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RAMBLIN' ROUND: Brian and The Beach Boys: Still riding that wave
RAMBLIN' ROUND: Brian and The Beach Boys: Still riding that wave
By James Beaty | Managing editor Jul 26, 2020
Back when I was a kid, around 12 or 13, I mailed a letter to a writer I very much admired.
Since I was born too late to send a letter to Edgar Allan Poe or Mark Twain, I sent one to a writer — a songwriter — who continually amazed me even at that early stage with his exceptional musical abilities. He not only wrote the songs he sang, he also wrote the songs sang by his brothers, his cousin and a longtime friend, all of whom were in the same band as he.
I'm talking about Brian Wilson, the amazing talent behind The Beach Boys.
Somehow I had obtained an address for The Beach Boys — but I didn't write to the whole band. I singled out Brian Wilson because his name had been cited in virtually all of the songwriting credits on the group's records. Sometimes he wrote in collaboration with others. Still, unless it was a cover song, virtually all of the songs the band recorded had Brian's stamp on it.
When I sat my young self down to write Brian a letter, I didn't aim for anything very profound; I got right to the point.
As I recall, I wrote something along the lines of "Dear Brian, you are a great songwriter. You write all the best songs! I love to listen to your records here in Oklahoma.
"Your friend, James."
That's about it. I didn't want to drag it out too long. I figured Brian had lots to do, what with writing hits songs, serving as the band's de facto recording producer, and playing and singing with The Beach Boys.
I wrote down the California address, placed a stamp on an envelope and stuck my brief missive inside. In case the letter got lost or rejected or something, I wrote my return address on it. Then, I placed it in the mailbox. I simply wanted to let Brian know his musical endeavors were highly appreciated in the Sooner State. I didn't expect anything, not even a response.
That's why I felt so surprised when one day my mom told me a letter had arrived from me from California. California! I didn't know anybody in California other than my mother's Aunty Dolly. And she wouldn't be sending me a letter. Wait a minute. It couldn't be... could it?
[It] could.
{snip}
By James Beaty | Managing editor Jul 26, 2020
Back when I was a kid, around 12 or 13, I mailed a letter to a writer I very much admired.
Since I was born too late to send a letter to Edgar Allan Poe or Mark Twain, I sent one to a writer — a songwriter — who continually amazed me even at that early stage with his exceptional musical abilities. He not only wrote the songs he sang, he also wrote the songs sang by his brothers, his cousin and a longtime friend, all of whom were in the same band as he.
I'm talking about Brian Wilson, the amazing talent behind The Beach Boys.
Somehow I had obtained an address for The Beach Boys — but I didn't write to the whole band. I singled out Brian Wilson because his name had been cited in virtually all of the songwriting credits on the group's records. Sometimes he wrote in collaboration with others. Still, unless it was a cover song, virtually all of the songs the band recorded had Brian's stamp on it.
When I sat my young self down to write Brian a letter, I didn't aim for anything very profound; I got right to the point.
As I recall, I wrote something along the lines of "Dear Brian, you are a great songwriter. You write all the best songs! I love to listen to your records here in Oklahoma.
"Your friend, James."
That's about it. I didn't want to drag it out too long. I figured Brian had lots to do, what with writing hits songs, serving as the band's de facto recording producer, and playing and singing with The Beach Boys.
I wrote down the California address, placed a stamp on an envelope and stuck my brief missive inside. In case the letter got lost or rejected or something, I wrote my return address on it. Then, I placed it in the mailbox. I simply wanted to let Brian know his musical endeavors were highly appreciated in the Sooner State. I didn't expect anything, not even a response.
That's why I felt so surprised when one day my mom told me a letter had arrived from me from California. California! I didn't know anybody in California other than my mother's Aunty Dolly. And she wouldn't be sending me a letter. Wait a minute. It couldn't be... could it?
[It] could.
{snip}
2 replies
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= new reply since forum marked as read
