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Brian at the Piano
Image Credit: Getty Images
Brian Wilson was born in Inglewood, California in 1942 and showed an interest in music at a young age, often learning songs by ear and watching his father Murry Wilson at the piano. He played the keyboard, bass guitar, and the drums across his discography. Here, he plays an upright piano in California in 1964.
A Sea of Adoring Fans
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
After signing with Capitol Records in 1962, the Beach Boys found success with several hits, including their chart-smashing top 10 single “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, from 1963. The band’s album of the same name won them national fame. Above, they perform for thousands of fans in 1964.
Everybody’s Gone Surfin’
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
The band poses with a surfboard in 1962. Thanks to the success of songs like “Surfin’,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” and “Surfin’ Safari,” the Beach Boys rode the surf craze wave and helped bring a uniquely California sound to the national forefront.
Take a Bite
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
Wilson participates in a 1968 photoshoot dedicated to eating silly things, including a record and a shoe. Though the shoot was lighthearted, Wilson had begun to struggle with the pressures of fame and mental health as the band’s popularity increased.
Recording a Masterpiece
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
In 1966, the band began working on what would become their groundbreaking album Pet Sounds, which shaped pop music and reinvited how many artists thought about music production. Above, Wilson — who masterminded much of the album —directs from the control room as the band records the LP.
Snapshot in Time
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
Carl Wilson, Mike Love, Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine pose for a photo in 1977. The Seventies marked a difficult time for Brian; he retreated even more from public view, and his struggles with mental health and addiction deepened.
Full Beach House
Image Credit: Disney General Entertainment
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Brian and Carl Wilson guest-star on an episode of Full House that aired in 1988. By then, Brian was often playing with his fellow band members again, touring as a solo act, and performing at charity shows.
Brian Behind the Camera
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
Brian helps direct the “Good Vibrations” video while wearing a fireman’s hat in October 1966. The song sold 293,000 copies within days of its release, reached Number One of the charts, and is still considered one of the greatest pop songs ever made.
Band Reflections
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
Brian poses in a photo with the band in 1967. By the mid-Sixties, Wilson’s mental health had started to decline. Following a nervous breakdown in 1966, he withdrew from the band and pursued music on his own, though he continued writing major hits for the Beach Boys. He also struggled with substance abuse during this time.
Reunited
Image Credit: WireImage
Despite ups and downs, the band came together in 2006 to receive double-platinum awards for their hits compilation Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of The Beach Boys.
On the Couch
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
Brian poses with his band members in 1965. By then, the band had released a long list of hit records and history-making albums.
The Grammy Goes To…
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Brian poses with his trophy after his instrumental track “Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow” won Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 2005 Grammys. He won two Grammys over the course of his life and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
With Love, the Beach Boys
Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives
The Beach Boys sign autographs for fans in 1979.
An Anthem
Image Credit: WireImage
The Beach Boys’ reunions at the late stage of their careers included this one, during a Los Angeles Dodgers opening day game in 2012. They got together to sing the national anthem.
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