Photo: RB/Redferns/Retna

Born June 20th, 1942 Key Tracks "In My Room," "Don't Worry Baby," "Carline, No" Influenced Elton John, David Crosby, Ben Folds

In the mid-sixties, Brian Wilson was the ultimate singer's songwriter, composing the California-dream hits sung by the Beach Boys' main lead vocalists, Mike Love and Brian's brother Carl. But Brian's own high, bright tenor was often the top voice in the group's intricate surf-angel harmonies, and when he stepped out front, the vulnerable tremor that came with his plaintive falsetto made songs like "Don't Worry Baby" and the Pet Sounds jewel "Caroline, No" sound like profound melancholy. Brian's singing was "adult and childlike at the same time," said John Cale. "It was difficult for me not to believe everything he said." Art Garfunkel describes that voice as "this unique, crazy creation, a mix of rock & roll and heartfelt prayer" — a magic still heard in Brian's solo shows and on his latest album, That Lucky Old Sun.

1. In My Room
2. Don't Worry Baby
3. Caroline, No
4. Surf's Up
5. Good Vibrations
6. Wouldn't It Be Nice
7. I Know There's an Answer
8. Heroes and Villains
9. Farmer's Daughter
10. Barbara Ann

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