brian Wilson stated, "I don't regret [the Landy program]. I loved the guy—he saved me.". Also, in 2002, he lamented that his successful treatment had inhibited his creativity and songwriting.
2004: Claim of limited LSD use
In 2004, Ledbetter claimed Brian Wilson had only taken LSD thrice in his life.
2004: Favorite Book and Belief in Afterlife
In 2004, when asked for his favorite book, Brian Wilson answered "the Bible", and questioned if he believed in life after death, Wilson replied "I don't".
September 2005: Charity Drive for Hurricane Katrina Victims
In September 2005, Brian Wilson organized a charity drive for Hurricane Katrina victims. He offered a personal phone call for donations of $100 or more and raised over $250,000 for the cause.
2005: Interview on Original Music Composition
In a 2005 interview, Brian Wilson said that he began composing original music in 1955, when he was 12 years old.
2007: Favorite Movie: Norbit
In a 2007 interview, when asked about "good movies" he had watched recently and his all-time favorite movie, Brian Wilson answered Norbit.
2011: Spiritual Beliefs Without Religion
In 2011, Brian Wilson said that while he had spiritual beliefs, he did not follow any particular religion.
2013: Linda Ronstadt's Memoir
In her 2013 memoir, Simple Dreams, Linda Ronstadt implied that she had briefly dated Brian Wilson in the 1970s.
2015: Ending Interviews Abruptly
In 2015, Peter Gilstrap wrote that Brian Wilson had been known to end interviews abruptly, though the author concluded that his actions were not "due to a bad attitude."
2016: Release of Memoir
Brian Wilson's 2016 memoir characterizes his father as "violent" and "cruel", but also suggests that certain narratives about the mistreatment had been overstated or unfounded.
2016: Memoir Release
In 2016, Brian Wilson's memoir stated that he abstained from consuming LSD for a second time until he was 23, around 1966 or 1967. Also in 2016, Wilson's mother, Audree, said that Wilson believed the incident occurred when he was around 10 and a child hit his ear, a claim repeated in his 2016 memoir.
2016: Memoir Regarding Deafness
In his 2016 memoir, Wilson claimed that he believed his deafness resulted from an incident when he was around 10 years old, when a child hit his ear.
2022: End of Solo Touring
Brian Wilson ended his regular solo touring in 2022.
2022: Lawsuit from ex-wife
In 2022, Brian Wilson's ex-wife Marilyn, who had been awarded half of his songwriting royalties, sued him for $6.7 million after he sold his rights to UMPG.
January 30, 2024: Death of Melinda Ledbetter
On January 30, 2024, Brian Wilson's wife, Melinda Ledbetter, died at their home.
May 2024: Conservatorship Begins
In May 2024, it was announced that Brian Wilson had dementia and entered into another conservatorship.
2024: Equivalent Fee in 2024
At the end of 1976, Brian Wilson’s family and management dismissed Eugene Landy after he raised his monthly fee to $20,000 (equivalent to $111,000 in 2024).
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