The fantastic PBS series, “American Masters”, is taking a deep dive into the life and career of The Beach Boys genius songwriter, Brian Wilson.  “The Long Promised Road” traces the legendary performer’s journey on a drive through Los Angeles with his friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine.

As a teenager, Wilson created a sound that raced to the top of the charts.  California Girls, Surfin’ USA, God Only Knows, Help Me Rhonda, Good Vibrations are just a few of the hits that still sound great more than 50 years later.  

I remember the battle between Beatles and Beach Boys fans in the late 60’s. I had a college friend who was fully in the Beach Boys camp.  I was all in for the Beatles and felt the Beach Boys were too teen oriented and not sophisticated.  My friend morphed into a die-hard Beatles fan with the release of “Abbey Road”.  I slowly agreed that with the album, “Pet Sounds”, the Beach Boys showed they had depth.

I loved the great Brian Wilson bio-movie, “Love and Mercy” with John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, and Paul Giametti.  And, I enjoyed seeing Wilson in concert twice right before the lockdown. Despite his medical and emotional challenges, he put on a spectacular show featuring the hits and including the beautiful Sail on Sailor.  He will be 80 later this month and is still touring this summer.

I look forward to seeing the show on PBS this month. I can’t wait to hear his peers and protégées, including Bruce Springsteen and Elton John, tell their stories about the amazing Brian Wilson!