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Brian Wilson

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Brian Wilson (1942 to 2025) was an American musician, singer, songwriter and producer and the founder of the Beach Boys. In 1961 he began his professional career with the band. He wrote, produced, sang, played bass and keyboards and was in effect the leader. After signing to Capitol Records in 1962 he became the first pop musician to be recognised for writing, arranging, producing and performing his own material. He also made records for others, such as the Honeys, Jan & Dean and Glen Campbell.

Music and breakthrough

By the mid-1960s he had already written or co-written two dozen American top 40 hits, including the number 1 hits Surf City in 1963, I Get Around in 1964, Help Me, Rhonda in 1965 and Good Vibrations in 1966. His models included George Gershwin, the Four Freshmen, Phil Spector and Burt Bacharach. His work stands out for its rich harmonies, orchestrations and vocal arrangements, and for his head voice and falsetto. He struggled with mental health problems all his life. Those problems also shaped his career.

Influence

As a solo artist he released, among others, Brian Wilson in 1988, SMiLE in 2004, That Lucky Old Sun in 2008 and No Pier Pressure in 2015. Wilson is regarded as the first rock producer to use the studio as an instrument, and so as one of the most important innovators in pop history.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Good Vibrations and notice how the song consists of several sections, each with its own mood. Hear how vocals, bass and strings are layered differently each time.

Discography

Studio albums

Mentioned in other articles

See also

Categories: ArtistsSurf rock