I used to draw total blanks when I'd be asked if I had any heroes. Well, these days I can think of several, but numero uno just has to be Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys fame. You see him above in the studio circa 1966 and during a recent concert. Brian Wilson was extraordinary and most don't know just how special he was. Indeed, he was the Beach Boys. His song writing and production skills were way ahead of their time, according to the likes of Paul McCartney, George Martin, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and other super-professionals.
You may or may not know that Brian Wilson has a history of severe mental illness and substance abuse/dependence. Indeed, he's been diagnosed schizoaffective and he used to ingest mountains of cocaine, lots of LSD, and who knows what else. To this day he suffers from auditory hallucinations. Brian Wilson made an extraordinary comeback, showing incredible courage and insight. He is the classic example of wanting and learning to live with, and manage, one's mental, emotional, and physical circumstances.
I found a really neat video presentation featuring an interview with a Dr. Brian Levine. Its title is Mental illness and the creative mind: The Brian Wilson Story." It's a must see. I only wish we could have heard the songs Dr. Levine referenced. Guess the copyright lawyers got in front of that one.
Just click here to check it out.
Kudos to you, Mr Wilson. You have my admiration and respect! Bill
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Your dime, your dance floor. My only requests are to watch your language and really consider where people are coming from if you're directing comments at what someone's expressed.