This week, it’s Brian Wilson, aged 82, who left us. Although he is widely recognized for his contributions to the Beach Boys, an iconic band, there was a lot more to him than that.
By the early 1960s, Wilson had penned up to 42 songs intended for other performers. Aiming to replicate the trajectory of Phil Spector’s career, he viewed himself less as a vocalist and more as a song architect.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m about to share three tracks that didn’t top the charts, but each is a remarkable testament to the caliber of music Wilson was capable of producing. Interestingly, in one instance, he even contributed to changing the name of the band behind the song.
3 songs written by Brian Wilson that became gems for other musical artists
“Surf City” – Jan and Dean (1963)
It’s quite common for folks to mix up this tune with one sung by the Beach Boys. The musical style of Jan and Dean bears a striking resemblance to the tunes produced by the Beach Boys themselves. Not only that, but these bands were acquainted as well.
At a gathering where Jan Berry and Dean Torrence were present, Wilson performed a song that instantly resonated with them, along with everyone else. The tune was so popular it could arguably be the first significant surf rock hit. Remarkably, it climbed to the top of the charts for two consecutive weeks.
The tune, too, climbed up to position 3 on the R&B charts, yet it bears little resemblance to today’s R&B music. This just underscores the significant evolution in modern music.
“Guess I’m Dumb” – Glen Campbell (1965)
While Campbell is often recognized as a country artist, his musical journey began differently. Initially, he was a pop singer during the early 1960s. Notably, from late 1964 to early 1965, he temporarily replaced Brian Wilson in The Beach Boys. This replacement was due to Wilson’s nervous breakdown following exhausting touring and recording sessions.
Originally composed for the Beach Boys, the band ultimately declined the tune primarily because they found it rather simple-minded. To give credit where it’s due, the song’s lyrics don’t appear to align with the usual style of the Beach Boys, as phrases like “I feel love but not the way I did before (guess I’m dumb)” are not typically found in their work.
Campbell wasn’t unintelligent by any means; instead, the song’s genre was more in line with his preferences. Perhaps due to its lyrics, the track didn’t gain mainstream popularity, but it eventually became a signature piece for the country singer.
“He’s a Doll” – The Honeys (1964)
A song that didn’t make the charts doesn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t great. In the style of Phil Spector and aiming to capture the spirit of “Be My Baby,” the tune “He’s a Doll” must have been a fun challenge for the female band, The Honeys.
They were acquainted with Wilson, and upon noticing someone they found appealing, they commented, “He’s a doll.” This interaction inspired him to write his song.
Wilson played a part in renaming the group. Originally known as the Rovell Sisters, they decided to adopt a new name inspired by a lyric from the Beach Boys song “Surfin’ Safari.” This name change seemed beneficial since the band experienced their greatest triumphs following this moniker shift.
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2025-06-12 13:00