Brian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, widely recognized as one of the 20th century's most innovative and influential songwriters. He co-founded the Beach Boys, where his musical genius was evident in his novel approach to pop composition, exceptional musical aptitude, and mastery of recording techniques. Wilson's work is celebrated for its high production quality, intricate harmonies and orchestrations, layered vocals, and insightful and sincere themes. Also known for his former high-pitched vocals, Wilson has faced lifelong challenges with mental health.
1943: Impact of Rhapsody in Blue
At age two, Brian Wilson heard Glenn Miller's rendition of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, which had a profound emotional impact and became a significant life theme for him.
1954: Influence of Rock Around the Clock
Brian Wilson's first musical inspiration to learn and sing repeatedly was Bill Haley's 1954 recording of "Rock Around the Clock".
1955: Appreciation for Smokey Joe's Cafe
Brian Wilson appreciated the Robins' song "Smokey Joe's Cafe" (1955), eventually recording his own version of the track.
1956: Discovery of Freshmen Favorites
Brian Wilson listened to the Four Freshmen's album Freshmen Favorites in its entirety, marking his first experience of fully engaging with a pop album.
1958: Admiration for Devoted to You
Brian Wilson held a particular fondness for the Everly Brothers' song "Devoted to You" (1958), which he later recorded his own rendition of.
1958: Influence of Voices in Love
Brian Wilson regarded the Four Freshmen's album Voices in Love (1958) as possibly the greatest vocal album he had ever heard, deeply influencing his musical sensibilities.
October 1959: Brian Wilson's Early Musical Ambitions and First Public Performance
In October 1959, Brian Wilson wrote an essay for his Senior Problems course titled "My Philosophy," where he expressed his ambition to make a name for himself in music. During this time, he also had one of his earliest public performances at his high school's fall arts program. He formed a group called "Carl and the Passions" with his cousin Mike Love and brother Carl Wilson, performing songs by Dion and the Belmonts and the Four Freshmen. Their performance impressed classmate and musician Al Jardine.
September 1960: Brian Wilson Enters College and Explores Music Further
In September 1960, Brian Wilson enrolled as a psychology major at El Camino College in Los Angeles. Despite pursuing music alongside his studies, he was disappointed by his teachers' disregard for pop music, leading him to withdraw from college after about 18 months.
1960: Interest in Hully Gully
Brian Wilson was drawn to the Olympics' song "Hully Gully" (1960), later releasing his own rendition of the tune.
1961: Formation of "The Pendletones" and Debut Performance
In the autumn of 1961, the three Wilson brothers, Mike Love, and Al Jardine formed their first music group, called "the Pendletones." Encouraged by Dennis Wilson, Brian and Mike Love collaborated on their first song, "Surfin'." After practicing in the Wilsons' music room, the group recruited Murry Wilson as their manager and prepared for their first studio session.
1961: "Surfin'" Success, Name Change to The Beach Boys, and Major Live Debut
Produced by Hite and Dorinda Morgan on Candix Records, "Surfin'" gained popularity in Los Angeles and reached number 75 on the national Billboard sales charts. However, Candix Records changed the group's name to the Beach Boys. Their first significant live performance took place at the Ritchie Valens Memorial Dance on New Year's Eve in 1961. A few days before this performance, Wilson received an electric bass from his father and quickly learned to play it, leading Jardine to switch to rhythm guitar.
1961: Top 10 Music Preference
Brian Wilson's music taste in 1961 leaned towards the top 10 hits of the era, encompassing various popular songs from that period.
1961: Diminished Obsession with the Four Freshmen
Brian Wilson's intense fascination with the Four Freshmen decreased after 1961, although their influence remained evident in his musical style.
1961: Brian Wilson Crafts His First Original Melody, "Surfer Girl"
Brian Wilson claimed to have composed his first fully original melody, "Surfer Girl," in 1961, inspired by a Dion and the Belmonts version of "When You Wish Upon a Star." However, his close high school friends challenged this claim, asserting that he had written original compositions before this period.
August 1962: Meeting Jan and Dean
Around August 1962, Brian Wilson met Jan and Dean, a music duo signed to Liberty Records. This encounter marked the beginning of a successful collaborative relationship between Wilson and the duo.
1962: Collaboration with Other Artists and First Official Production Credit
By mid-1962, Brian Wilson began collaborating with DJ Roger Christian, whom he met through either Murry Wilson or Usher, and guitarist Bob Norberg, who became Wilson's roommate. In October 1962, Safari Records, a label established by Murry Wilson, released the single "The Surfer Moon" by Bob & Sheri. This marked the first record credited with "Produced by Brian Wilson." The only other record released by the label was Bob & Sheri's "Humpty Dumpty," also written by Wilson.
1962: Signing with Capitol Records and Early Recording Sessions
In 1962, Brian Wilson, as a member of the Beach Boys, signed a seven-year contract with Capitol Records' Nick Venet. Recording sessions for their first album, "Surfin' Safari," were held in Capitol's basement studios in August. However, Wilson desired a different recording environment. The large studios were designed for recording large orchestras and ensembles, not small rock groups. Due to Wilson's persistence, Capitol agreed to allow the Beach Boys to finance their own external recording sessions, with Capitol retaining all rights. During the recording of their first LP, Wilson also advocated for and secured the right to lead the production, although he wasn't officially credited as the producer in the album's liner notes.
March 1963: The Beach Boys' Second Album and First Top-Ten Single
From January to March 1963, Brian Wilson produced the Beach Boys' second album, "Surfin' U.S.A." To dedicate his time to writing and recording, he limited his public appearances with the band to television shows and local performances. David Marks filled in for Wilson on vocals. In March 1963, Capitol released the Beach Boys' first top-ten single, "Surfin' U.S.A.," which marked the beginning of their successful recording endeavors at Western. The "Surfin' U.S.A." album also achieved significant success in the U.S., reaching number two on the national sales charts by July. The Beach Boys solidified their position as a top-ranking recording and touring band.
July 1963: Official Recognition as Producer and Release of "Surfer Girl"
Brian Wilson was officially credited as the Beach Boys' producer for the first time on the album "Surfer Girl." The album was recorded in June and July 1963 and released in September of the same year. "Surfer Girl" reached number seven on the national charts, accompanied by equally successful singles.
July 20, 1963: First Number One Hit with "Surf City"
Against Nick Venet's wishes, Brian Wilson collaborated with artists outside Capitol Records. After meeting Liberty Records' Jan and Dean, likely in August 1962, Wilson offered them a new song he had written, "Surf City." On July 20, 1963, "Surf City," co-written by Wilson and Jan Berry, became Wilson's first composition to reach the top of the US charts. The song's success pleased Wilson but angered Murry Wilson and Capitol Records. Murry instructed Brian to stop collaborating with Jan and Dean, but their collaborations continued. Wilson's hits with Jan and Dean significantly revitalized the duo's struggling career.
October 1963: Release of "Little Deuce Coupe" and Temporary Departure from Touring
Brian Wilson also produced a collection of car-themed songs for the Beach Boys' fourth album, "Little Deuce Coupe," released in October 1963, just three weeks after the "Surfer Girl" LP. Due to his reluctance to tour, Wilson was replaced on stage for many of the band's live performances in mid-1963 by Al Jardine, who had briefly left the band to focus on his studies. However, Wilson was compelled to rejoin the touring lineup after David Marks' departure in late 1963.
1963: Producing The Honeys and Personal Life Changes
Around the same time, Brian Wilson started producing a girl group called the Honeys, consisting of sisters Marilyn and Diane Rovell and their cousin Ginger Blake, local high school students he met at a Beach Boys concert in August of the previous year. Wilson pitched the Honeys to Capitol Records, envisioning them as a female counterpart to the Beach Boys. The company released several Honeys recordings as singles, but they did not achieve commercial success. During this period, Wilson developed a close relationship with the Rovell family and resided at their home for most of 1963 and 1964.
1963: Formation of Brian Wilson Productions and Ocean Music
Brian Wilson established Brian Wilson Productions, a record production company on Sunset Boulevard, and Ocean Music, a music publishing company for his songs written for other artists. Notably, throughout 1963, beyond his work with the Beach Boys, Wilson contributed to at least 42 songs as a writer, arranger, producer, or performer for various artists including the Honeys, Jan and Dean, the Survivors, Sharon Marie, the Timers, the Castells, Bob Norberg, Vickie Kocher, Gary Usher, Christian, Paul Petersen, and Larry Denton.
1963: Revelation of Be My Baby
Brian Wilson was captivated by the Ronettes' "Be My Baby" (1963) upon hearing it for the first time, considering it the greatest record he had ever encountered.
1964: World Tours, Album Releases, and Dismissal of Murry Wilson
Brian Wilson participated in international concert tours with the Beach Boys in 1964 while also continuing to write and produce for the group. This year saw the release of three albums: Shut Down Volume 2 in March, All Summer Long in June, and The Beach Boys' Christmas Album in November. Following a demanding Australasian tour in early 1964, the band made a collective decision to relieve Murry Wilson from his managerial role. Despite this, Murry maintained some influence over the band's operations and stayed in contact with Brian, sharing his perspectives on their decisions. Brian would also occasionally turn to his father for musical opinions.
1964: Shifting Creative Focus and Personal Struggles
The increasing demands of Brian Wilson's professional and personal life led him to a psychological breaking point. He abandoned writing surfing-themed material after "Don't Back Down" in April. During the band's first major European tour in late 1964, he reacted angrily to a journalist inquiring about his feelings on initiating the surfing sound. Wilson resented being associated with surf and car songs, clarifying that his goal was to create a sound teenagers enjoyed, applicable to any theme, reflecting the life of a typical teenager. He later confessed to feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted, lacking peace of mind or time to think or rest. Adding to his concerns were the band's business operations and the quality of their records, which he felt were negatively affected. In an attempt to regain emotional stability, Wilson impulsively married Marilyn Rovell on December 7.
1964: Impact of He's a Rebel
The Crystals' Phil Spector-produced hit "He's a Rebel" (1964) profoundly affected Brian Wilson, further solidifying Spector's influence on his music.
1964: Social Isolation and Newfound Freedom
With his bandmates often on tour, Brian Wilson became increasingly isolated from the other Beach Boys. From autumn 1964, he moved out of the Rovells' house and into a one-bedroom apartment at 7235 Hollywood Boulevard. This newfound independence allowed him to establish a new social circle through his industry connections. Biographer Steven Gaines highlights that Wilson, for the first time, enjoyed complete freedom from family constraints, enabling him to make new friends without parental interference. Gary Usher noted that Wilson previously had few close friends and was easily influenced. By the end of 1964, Wilson had become one of the most successful, influential, and sought-after young musicians in Los Angeles.
1964: Wilson Praises and Submits Songs to Phil Spector
Brian Wilson highly praised Phil Spector's "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and even called the song's co-writers to tell them that he thought it was the "greatest record ever." Wilson tried to collaborate with the songwriters and submitted two of his own songs to Spector, but he was rejected.
1964: Continued Residence with the Rovell Family
Brian Wilson continued to live with the Rovell family throughout 1964, indicating a significant period of personal change and close connection with the family.
1964: Wilson Cites Disney's *Mary Poppins* as an Influence
Brian Wilson claimed that the music in Disney's *Mary Poppins* was one of his influences.
1964: Wilson Is Affected by The Beatles' Popularity
Brian Wilson and Mike Love immediately felt threatened upon The Beatles' arrival on the music scene and realized that The Beach Boys could never match their stage presence, so they decided to try to surpass them in terms of studio recordings.
January 1965: Withdrawal from Touring and Emotional Breakdown
On December 23, 1964, Brian Wilson was scheduled to join his bandmates on a two-week US tour. However, on a flight from Los Angeles to Houston, he began sobbing uncontrollably about his marriage. Al Jardine, who was seated next to him, described it as an unprecedented experience for the group. Despite this, Wilson performed in Houston later that day but was replaced by session musician Glen Campbell for the remaining tour dates. At the time, Wilson labeled this as the 'first of a series of three breakdowns' he endured. Upon resuming recording sessions for their next album in January 1965, Wilson informed his bandmates that he would no longer participate in future tours. He later attributed this decision to his envy of Phil Spector and the Beatles.
1965: Musical Advancements and Temporary Touring Replacements
Brian Wilson demonstrated significant musical growth with the release of two albums in 1965: The Beach Boys Today! in March and Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) in June. Glen Campbell continued to tour with the band in Wilson's absence until February. As a gesture of gratitude, Wilson produced Campbell's single "Guess I'm Dumb" in March. Subsequently, the band brought on Columbia Records staff producer Bruce Johnston as Wilson's substitute for touring. On a few occasions in February, March, July, and October, Wilson rejoined the live group for one-off performances.
1965: Wilson Uses A Capella in "Salt Lake City"
Brian Wilson employed a sudden break into an a capella segment in "Salt Lake City."
1965: Friendship with Loren Schwartz and Introduction to New Ideas
During this period, Brian Wilson's closest friend was Loren Schwartz, a talent agent he met at a Hollywood studio. Through Schwartz, Wilson was exposed to a wealth of literature and mystical concepts, primarily in philosophy and world religions, which captivated his interest. Schwartz also introduced Wilson to marijuana and hashish. Wilson's regular use of marijuana created tension in his marriage to Marilyn, further strained by his frequent visits to Schwartz's apartment. Wilson's songwriting, beginning with "Please Let Me Wonder" in 1965, was influenced by his marijuana use.
1965: LSD Experiences and Personal Insights
In 1965, Brian Wilson described a profound experience he considered deeply religious during which he took LSD. He had once taken a full dose of LSD and later, on a separate occasion, a smaller dose. Wilson felt he gained significant insights from these experiences, particularly regarding patience and understanding. While he couldn't articulate or teach what he learned, he acknowledged the impact of LSD on his personal growth.
1966: Wilson Uses A Capella in "Sloop John B"
Brian Wilson employed a sudden break into an a capella segment in "Sloop John B."
1966: Wilson Describes His Songwriting Process
Brian Wilson explained his songwriting process, which involved finding a basic chord pattern and rhythm that he called "feels." Once he fleshed out these ideas a bit more, he said they were no longer "feels." He added that he tries to write songs that seem simple even if they're actually complex.
1966: Wilson Names Burt Bacharach as an Influence
Brian Wilson publicly acknowledged Burt Bacharach as one of his main musical influences.
1966: Rising Influence and Recognition
By 1966, Brian Wilson had become one of the most successful, influential, and sought-after young musicians in Los Angeles. Despite his achievements, wider public recognition of his talent eluded him until this year.
1966: Phil Spector as Influential Producer
In 1966, Brian Wilson recognized Phil Spector as the most influential producer, acknowledging his significant impact on his musical approach.
1966: Phil Spector's Retirement
Phil Spector's self-imposed retirement in 1966, alongside Brian Wilson's later withdrawal, was identified as a catalyst for the rock/pop split in American music.
1966: Beatlemania's Impact and The Beach Boys' Response
The arrival of Beatlemania in the U.S. in February 1966 significantly impacted Brian Wilson. In an interview that year, Wilson acknowledged the Beatles' influence, stating they overshadowed some of the Beach Boys' accomplishments and challenged their position as America's leading vocal group. In response, the Beach Boys accelerated their efforts. Author James Perone suggests that their May 1966 single "I Get Around", their first U.S. number one hit, represented both a successful counter to the British Invasion and the start of an unspoken rivalry between Wilson and the Beatles, primarily Paul McCartney.
1967: Wilson's Withdrawal
Brian Wilson withdrew from public life in 1967, marking a turning point in his career and influencing the direction of American popular music.
1967: Wilson Records "My Little Red Book"
Brian Wilson recorded a rendition of Burt Bacharach's "My Little Red Book," but it was never officially released.
June 1968: Release of Friends Album and Brian's Emotional Recovery
Brian Wilson recovered emotionally and actively led the studio sessions for the Beach Boys' album 'Friends,' considering it his second 'solo album' after 'Pet Sounds.'
1968: Wilson Employs Musical Devices Inspired by Burt Bacharach and The Four Freshmen
Brian Wilson frequently used chord inversions in his music, which was inspired by Burt Bacharach. Specifically, Wilson was inspired by Bacharach's songs "Walk On By" and "This Guy's in Love with You." Another device Wilson often used was sudden breaks into a capella segments, which he borrowed from The Four Freshmen.
1968: Wilson Records "Walk On By"
Brian Wilson recorded a rendition of Burt Bacharach's "Walk On By," but it was never officially released.
1968: Brian's Hospitalization and Withdrawal
Brian Wilson was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and his withdrawal and struggles became increasingly apparent.
1968: Brian's Declining Emotional State and Substance Abuse
Brian Wilson's songwriting output decreased, and his emotional state worsened, leading to increased substance abuse, including amphetamines, marijuana, and cocaine.
February 1969: Recording of 20/20 Album Begins
The Beach Boys began recording their album '20/20' while Brian Wilson was absent due to his hospitalization.
August 1969: Brian's Limited Studio Involvement
Brian Wilson had limited studio involvement until August 1969 during the recording of 'Sunflower.'
1969: Wilson's Use of Chromatic Bass Descents is Displayed in "Our Prayer"
Brian Wilson frequently used chromatic bass descents in his music, which was most notably displayed in "Our Prayer."
1969: Brian Produces Spoken-Word Recordings and Signs with Reprise Records
Brian Wilson produced 'A World of Peace Must Come' for poet Stephen Kalinich and signed with Reprise Records, with a contract requiring his active involvement in all Beach Boys albums.
1969: Wilson Cites *Switched-On Bach* as an Influence
Brian Wilson claimed that Wendy Carlos' *Switched-On Bach* was "one of the most electrifying records" that he had ever heard and that the album influenced the way he used synthesizers.
March 1970: Brian Briefly Substitutes for Mike Love on Tour
Brian Wilson temporarily replaced Mike Love during a Beach Boys tour, describing it as 'the best three days of my life.'
August 1970: Release of Sunflower Album
The Beach Boys released their album 'Sunflower' after year-long recording sessions with Brian Wilson's active participation.
November 1970: Brian Joins Live Band at Whisky a Go Go
Brian Wilson performed with the Beach Boys' live band at the Whisky a Go Go for a brief period.
1970: Production of Cows in the Pasture
Brian Wilson produced an unfinished album titled Cows in the Pasture for Fred Vail in 1970, which remained incomplete for several decades.
1970: Reflection on 'Don't Worry Baby'
In a 1970 interview, Brian Wilson shared his perspective on the Beach Boys' song 'Don't Worry Baby,' considering it as 'Probably the best record we've done.' The song, which served as the B-side to their hit 'I Get Around', holds a significant place in Wilson's view of their musical achievements.
August 1971: Release of Surf's Up Album
The Beach Boys released their album 'Surf's Up,' with Brian Wilson having minimal contributions to the recording process.
September 1971: Wilson Returns to Arranging
Brian Wilson told a reporter that he had recently returned to arranging music more than writing.
February 1972: Wilson Attends America Gig
Wilson went to an America concert at the Whisky a Go Go, where he was observed acting erratically.
April 1972: Wilson Contributes to Carl and the Passions
While Brian Wilson was largely unavailable during the recording of the Beach Boys album Carl and the Passions, his contributions when present were noted as significant. His unavailability was such that his image had to be superimposed into the group portrait for the record.
1972: Dismantling of Brian's Home Studio
Brian Wilson's home studio was dismantled in 1972.
1972: Wilson Moves to Holland, Writes Fairy Tale
Brian Wilson joined his bandmates in Holland, where he was inspired by Randy Newman's album Sail Away to write a fairy tale, Mount Vernon and Fairway.
January 1973: Holland Released
The Beach Boys released their album Holland, which included a bonus EP of Brian Wilson's fairy tale Mount Vernon and Fairway after the band rejected his proposal to include it on the main album.
June 1973: Wilson's Father Dies, Leading to Seclusion
Following the death of his father, Murry Wilson, Brian Wilson retreated into seclusion, grappling with substance abuse and self-destructive behavior. His family took control of his finances due to irresponsible spending.
April 1974: McCartneys Visit Wilson
Paul and Linda McCartney visited Brian Wilson, but he refused to allow them into his house.
October 1974: Endless Summer Achieves Success
The Beach Boys' greatest hits compilation Endless Summer reached number one on the US album charts, marking a resurgence in the band's popularity.
December 1974: Child of Winter Released
The Beach Boys released the single "Child of Winter (Christmas Song)", their first record since 1966 to credit Brian Wilson as producer.
1974: Wilson's Recording Output Diminishes
Brian Wilson's ability to record music was severely limited due to his struggles with concentration, resulting in only "skimpy little bits and pieces."
1975: Wilson Praises "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Brian Wilson named Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" as an example of a modern song with artistic integrity.
1975: Wilson's Limited Recording Output Continues
Brian Wilson's ability to record music was severely limited due to his struggles with concentration, resulting in only "skimpy little bits and pieces."
1975: Unreleased "Bedroom Tapes" Era
Brian's unreleased recordings from 1972 to 1975, despite his home studio being dismantled in 1972, became known as "Bedroom Tapes," reflecting his fragile emotional state and experimental approach.
1975: Wilson Signs Production Deal, Forms Supergroup
While still under contract with Warner Bros., Brian Wilson signed a short-lived production deal with Equinox Records and co-founded the supergroup California Music with Bruce Johnston and Terry Melcher. The group also involved Gary Usher, Curt Boettcher, and other Los Angeles musicians.
1976: Wilson Believes Modern Music Lacks Integrity, But Praises Queen
Brian Wilson commented that contemporary popular music lacked artistic integrity, but he named Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" as an exception.
1976: Copyright Act of 1976
The Copyright Act of 1976 provided Brian Wilson with reversion rights, enabling him to reclaim his song rights within a specified period after signing them away.
1977: Wilson Writes "Mona"
Brian Wilson wrote "Mona," a 1950's style love song that references several of his favorite Phil Spector songs in the lyrics.
1977: Wilson Discusses His Songwriting Process
Brian Wilson explained that he aspired to write songs that appear simple even if they are actually musically complex.
1978: Wilson's Influence on Progressive Pop
In 1978, David Leaf identified Brian Wilson's 1960s productions as a chief influence on progressive pop bands such as Queen, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), 10cc, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Musicologist Bill Martin also acknowledged Wilson's influence on the prog movement, particularly through his complex songwriting and basslines.
1981: Wilson's Withdrawal and the Rock/Pop Split
In 1981, sociomusicologist Simon Frith identified Brian Wilson's withdrawal in 1967, along with Phil Spector's self-imposed retirement in 1966, as the catalysts for the rock/pop split in American music. Frith noted the influence of both producers on 1967 hit songs but highlighted the enduring success of The Monkees, an imitation of the Beatles.
1982: Wilson Praises *Original Musiquarium I*
Brian Wilson named Stevie Wonder's compilation album *Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I* as one of his ten favorite albums of all time.
1986: Wilson Praises *Graceland*
Brian Wilson named Paul Simon's album *Graceland* as one of his ten favorite albums of all time.
January 1987: Solo Career Beginnings
Brian Wilson signs a solo contract with Sire Records, marking the start of his solo career journey. Seymour Stein, president of Sire Records, brings in Andy Paley as co-producer to guide and support Wilson's creative process. While Eugene Landy maintains an "executive producer" role, tensions arise between Landy and other producers like Russ Titelman and Lenny Waronker.
July 1988: Release of Debut Solo Album
Brian Wilson releases his debut solo album, "Brian Wilson," to positive reception from critics, though it achieves moderate commercial success, peaking at number 52 in the US. The album features notable tracks like "Rio Grande," an extended composition reminiscent of his work on the unfinished Beach Boys project "Smile." However, the album's release is overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding Eugene Landy's influence and the Beach Boys' unexpected success with "Kokomo," their first number-one hit since "Good Vibrations" and notably without Wilson's involvement.
1988: Wilson Names Favorite Albums
Brian Wilson named Stevie Wonder's 1982 compilation album *Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I* and Paul Simon's 1986 album *Graceland* as two of his ten favorite albums of all time.
May 1989: Film Soundtrack Contribution
Brian Wilson records "Daddy's Little Girl" for the soundtrack of the comedy film "She's Out of Control."
August 1989: Lawsuit Against Irving Music
Brian Wilson initiates a $100 million lawsuit against Irving Music to reclaim the song publishing rights that were sold by his father, Murry Wilson, many years prior. This move signifies Wilson's attempt to regain control over his musical legacy.
1990: Estrangement from the Beach Boys
Brian Wilson's relationship with the Beach Boys deteriorates further, leading to his estrangement from the band. His bandmates schedule recording sessions strategically to exclude him, and according to Brother Records president Elliot Lott, they reject Wilson's offers to produce an album for them, deepening the rift.
May 1991: Conservatorship and End of Partnership with Landy
A conservatorship suit is filed by Brian Wilson's family, expressing concerns over his well-being and the influence of Eugene Landy. This legal action results in the dissolution of Wilson's partnership with Landy in December, followed by a restraining order against Landy, bringing an end to their long and complicated relationship.
October 1991: Publication of Memoir and Legal Repercussions
Brian Wilson's first memoir, "Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story," is released, causing a stir with its controversial content. The memoir, criticized for plagiarism and inflammatory statements about his bandmates, leads to defamation lawsuits from Mike Love, Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, and his mother, Audree Wilson.
April 1992: Out-of-Court Settlement
While Brian Wilson is unsuccessful in regaining the publishing rights from Irving Music, an out-of-court settlement awards him a substantial sum of $10 million, providing some financial restitution.
May 1992: Mike Love's Lawsuit
Shortly after receiving the $10 million settlement from Irving Music, Brian Wilson faces a lawsuit filed by Mike Love regarding unpaid royalties and songwriting credits spanning several decades. This legal battle further strains their already fractured relationship and signifies ongoing tensions within the Beach Boys.
1993: Collaboration with Van Dyke Parks
Brian Wilson accepts a proposal to collaborate with Van Dyke Parks on an album featuring Parks' compositions. This collaboration marks a significant reunion between the two musicians after their unfinished "Smile" project in the 1960s, showcasing a renewed artistic partnership.
December 1994: Ruling in Favor of Mike Love
The jury delivers a verdict in favor of Mike Love, awarding him $5 million and a portion of future royalties owed by Brian Wilson. This legal defeat represents a significant financial setback for Wilson and adds to the complexity of their ongoing conflicts.
1994: Choral Version of Rhapsody in Blue
Brian Wilson collaborated with Van Dyke Parks to record a choral version of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue in 1994, showcasing the enduring influence of Gershwin on his music.
September 1995: Lawsuit Against Former Conservator
Brian Wilson initiates a lawsuit against his former conservator, Jerome Billet, seeking $10 million in damages. Wilson alleges negligence on Billet's part, claiming he failed to properly supervise the lawyers handling the lawsuits involving Irving Music and Mike Love. According to Wilson's second wife, Melinda, they were entangled in nine separate lawsuits at the time of their marriage in 1995, underscoring the legal turmoil surrounding him. These lawsuits, which persisted into the early 2000s, highlight a period of financial and emotional strain for Wilson.
October 1995: Release of Collaboration Album
Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks release their collaborative album, "Orange Crate Art," a project that had been accepted in 1993. The album reflects a period of renewed creativity and collaboration following Wilson's separation from Eugene Landy.
1996: Co-production of Beach Boys Album
Brian Wilson co-produces the Beach Boys' album "Stars and Stripes Vol. 1" with Joe Thomas, marking a return to working with his former bandmates after a period of estrangement. The album features country music stars covering Beach Boys songs, offering a different take on their classic material.
1997: Family Musical Project
Brian Wilson participates in "The Wilsons," a musical project led by his daughters, Carnie and Wendy Wilson. He contributes vocals and songwriting to the album, showcasing a united family effort.
1997: Relocation for Solo Album
Brian Wilson relocates to St. Charles, Illinois, to focus on creating a new solo album with Joe Thomas. This relocation signifies Wilson's dedication to his solo career and willingness to explore new creative environments.
1997: Impact of Rock Music's Dominance on Pop Composers
In 1997, musician Sean O'Hagan felt that rock music's domination of mass culture following the mid-1960s had artistically stifled contemporary pop composers who, until then, had been guided by Brian Wilson's increasingly ambitious creative advancements. Music journalist Patricia Cárdenas credited Wilson with inspiring many musicians to value pop songwriting as much as rock 'n' roll.
June 1998: Release of Third Solo Album
Brian Wilson releases his third solo album, "Imagination," which he considers a collaborative effort with Joe Thomas, the album's co-producer. The album reaches number 88 on the US charts but faces criticism from fans who perceive its sound as generic radio pop. Tragically, the album's release coincides with the deaths of Wilson's brother, Carl Wilson, and their mother, Audree Wilson, leaving Wilson with a profound sense of loss.
2000: Spector's Enduring Influence
Brian Wilson reaffirmed in 2000 that Phil Spector remained his biggest influence, highlighting Spector's innovative production techniques and impactful sound.
2000: Tributes and References to Wilson's Music
Many popular acts of the 1980s and 1990s recorded songs that celebrated or referenced Brian Wilson's music, including R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen, Barenaked Ladies, the Jayhawks, and Wilco. The High Llamas inspired American touring groups to recognize Wilson as an alternative music hero. Stereolab and the Elephant 6 collective were heavily influenced by Wilson. In Japan, references to Wilson and his "mad boy genius" legend became common among Shibuya-kei musicians like Cornelius. Marina Records released Caroline Now!, an album of Wilson's songs recorded by various artists, including Alex Chilton, Kim Fowley, the Aluminum Group, Eric Matthews, Saint Etienne, Peter Thomas, the High Llamas, and Jad Fair of Half Japanese.
2001: Wilson Denies Meeting John Lennon
In an interview, Brian Wilson denied ever meeting John Lennon, despite conflicting accounts from Alice Cooper about encounters between the two.
2002: Wilson Discusses The Beatles' Impact on His Work
Brian Wilson refuted the notion that he was influenced by The Beatles musically. However, he acknowledged that The Beatles had a profound cultural impact and that he felt threatened by their popularity. He said that each new Beatles release pushed him to "try something new" musically and commended Paul McCartney's bass playing skills.
2007: Wilson Names Billy Joel His Favorite Pianist
Brian Wilson cited Billy Joel as his favorite pianist.
2007: Wilson's Continued Impact on Indie Music
Thanks to acts such as Panda Bear and his album Person Pitch, Brian Wilson began to be recognized for his continued impact on the indie music vanguard since the late 2000s.
2008: Donald Brackett Compares Wilson to Carl Sandburg and Robert Frost
In his book *Dark Mirror: The Pathology of the Singer-Songwriter*, Donald Brackett identified Brian Wilson as "the Carl Sandburg and Robert Frost of popular music—deceptively simple, colloquial in phrasing, with a spare and evocative lyrical style embedded in the culture that created it."
2009: Wilson Reveals His Favorite Chords and Keys
Brian Wilson stated that his favorite chord is E major seventh and that his favorite key signatures to play in are B, C♯, E, and E♭.
2009: Wilson's Influence on Indie Music Scenes and Chillwave
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.
2011: Tributes to Wilson Remain Common Among Young Musicians
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.
2015: Wilson Claims He Only Listens to Older Music
Brian Wilson claimed that he only listens to "oldies but goodies" and not any modern music.
2015: Wilson Maintains He Only Listens to Older Music
Brian Wilson continued to claim that he only listens to "oldies but goodies" and not any modern music.
2016: Meeting with Phil Spector
Brian Wilson's 2016 memoir revealed that he met Phil Spector shortly after hearing "Be My Baby," marking a significant encounter in his musical journey.
2016: Wilson Credited with Inventing the Modern Pop Album
In 2016, The Atlantic's Jason Guriel credited Brian Wilson's Pet Sounds with inventing the modern pop album. Guriel stated that Wilson paved the way for auteurs, anticipated the rise of the producer, and the modern pop-centric era, which privileges producer over artist and blurs the line between entertainment and art.
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 disrupted Brian Wilson's concert performances, leading to a pause in his touring activities.
August 2021: Resumption of Concert Touring
Brian Wilson resumed his concert touring in August 2021 after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many dates rescheduled to the following year.
2021: Sale of Publishing Rights
At the end of 2021, Brian Wilson sold his publishing rights to Universal Music Publishing Group for $50 million, receiving $32 million for his songwriter share and $19 million for his reversion rights.
2022: She & Him Tribute Tour
Brian Wilson's influence continues to be attributed to modern dream pop acts such as Au Revoir Simone, Wild Nothing, Alvvays, and Lana Del Rey. 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 Wilson's songs.
2022: Lawsuit by Ex-Wife
In 2022, Brian Wilson's ex-wife Marilyn, who was entitled to half of his songwriting royalties, sued him for $6.7 million following his sale of publishing rights to UMPG.
January 2023: Retirement from Touring
Brian Wilson's daughter Carnie revealed in January 2023 that her father would likely not tour anymore, indicating his retirement from live performances.
2023: Sale of Sea of Tunes Publishing Company
The Beach Boys' publishing company, Sea of Tunes, was sold for $700,000 in 1969, equivalent to $5.82 million in 2023.
January 30, 2024: Death of Melinda Ledbetter
Melinda Ledbetter, Brian Wilson's wife, passed away at their home on January 30, 2024.
May 2024: Conservatorship and Dementia Diagnosis
Brian Wilson was diagnosed with dementia and placed under another conservatorship starting in May 2024.
2024: Completion of Cows in the Pasture
Fred Vail will complete the unfinished album Cows in the Pasture in 2024, with Brian Wilson serving as executive producer and contributing new vocals to one of the tracks.
2025: Release of Cows in the Pasture and Docuseries
The completed album Cows in the Pasture will be released in 2025, accompanied by a docuseries about Fred Vail and the album's creation process.