History of Brian Wilson in Timeline
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: Crafted "Surfer Girl" Melody
Brian Wilson crafted his first entirely original melody, "Surfer Girl", in 1961, inspired by a Dion and the Belmonts rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star".
1961: "Surfin'" Becomes a Hit
In 1961, "Surfin'" became a hit in Los Angeles and reached 75 on the national Billboard sales charts. The group's name was changed by Candix Records to the Beach Boys, and they made their major live debut at the Ritchie Valens Memorial Dance on New Year's Eve.
1961: Early Career with The Beach Boys
In 1961, Brian Wilson began his professional career as a member of the Beach Boys, serving as the band's songwriter, producer, co-lead vocalist, bassist, keyboardist, and de facto leader.
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: Formation of The Pendletones and Writing "Surfin'"
In the autumn of 1961, Brian Wilson and his brothers, along with Mike Love and Al Jardine, debuted their first music group together, called "the Pendletones", and co-wrote their first song, "Surfin'" with Love.
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.
October 1962: Release of "The Surfer Moon"
In October 1962, Safari Records released "The Surfer Moon" by Bob & Sheri, which was the first record to credit Brian Wilson as producer.
1962: Start of Writing Top 40 Hits
From 1962 to 1979, Brian Wilson wrote or co-wrote over two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits for The Beach Boys.
1962: Signing with Capitol Records
In 1962, Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys signed with Capitol Records. Wilson became the first pop musician credited for writing, arranging, producing, and performing his own material.
March 1963: Release of "Surfin' U.S.A."
In March 1963, Capitol released "Surfin' U.S.A.", which became The Beach Boys' first top-ten single. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard charts by July, cementing the Beach Boys as a major commercial act.
July 1963: Recording Surfer Girl
Brian Wilson was officially credited as The Beach Boys' producer on their album Surfer Girl, recorded in June and July 1963.
July 1963: "Surf City" Tops the Charts
In July 1963, Brian Wilson co-wrote "Surf City" with Jan Berry, and it topped the U.S. charts, becoming his first composition to do so. This revitalized Jan and Dean's faltering career.
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: "Surf City" Reaches Number One
In 1963, Brian Wilson co-wrote "Surf City" with Jan Berry, which reached number one on the U.S. charts. "Surf City by Jan and Dean" was his first composition to achieve this milestone.
1963: "Surf City" and "Dead Man's Curve" Released
In 1963, Brian Wilson co-wrote Jan and Dean's "Surf City" (the first chart-topping surf song) and "Dead Man's Curve" (number 8).
1963: Producing the Rovell Sisters as The Honeys
Throughout 1963, Brian Wilson produced the Rovell Sisters, a girl group he renamed "the Honeys," and pitched them to Capitol as a female counterpart to The Beach Boys.
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.
April 1964: Release of "He's a Doll"
In April 1964, The Honeys released their fourth single, "He's a Doll", which exemplified Brian Wilson's attempts to become an entrepreneurial producer like Spector.
May 1964: "I Get Around" Reaches Number One
In May 1964, The Beach Boys’ single "I Get Around", became their first U.S. number-one hit, marking a response by Brian Wilson to the British Invasion and the beginning of a rivalry between him and the Beatles, principally Paul McCartney.
December 1964: Previous regular performance before 1976
December 1964 was the previous time that Brian Wilson did a regular performance with The Beach Boys before July 2, 1976.
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: Audition for "Chapel of Love"
Brian Wilson auditioned to sing for the Original Sound Record Company's inaugural record release, "Chapel of Love" (unrelated to the 1964 song), but was deemed too young.
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: "I Get Around" reaches number one
In 1964, Brian Wilson's song, "I Get Around", reached number one in the U.S., solidifying his response to the British Invasion and beginning a rivalry with The Beatles.
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.
1964: International Tours and Album Production
Throughout 1964, Brian Wilson toured internationally with the Beach Boys while writing and producing their albums Shut Down Volume 2, All Summer Long, and The Beach Boys' Christmas Album.
February 1965: Campbell Substitutes for Wilson and Solo Single
In February 1965, Glen Campbell continued substituting for Brian Wilson on tour. After which, Wilson produced Campbell's solo single, "Guess I'm Dumb", as a gesture of appreciation. Bruce Johnston was then hired as Wilson’s permanent touring replacement.
December 1965: Collaboration with Tony Asher for Pet Sounds
In December 1965, Brian Wilson enlisted Tony Asher as his lyricist for the Beach Boys’ next album, Pet Sounds.
1965: "Help Me, Rhonda" Becomes a Hit
In 1965, Brian Wilson had written or co-written more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the number-one song "Help Me, Rhonda".
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: Influence of Marijuana and Song Composition
In 1965, Brian Wilson was introduced to marijuana and hashish, leading to marital tensions. His first song composed under the influence of marijuana was "Please Let Me Wonder".
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.
March 1966: Release of Caroline, No and Reaction to Pet Sounds
In March 1966, “Caroline, No” was released as Brian Wilson’s first solo credit. Though Pet Sounds reached number 10, Wilson was "mortified" that his artistic growth had failed to translate into a number-one album.
April 1966: Production of Pet Sounds
Between January and April 1966, Brian Wilson produced most of the album Pet Sounds across multiple Hollywood studios, employing his bandmates for vocals and session musicians for backing tracks.
May 1966: Release of Pet Sounds
In May 1966, Pet Sounds was released. Brian Wilson later reflected on the instrumental “Let's Go Away for Awhile” as his "most satisfying piece of music" and "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" as partially autobiographical.
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: "Good Vibrations" Becomes a Hit
In 1966, Brian Wilson had written or co-written more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the number-one song "Good Vibrations".
1966: Last production by Brian Wilson before 1974
In 1966, Brian Wilson produced the last record before 1974 to display the credit "Produced by Brian Wilson".
1966: Acknowledging Phil Spector's Influence
In 1966, Brian Wilson referred to Phil Spector as "the single most influential producer."
1966: Release of "Caroline, No" and Work on Smile
In 1966, Brian Wilson released "Caroline, No", his first credited solo release. He also worked on the unfinished album Smile.
1966: Derek Taylor and the "Genius" Label
In 1966, Derek Taylor became the Beach Boys’ publicist and launched a media campaign to promote Brian Wilson as a "genius". However, Wilson later resented the label, and bandmates grew frustrated with the focus on Wilson.
1966: Phil Spector's self-imposed retirement
In 1966, Phil Spector's self-imposed retirement was identified as one of the catalysts for the "rock/pop split that has afflicted American music ever since".
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."
1966: Work on Good Vibrations and Smile
Throughout late 1966, Brian Wilson worked extensively on the Beach Boys’ single "Good Vibrations" and began collaborating with Van Dyke Parks on Smile.
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.
August 1967: Brief Return to Live Performances
In August 1967, Brian Wilson briefly rejoined the band for two live performances in Honolulu, recorded for an unfinished live album titled Lei'd in Hawaii.
September 1967: Shift to Wilson's Studio and Group Production
Beginning with Smiley Smile in September 1967, the band shifted recording operations to Brian Wilson's studio. The album marked the first time production was credited to the group collectively.
December 1967: Wild Honey and Production for Redwood
During sessions for Wild Honey in December 1967, Brian Wilson encouraged his brother Carl to contribute more to the record-making process. He also began producing tracks for Danny Hutton's group Redwood.
1967: Possible LSD use
Around 1967, Brian Wilson consumed LSD for a second time when he was 23.
1967: Last time as primary composer
Brian Wilson last acted as the primary composer for The Beach Boys in 1967, for their album Wild Honey, before being the primary composer for Love You in 1977.
1967: Wilson's withdrawal and its impact on music
In 1967, sociomusicologist Simon Frith identified Brian Wilson's withdrawal as one of the catalysts for the "rock/pop split that has afflicted American music ever since".
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.”
1967: CBS Documentary Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution
In 1967, the CBS documentary Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution, hosted by Leonard Bernstein, identified Brian Wilson as "one of today's most important pop musicians."
June 1968: Recording of Friends
The Beach Boys' June 1968 album Friends was recorded during a period of emotional recovery for Brian Wilson. He later described Friends as his second “solo album” and his favorite Beach Boys album.
1968: Bedroom Tapes
Brian Chidester later coined the term "Bedroom Tapes" to refer to Brian Wilson's unreleased output between 1968 and 1975.
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: Production of 'Friends'
In 1968 Brian Wilson worked on producing "Friends", which was one of his most involved production efforts at the time.
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: Producing Stephen Kalinich's album and signing with Reprise Records
In 1969, Brian Wilson produced Stephen Kalinich's spoken-word album, A World of Peace Must Come. That November, the Beach Boys signed with Reprise Records, a subsidiary of Warner Bros., requiring Wilson's active participation. During negotiations, Wilson wore bright green face paint to a meeting with label executives.
1969: Birth of Daughter Wendy
In 1969, Wendy Wilson, one of Brian Wilson's daughters with Marilyn Rovell, was born.
1969: Nik Cohn recognizes Wilson as a progenitor of authentic pop art
In his 1969 book, Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom: The Golden Age of Rock, Nik Cohn recognized Brian Wilson as a progenitor of authentic pop art, elevating high school-themed music "to completely new levels" and transforming it into a mythic narrative.
March 1970: Touring outside California
In August 1976, Brian Wilson toured outside California for the first time since March 1970.
March 1970: Touring with The Beach Boys
In March 1970, Brian Wilson briefly substituted for Mike Love on tour with The Beach Boys. Wilson later called it "the best three days of my life, I guess."
November 1970: Performance at the Whisky a Go Go
In November 1970, Brian Wilson performed with The Beach Boys at the Whisky a Go Go for one-and-a-half dates. Intense discomfort forced him to leave mid-performance during the second show.
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".
August 1971: Limited Involvement in Surf's Up Sessions
In August 1971, Brian Wilson's involvement in The Beach Boys' Surf's Up sessions was minimal, with Bruce Johnston describing him as "a visitor."
September 1971: Return to Arranging
In September 1971, Brian Wilson told a reporter that he had recently returned to arranging rather than writing music.
1971: Collaboration on Spring Album
From late 1971 to early 1972, Brian Wilson collaborated with David Sandler on Spring, the first album by Marilyn Wilson and Diane Rovell's new group, American Spring. It was his most involved production effort since 1968.
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."
April 1972: Involvement in Carl and the Passions
During the recording of Carl and the Passions in April 1972, Brian Wilson rarely left his bedroom, but his contributions were considered amazing when he did participate. His image was superimposed into the album's inner sleeve group portrait due to his unavailability.
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.
January 1973: Release of Holland and Mount Vernon and Fairway EP
In January 1973, The Beach Boys released the album Holland, with Brian Wilson's fairy tale Mount Vernon and Fairway as a bonus EP packaged with the album.
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.
October 1974: Endless Summer Success
In October 1974, The Beach Boys' greatest hits compilation Endless Summer became their second number-one U.S. album, marking a resurgence in popularity for the band.
December 1974: Release of Child of Winter (Christmas Song)
At the end of December 1974, The Beach Boys released "Child of Winter (Christmas Song)", produced by Brian Wilson, marking his first record with that credit since 1966.
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.
1975: Production Deal with Equinox Records and California Music
In early 1975, while still under contract with Warner Bros., Brian Wilson signed a sideline production deal with Bruce Johnston and Terry Melcher's Equinox Records. Together, they founded the supergroup California Music. Wilson's production of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" by California Music represents his only "serious" work during this period.
July 2, 1976: Return to Regular Performances
On July 2, 1976, Brian Wilson resumed regular performances with The Beach Boys, for the first time since December 1964, singing and playing bass guitar and piano.
October 1976: Production of Recordings
From October 1976 to January 1977, Brian Wilson produced a collection of recordings largely on his own while his bandmates pursued other creative and personal endeavors.
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".
1976: "Rock and Roll Music" reaches number 5
In 1976, the song "Rock and Roll Music", which Brian Wilson produced, reached number 5.
1976: "Brian's Back!" Campaign and Release of 15 Big Ones
In 1976, under Landy's care, Brian Wilson stabilized, leading to the "Brian's Back!" campaign and the July release of 15 Big Ones. This was The Beach Boys' first album since Pet Sounds to list Wilson as the sole producer, though recording sessions were tense due to disagreements about the album's direction.
1976: Highest Chart Position Since 1976
In September 2004, BWPS debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200, the highest chart position for any album by the Beach Boys or Brian Wilson since 1976's 15 Big Ones and the highest ever debut for a Beach Boys-related album.
January 1977: Production of Recordings
From October 1976 to January 1977, Brian Wilson produced a collection of recordings largely on his own while his bandmates pursued other creative and personal endeavors.
April 1977: Release of The Beach Boys Love You
In April 1977, The Beach Boys released Love You, which was the band's first album to feature Brian Wilson as the primary composer since Wild Honey in 1967. He played nearly every instrument on the album.
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: Release of The Beach Boys Love You
In 1977, Brian Wilson's first professional comeback yielded the almost solo effort album, The Beach Boys Love You.
1977: "Roller Skating Child" released
In 1977, Brian Wilson's song "Roller Skating Child" was released. The song was inspired by his daughters.
1977: Production of Adult/Child and Signing with CBS Records
In early 1977, Brian Wilson produced Adult/Child, intended as the follow-up to Love You, but it was not released due to concerns from bandmates. In March, The Beach Boys signed with CBS Records, requiring Wilson to compose most of the material for all subsequent albums, which distressed him.
July 1978: Separation from Marilyn Rovell
In July 1978, Brian Wilson and Marilyn Rovell separated.
October 1978: "Mental Blank-Out" During M.I.U. Album Sessions
During the sessions for M.I.U. Album in October 1978, Brian Wilson described experiencing a "mental blank-out". He was credited as the album's "executive producer".
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.
1978: Brian Wilson's influence on bands recognized
In 1978, biographer David Leaf identified Brian Wilson's 1960s productions as a chief influence on bands such as Queen, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), 10cc, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, among others.
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.
March 1979: Involvement in L.A. (Light Album)
In March 1979, after his release from the hospital, Brian Wilson rejoined his bandmates for the recording of L.A. (Light Album), but after producing demos and early recordings, he asked that Bruce Johnston take over the project.
1979: End of Writing Top 40 Hits
From 1962 to 1979, Brian Wilson wrote or co-wrote over two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits for The Beach Boys.
March 1980: Inability to Produce Keepin' the Summer Alive
Although his bandmates urged him to produce their next album, Keepin' the Summer Alive, Brian Wilson was unable or unwilling to do so in March 1980.
1980: Collaboration with Dennis Wilson
In 1980, Brian Wilson, influenced by Dennis Wilson, continued his overeating and drug habits. Dennis motivated Brian's musical endeavors by providing him with McDonald's hamburgers and cocaine. They had clandestine recording sessions at Garby Leon's home studio in Venice Beach, later known as the "cocaine sessions" or "hamburger sessions".
1981: End of relationship with Debbie Keil
Brian Wilson continued his relationship with Debbie Keil until 1981.
1981: Collaboration with Dennis Wilson continues
In 1981, Brian Wilson and Dennis Wilson continued their clandestine recording sessions at Garby Leon's home studio in Venice Beach, later known as the "cocaine sessions" or "hamburger sessions". These sessions were hidden due to efforts by certain members of the Beach Boys clan to keep them apart.
1981: Wilson's failure to overcome his insecurities
In 1981, journalist Richard Goldstein considered the most culturally significant "tragedy" in 1960s rock was Brian Wilson's failure to overcome his insecurities and realize "his full potential as a composer".
1981: Assault on Dennis Wilson
In early 1981, Pamplin and Stan Love were convicted of assaulting Dennis Wilson at his home after discovering that Dennis had been providing Brian Wilson with drugs.
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.
June 1985: Release of "The Beach Boys" Album
In June 1985, The Beach Boys released their self-titled album, "The Beach Boys", which was touted as Brian Wilson's "comeback".
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: Collaboration with Gary Usher and Police Academy 3 soundtrack
In 1986, Brian Wilson collaborated with Gary Usher and produced roughly a dozen songs, with one track, "Let's Go to Heaven in My Car", appearing on the Police Academy 3 soundtrack. This body of work became known as "the Wilson Project".
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.
January 1987: Solo Contract with Sire Records
In January 1987, Brian Wilson accepted a solo contract from Sire Records president Seymour Stein, with co-production mandated by Andy Paley to keep Wilson focused. Landy was allowed to serve as executive producer.
July 1988: Release of "Brian Wilson" album
In July 1988, Brian Wilson released his self-titled solo album, "Brian Wilson", which received favorable reviews and moderate sales, peaking at number 52 in the U.S. The album featured "Rio Grande".
1988: Release of Solo Album Brian Wilson
In 1988, Brian Wilson relaunched his solo career with the self-titled album Brian Wilson, after forming a partnership with his psychologist, Eugene Landy.
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.
May 1989: Recording "Daddy's Little Girl"
In May 1989, Brian Wilson recorded "Daddy's Little Girl" for the film "She's Out of Control".
August 1989: $100 Million Suit Against Irving Music
In August 1989, Brian Wilson filed a $100 million suit against Irving Music to reclaim song publishing rights sold by his father decades earlier.
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: Estrangement from The Beach Boys
By 1990, Brian Wilson was estranged from the Beach Boys. His bandmates scheduled recording sessions without him and twice rejected his offers to produce an album.
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.
October 1991: Publication of memoir
In October 1991, Brian Wilson published his first memoir, "Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story".
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.
April 1992: Settlement in Irving Music Lawsuit
In April 1992, Brian Wilson secured a $10 million out-of-court settlement in the lawsuit against Irving Music, although he did not regain the song publishing rights.
1993: Agreement to record with Van Dyke Parks
In 1993, Brian Wilson agreed to record an album of songs written and composed by Van Dyke Parks, which was credited to the duo and released as Orange Crate Art in October 1995.
December 1994: Jury Rules in Favor of Mike Love
In December 1994, a jury ruled in favor of Mike Love in a lawsuit over long-neglected royalties and songwriting credits, awarding him $5 million and a share of future royalties from Brian Wilson.
1994: Recording Choral Version of Rhapsody in Blue
In 1994, Brian Wilson recorded a choral version of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with Van Dyke Parks.
February 6, 1995: Marriage to Melinda Kae Ledbetter
On February 6, 1995, Brian Wilson and Melinda Kae Ledbetter married. Ledbetter became Wilson's manager.
September 1995: Lawsuit Against Jerome Billet
In September 1995, Brian Wilson sued his former conservator, Jerome Billet, seeking $10 million for alleged failures in supervising the lawyers handling the Irving Music and Love lawsuits.
October 1995: Release of "Orange Crate Art"
In October 1995, Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks released "Orange Crate Art", an album of songs written and composed by Parks and credited to the duo.
1995: Collaboration on "Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times"
In 1995, Brian Wilson collaborated with musician Don Was on the documentary "Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times", whose soundtrack—comprising rerecorded Beach Boys songs—was released in August as his second solo album.
1995: Reflection on Caroline, No
In a 1995 interview, Brian Wilson called “Caroline, No” “probably the best [song] I’ve ever written.”
1996: Co-production of "Stars and Stripes Vol. 1"
In 1996, Brian Wilson co-produced The Beach Boys' album, "Stars and Stripes Vol. 1", with Joe Thomas.
1997: Contribution to "The Wilsons"
In 1997, Brian Wilson and Tony Asher rekindled their writing partnership, and one of their songs, "Everything I Need", appeared on "The Wilsons"—a project by his daughters Carnie and Wendy.
1997: Relocation to St. Charles, Illinois
In 1997, Brian Wilson relocated to St. Charles, Illinois, to work on a solo project with Joe Thomas.
1997: Sean O'Hagan felt rock music's domination
Speaking in a 1997 interview, musician Sean O'Hagan felt that rock music's domination of mass culture following the mid-1960s had the effect of artistically stifling contemporary pop composers who, until then, had been guided by Wilson's increasingly ambitious creative advancements.
June 1998: Release of "Imagination"
In June 1998, Brian Wilson released his third solo album, "Imagination", which peaked at number 88 in the U.S. and received criticism for its homogenized radio pop sound.
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.
July 1999: First Solo Tour
From March to July 1999, Brian Wilson embarked on his first ever solo tour, playing about a dozen dates in the U.S. and Japan.
August 1999: Lawsuit Against Joe Thomas
In August 1999, Brian Wilson filed suit against Joe Thomas, seeking damages and a declaration that he could work on his next album without Thomas's involvement.
1999: Solo Touring Begins
In 1999, Brian Wilson started touring regularly as a solo artist.
1999: Belief in Phil Spector
In 1999, when asked for his religious beliefs, Brian Wilson responded: "I believe in Phil Spector".
2000: Release of "Live at the Roxy Theatre" and Pet Sounds Tour
Early in 2000, Brian Wilson released his first live album, "Live at the Roxy Theatre". Later that year, he embarked on U.S. tour dates featuring the first full live performances of Pet Sounds, backed by a 55-piece orchestra.
2000: Acknowledging Phil Spector's Influence
In 2000, Brian Wilson referred to Phil Spector as "probably the biggest influence of all", noting his method of treating the song as one giant instrument.
2000: Feeling Comfortable on Stage
In 2000, Brian Wilson stated that he felt much more comfortable on stage due to having a good band behind him, considering them better than the Beach Boys.
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: Release of Caroline Now!
In 2000, Marina Records released Caroline Now!, an album of Brian Wilson's songs recorded by various artists.
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.
March 2001: Tribute Show at Radio City Music Hall
In March 2001, Brian Wilson attended a tribute show held in his honor at Radio City Music Hall in New York, where he performed "Heroes and Villains" publicly for the first time in decades.
June 2002: Release of "Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds Live"
In June 2002, Brian Wilson released the live album "Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds Live", which featured recordings from the European concerts during the Pet Sounds tour.
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.
February 2004: Premiere of Brian Wilson Presents Smile
In February 2004, "Brian Wilson Presents Smile" premiered at the Royal Festival Hall in London, receiving a positive reception that led to a subsequent studio album adaptation.
June 2004: Release of "Gettin' In over My Head"
In June 2004, Brian Wilson released his fourth solo album, "Gettin' In over My Head". The record featured guest appearances from Van Dyke Parks, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Elton John.
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".
July 2005: Performance at Live 8 in Berlin
In July 2005, Brian Wilson performed at Live 8 in Berlin, an event watched by about three million viewers on television.
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.
October 2005: Release of "What I Really Want for Christmas"
In October 2005, Arista Records released Brian Wilson's album, What I Really Want for Christmas, which featured two new original songs by Wilson.
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.
November 2006: 40th Anniversary of Pet Sounds Tour
In November 2006, Brian Wilson toured the album Pet Sounds briefly with Al Jardine to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pet Sounds' release.
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.
2007: Wilson's impact on indie music
Through acts such as Panda Bear, and especially his 2007 album Person Pitch, Brian Wilson began to be recognized for his continued impact on the indie music vanguard since the late 2000s.
September 2008: Release of "That Lucky Old Sun"
In September 2008, Brian Wilson released his seventh solo album, That Lucky Old Sun. This studio-recorded album was a semi-autobiographical conceptual piece about California and received generally favorable reviews.
2009: Pitchfork editorial feature
In 2009, Pitchfork ran an editorial feature that traced the development of nascent indie music scenes, and chillwave in particular, to the themes of Brian Wilson's songs and his reputation for being an "emotionally fragile dude with mental health problems who coped by taking drugs."
August 2010: Release of "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin"
In August 2010, Brian Wilson released Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin. The album reached number 26 on the Billboard 200 and topped its Jazz Albums chart, and Wilson subsequently toured, performing the album in its entirety.
2010: A Brilliant Producer
In 2010 Virgil Moorefield's book The Producer as Composer: Shaping the Sounds of Popular Music acknowledges Wilson as a "brilliant producer" who significantly expanded the field of music production.
October 2011: Release of "In the Key of Disney"
In October 2011, Brian Wilson released In the Key of Disney, which peaked at number 83 in the U.S. The album was released one week before The Smile Sessions.
2011: Spiritual Beliefs Without Religion
In 2011, Brian Wilson said that while he had spiritual beliefs, he did not follow any particular religion.
2011: Reunion and Tour Discussions
In mid-2011, Brian Wilson reunited with his bandmates Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, and Bruce Johnston to re-record "Do It Again" for a potential 50th anniversary album. Rumors circulated about a world tour by the group, but Wilson expressed reservations about working with them due to personal feelings and financial considerations.
2011: Tributes to Wilson remain common
Writing in his 2011 book on the Beach Boys, Mark Dillon stated that tributes to Brian Wilson remained "common among musicians young enough to be his children".
June 2012: Release of That's Why God Made the Radio
In June 2012, the album That's Why God Made the Radio, was released. Wilson had renewed his creative partnership with Joe Thomas.
September 2012: End of Reunion Tour
In September 2012, the reunion tour with The Beach Boys, which Brian Wilson had agreed to, came to an end.
June 2013: Announcement of New Material Recording
In June 2013, Brian Wilson's website announced he was recording and self-producing new material with Don Was, Al Jardine, David Marks, Blondie Chaplin, and Jeff Beck. The material was suggested to be split into three albums.
2013: Linda Ronstadt's Memoir
In her 2013 memoir, Simple Dreams, Linda Ronstadt implied that she had briefly dated Brian Wilson in the 1970s.
January 2014: Cancellation of Jeff Beck Collaboration Release
In January 2014, Brian Wilson stated in an interview that the collaborations with Jeff Beck would not be released.
September 2014: Premiere of "Love & Mercy" Biopic
In September 2014, Brian Wilson attended the premiere of Bill Pohlad's biopic Love & Mercy at the Toronto International Film Festival. He contributed "One Kind of Love" to the film.
April 2015: Release of "No Pier Pressure"
In April 2015, No Pier Pressure, another collaboration between Brian Wilson and Joe Thomas, was released, featuring guest appearances from Al Jardine, David Marks, and Blondie Chaplin.
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."
2015: Quintessential Figure
In his 2015 book Electric Shock, Peter Doggett identifies Brian Wilson as the quintessential figure of an era marked by "some of the most notorious pop battles" between "idealistic musicians" and the executives funding their ambitious projects.
March 2016: Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour
In March 2016, Brian Wilson and Al Jardine began the Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour, billed as his final performances of the album.
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: Pet Sounds credited with inventing the modern pop album
In 2016, Jason Guriel of The Atlantic credited Brian Wilson's album Pet Sounds with inventing the modern pop album and anticipating "the rise of the producer".
2016: Harmonic Ingenuity
In 2016, musicologist Philip Lambert states that Wilson's harmonic approach demonstrated an exceptional mastery and significantly expanded upon the British-American pop idiom of the 1960s, leaving a lasting imprint on popular music since.
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.
2019: Co-headlining Tour with The Zombies
In 2019, Brian Wilson embarked on a co-headlining tour with The Zombies, performing selections from Friends and Surf's Up.
August 2021: Resumption of Touring
Brian Wilson resumed touring in August 2021, after pausing his tours due to the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in early 2020. Many dates were rescheduled to the following year.
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.
2022: She & Him concert tour dedicated to renditions of Wilson's songs
In 2022, She & Him, accompanied by the release of Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson, embarked on a concert tour dedicated to renditions of Brian Wilson's songs.
January 2023: Report of Potential End to Touring
During a January 2023 appearance on a Beach Boys fan podcast, Brian Wilson's daughter Carnie reported that her father was "probably not going to tour anymore, which is heartbreaking".
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).
2024: Completion of "Cows in the Pasture" Album
In 2024, Cows in the Pasture, the unfinished album Brian Wilson had produced for Fred Vail in 1970, will be completed by Vail. Wilson is the executive producer and contributed new vocals to one of the tracks.
2024: Equivalent cost of Landy's annual charges
In 2024, Landy's annual charges from 1983 of approximately $430,000 are equivalent to $1.36 million.
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