Brian Wilson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Brian Wilson.

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.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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".

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.