A few weeks ago, we lost another one of “The Beach Boys”—Brian Wilson, master musician, passed away June 11, 2025 at the age of 82. He was known as the genius behind “The Beach Boys”—a group consisting of Brian, his two brothers, a friend, and a cousin. Long story short, Brian Wilson’s dad took the group to a record producer in California, where they originated. The group recorded “Surfin,” the song was played on the radio, and it became an instant hit! This started the group’s career, and the song established what became known as “California Music” or “California Sound.”
Now, I will admit that I have never owned any recordings by “The Beach Boys,” but I could not miss hearing their music on a variety of television shows and on the radio. I loved the surfing songs. Who did not hear, dance, or pat a foot to “Surfin,’ “Surfin’ Girl, Surfin’ Safari?” I know some of you remember those popular tunes by “The Beach Boys!”
It was very interesting to learn that Brian Wilson was not a surfer? Who would have believed that after he was the one who wrote all of the surfing songs? He stated that he did try surfing once, but he hit his head on the surf board, barely missing his eye and decided, “This is too dangerous for me!” He never jumped on a surf board again, but that did not stop him from writing music about this popular beach sport.
It is also amazing that Brian Wison was able to perform during his times of struggles, and he had several: trouble with drugs and alcohol abuse, depression, legal issues, mental health struggles including auditory hallucination—he heard voices in his head from time to time. Even with these limitations, Brian still wrote songs and performed. He was even born deaf in his right ear. He stated that he could write music even while depressed. Rising above his many limitations is alone a testament to his strength and love for music. He was simply unstoppable!
Back in 1966-1967, Brian Wilson wrote, “SMILE,” a complex and ambitious piece of music. “SMILE” is such a significant contrast to the other songs he has written. It is, what some describe as psychedelic pop. It has also been referred to as a “teenage symphony to God.” Since I had not heard this particular piece of music, I headed directly to YouTube to listen to it. Yes, it is different. In my most humble opinion, it sounds operatic—partly classical—so unlike “The Beach Boys” beach music. For 38 long years, this song sat on a shelf, and it was finally finished and released as a solo album in 2004. Believe it or not, Brian Wilson considers “Smile,” the greatest song he’s ever written. “The Beach Boys” eventually released it as The Smile Sessions in 2011. Check it out when you have a few minutes to spare.
Brian Wilson’s impact on music will last for many years to come. What a stella career!
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