BRIAN WILSON

He is one of rock's most deeply revered figures, a legendary writer, producer, arranger and performer of some of the most cherished music in rock history. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to call Brian Wilson one of the most influential pop composers of the last 50 years. As the brainchild behind the Beach Boys, Wilson introduced a distinctive new sound—a sparkling fusion of complex vocal blends and propulsive rock and roll, celebrating the surfing and hot rod California lifestyle

Releasing hit after hit, the Beach Boys were like an irresistibly refreshing wave that flooded America. And Brian Wilson himself rode that sparkling swell as, beginning with 1962's Surfin' Safari, the early Beach Boys released seven albums (usually titled after their hit singles) in their first two years of existence, including Surfin' U.S.A., Surfer Girl, Little Deuce Coupe, Shut Down, Vol. 2, All Summer Long and Concert.

The group's 1966 album Pet Sounds, is considered by many to be the "Great American Pop Album." With keenly observed lyrics set to music that was richly textured, multi-layered and inventively arranged, Pet Sounds was music-making of the highest caliber, unified by a single theme: the difficult coming of age of a young man, Brian Wilson.

Now in 2008, Wilson is thriving once again, making great music, performing with an ace band of seasoned sidemen and cutting-edge pop-rockers, and selling out concert halls around the world.