Brian Wilson: A Memorial Tribute in Three Unique Songs

I’m sure you’ve heard that Brian Wilson just passed away (June 20, 1942-June 11, 2025). He was of course known for his many creative songs, mostly for the Beach Boys. As a tribute, here are three of his recordings that I absolutely love and that I often listen to on repeat, over and over. If you only know Wilson’s early “surfing” songs, these will truly astonish you. If you are familiar with his later work, you still may find that these are new to you—or well worth hearing again!

First, “I Went To Sleep,” co-written with his brother Carl in 1968 and released in February 1969. It’s one of a number of songs from this time period that I (and some others) call “Zen”—charming little scenes of life, sidestepping the whole idea of trying to create something “important.” It’s absolutely beautiful—and what vocal harmonies!:

Brian’s "Busy Doin' Nothin,’” recorded and released in 1968, is explicitly about nothing—the lyrics include detailed directions to his house (without street names)—and it’s composed as a bossa nova in the loveliest way possible:

Of course Wilson could be political as well. Listen closely to the lyrics of “Love and Mercy” (originally from 1988), in which he expresses deep and vulnerable compassion for those who struggle in this world. I guess you could say he was one of them. He introduces it as “a nice little love message,” but he knows it’s far more than that. In fact, there’s nothing romantic about it. He sings of being scared by the violence, hurt, and loneliness that he sees. Please watch this, my favorite performance of the song. It’s from the end of a concert in 2001, with surprise guests for the finish:

That was the famous Boys Choir of Harlem. This entire performance is absolutely profound and moving—there are so many delicate and meaningful details. It’s worth watching closely, and listening, several times.

Goodbye Brian! And thank you so much for all the gifts that you left for us.

All the best,

Lewis

P.S. My next jazz post is coming soon.