It is a great name in music that disappeared on June 11. Brian Wilson, iconic leader of the Beach Boys, passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind an inspiring musical career.
Born in June 1942 in Inglewood, California, Brian Wilson grew up in a family where music holds a large place, but also marked by an authoritarian and very hard father. Very young, he reveals early talents for singing and composition. It’s a miracle for him who is deaf in the right ear after his father violently threw him against a wall. Despite this infirmity, he possesses a sizeable asset: perfect pitch.
The Beach Boys: an almost immediate success
In 1961, with his brothers Carl and Dennis, his cousin Mike Love and a friend, Al Jardine, he founded the Beach Boys and became its main composer, arranger and producer. The group quickly embodies the Californian dream, tackling joyful and light themes like surfing, cars and girls but carried by complex vocal harmonies. It won’t take decades for the Beach Boys to find their audience. In the years 1963/64, there were a series of hits that are still iconic today. Surfin’ USA, Fun, Fun, Fun, I Get Around, Help Me, Rhonda, California Girls… The group makes young people dance like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan did at the time.
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Featured photo : © Beach Boys
