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 a co-founder of the Beach Boys. Recognized for his innovative approaches to pop composition and mastery of recording techniques, he's considered one of the most significant songwriters of the 20th century. His work is characterized by high production value, complex harmonies and orchestrations, vocal layering, and introspective themes. He is also known for his vocal range and mental health struggles.

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, reaching 75 on the national Billboard sales charts after being produced by Hite and Dorinda Morgan on Candix Records. The group's name was changed to the Beach Boys by Candix Records. The Beach Boys' major live debut was at the Ritchie Valens Memorial Dance on New Year's Eve, 1961. Just days before, Wilson had received an electric bass from his father.

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1962: Signing with Capitol Records and Gaining Production Control

In 1962, Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys signed a seven-year contract with Capitol Records. Wilson negotiated with Capitol to record outside the label's studios and secured production control over their debut album, 'Surfin' Safari'.

March 1963: Release of "Surfin' U.S.A."

In March 1963, Capitol released "Surfin' U.S.A.", the Beach Boys' first top-ten single. The accompanying 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: Release of "Surf City"

In July 1963, Brian Wilson co-wrote "Surf City" with Jan Berry, which topped U.S. charts, his first composition to do so.

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July 1963: Release and Success of "Surfer Girl" LP

In July 1963, Brian Wilson recorded Surfer Girl, officially credited as The Beach Boys' producer. The LP was released in September, reaching number seven on the national charts.

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1963: Release of "Surf City"

In 1963, Brian Wilson wrote or co-wrote more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the number-one hit "Surf City".

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May 1964: Release of "I Get Around"

In May 1964, The Beach Boys' single "I Get Around" was released, becoming their first U.S. number-one hit and representing a response to the British Invasion.

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1964: Release of "I Get Around"

In 1964, Brian Wilson wrote or co-wrote more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the number-one hit "I Get Around".

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1965: Release of "Help Me, Rhonda"

In 1965, Brian Wilson wrote or co-wrote more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the number-one hit "Help Me, Rhonda".

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1965: Musical Ambitions and LSD Use

Throughout 1965, Brian Wilson's musical ambitions progressed with the albums 'The Beach Boys Today!' and 'Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)'. He also took LSD for the first time, an experience that he said "tore my head off" but also led to composing portions of "California Girls". Later in 1965, he attributed paranoia to his LSD use.

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1966: Release of "Good Vibrations"

In 1966, Brian Wilson wrote or co-wrote more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the number-one hit "Good Vibrations".

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June 1968: Release of 'Friends' During Recovery

The Beach Boys' June 1968 album 'Friends' was recorded during a period of emotional recovery for Brian Wilson, who remained central to the album.

October 1974: "Endless Summer" Reaches Number One

In October 1974, The Beach Boys' compilation album, Endless Summer, became the band's second number-one album in the U.S., marking a resurgence in their popularity.

July 2, 1976: Brian Wilson Resumes Regular Performances

On July 2, 1976, Brian Wilson resumed regular performances with The Beach Boys, marking his return to the stage since 1964. He alternated between singing, playing bass guitar, and playing the piano.

1976: "Brian's Back!" and Release of "15 Big Ones"

In 1976, under Landy's care, Brian Wilson became more socially engaged and productive, resulting in the "Brian's Back!" campaign. The Beach Boys released "15 Big Ones" in July, the first album since Pet Sounds to list Wilson as the sole producer.

1977: Release of 'The Beach Boys Love You'

In 1977, Brian Wilson's first professional comeback resulted in the almost solo effort 'The Beach Boys Love You'.

June 1985: "The Beach Boys" Album Release

In June 1985, Brian Wilson participated in recording "The Beach Boys", a release touted as his "comeback."

April 1992: Out-of-Court Settlement with Irving Music

In April 1992, Brian Wilson secured a $10 million out-of-court settlement with Irving Music, though he did not regain the song publishing rights he sought.

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.