Role

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Composer

Genre

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Vocal

 

Brian Wilson and Tony Asher are two of the most influential figures in the world of classical music. Their collaboration on the album "Pet Sounds" is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the history of popular music. Brian Wilson was born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California. He grew up in a musical family, with his father Murry Wilson being a songwriter and his mother Audree Wilson being a singer. Brian and his two younger brothers, Dennis and Carl, formed a band called The Beach Boys in 1961. The band's early music was heavily influenced by the surf rock sound that was popular in California at the time. In 1964, The Beach Boys released their album "All Summer Long," which included the hit single "I Get Around." The album was a commercial success and helped establish the band as one of the most popular acts in the United States. However, Brian was not satisfied with the band's sound and wanted to explore new musical territory. In 1965, Brian began work on what would become The Beach Boys' masterpiece, "Pet Sounds." He enlisted the help of Tony Asher, a lyricist who had never worked on a pop album before. Together, they created a concept album that was unlike anything that had been done before in popular music. "Pet Sounds" was released in May 1966 and was met with critical acclaim. The album featured complex arrangements, innovative production techniques, and introspective lyrics that dealt with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The album's standout tracks included "God Only Knows," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," and "Caroline, No." Despite the critical success of "Pet Sounds," the album was not a commercial success in the United States. However, it was a hit in the United Kingdom and influenced a generation of British musicians, including The Beatles. Following the release of "Pet Sounds," Brian began work on what was intended to be The Beach Boys' follow-up album, "Smile." However, the album was never completed due to Brian's deteriorating mental health and the band's internal conflicts. In the years that followed, Brian struggled with drug addiction and mental illness. He withdrew from the public eye and did not release another solo album until 1988's "Brian Wilson." However, he continued to be a revered figure in the world of music and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Tony Asher was born on May 2, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended Harvard University, where he studied English literature and wrote for the school's humor magazine, The Harvard Lampoon. After graduating from Harvard, Tony moved to Los Angeles and began working as a freelance writer. He was introduced to Brian Wilson through a mutual friend and was asked to collaborate on "Pet Sounds." Following the success of "Pet Sounds," Tony continued to work as a lyricist and collaborated with a number of other musicians, including Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson. He also worked as a screenwriter and wrote the screenplay for the 1976 film "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane." In recent years, Brian and Tony have reunited to perform "Pet Sounds" in its entirety. They have also collaborated on new music, including the song "Don't Worry" from Brian's 2015 album "No Pier Pressure." Brian Wilson and Tony Asher's collaboration on "Pet Sounds" is a testament to the power of creative partnerships.

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