Brian Wilson's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Brian Wilson.
Brian Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the co-founder of the Beach Boys. He is celebrated for his innovative approach to pop composition, musical talent, and mastery of recording. Wilson's work is characterized by high production values, complex harmonies, layered vocals, and introspective themes. His vocal range and struggles with mental illness are also notable aspects of his life and career.
1966: Rising Influence and Recognition
By the end of 1964, Brian Wilson had become an influential musician in Los Angeles. However, it wasn't until 1966 that a broader public recognition of his talents was achieved.
1967: Bernstein Describes Wilson as Important Pop Musician
In 1967, the CBS documentary Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution, hosted by Leonard Bernstein, described Brian Wilson as "one of today's most important pop musicians."
June 1968: Recording of Friends During Emotional Recovery
The album Friends was recorded in June 1968 during a period of emotional recovery for Brian Wilson. He led the studio sessions and later referred to it 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 reached number-one in the U.S., marking a resurgence in popularity for the band.
1976: "Brian's Back!" Promotion
Throughout 1976, the tagline "Brian's Back!" was used to promote the Beach Boys' concert tours and their July release, 15 Big Ones. This album was the first since Pet Sounds to credit Wilson as the sole producer.
April 1992: $10 Million Settlement from Irving Music
In April 1992, Brian Wilson was awarded $10 million through an out-of-court settlement with Irving Music, although he failed to recover the song publishing rights.
December 1994: Verdict in Favor of Mike Love
In December 1994, the jury ruled in favor of Mike Love in his lawsuit against Brian Wilson, awarding Love $5 million and a share of future royalties.
2000: Caroline Now! Tribute Album Released
In 2000, Marina Records released Caroline Now!, an album of Brian Wilson's songs recorded by artists including Alex Chilton, Kim Fowley, the Aluminum Group, Eric Matthews, Saint Etienne, Peter Thomas, the High Llamas, and Jad Fair of Half Japanese.
2008: Comparison in Dark Mirror
In his 2008 book Dark Mirror: The Pathology of the Singer-Songwriter, Donald Brackett identifies Wilson as "the Carl Sandburg and Robert Frost of popular music.
2011: Dillon on Tributes to Wilson
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".
2022: She & Him Embark on Tribute Tour
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.
