Obviously the right person to write a biography of Carl. Kent has a musical background that allows him to feel what Carl brought to the Beach Boys. I remember artists such as Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck talking about their admiration of their early surf guitar. Of course, too many now think that since Brian used the Wrecking Crew a lot in '65-'66, into early '67, all Beach Boys songs are played by others. No, that was 14 to 20 year old Carl.
Personally, I think Carl's best guitar playing was when he was using the Rickenbacker---as if the Rickenbacker was made for him---back in 1964-66. At least those are my favourite licks of his---songs like "Do You Wanna Dance" and "Dance, Dance, Dance". Pete Townshend was playing a Rick at the same time, and you compare his playing on "Can't Explain" up against Carl on "Dance, Dance, Dance"---which came out at the same time--and Carl outshines Pete on the comparative solos! As a person, I had a "man crush" on him since I was 9 years old. I remember idolising Carl--wanting to be like him when I grew up
The start of Good Vibrations is heavenly. Very airy. The way he starts with "I" Ahhh....I love the colorful clothes she wears. I often replay that part. It just moves me. I will check out that Carl version of Ray Charles too.
Im SoCal born and bred, Beach Boys were my first band (besides the fab four). My 1st concert- Anaheim, Beach Boys & Chicago, 1975. Like the Beatles, i think everyone had a fav Beach Boy, Carl was always mine, dunno why. He really stepped up to the plate in Brian's absence as producer. Carl also made the band relevant again with "I Can Hear Music", as writer, producer, and that voice. What a talent. Twas a sad day when i learnt of his passing. RIP CW
To Quote - Carl Wilson was, unquestionably, the best singer The Beach Boys - one of the most beautiful voices in all of rock ‘n’ roll, especially when he sang falsetto. He could literally sing the phonebook and bring tears to your eyes. Simply put, the man sang, to quote an unreleased song of his, with “an angel’s voice.” Just one listen to songs like “God Only Knows” or “I Can Hear Music” bears this fact out. That he could also sing in a tougher, more masculine-sounding voice, like he does on 1967’s “Wild Honey,” and be just as convincing, showed just what an amazing vocal ability he truly possessed. He also showed some of the songwriting genius of older brothers Brian, and to a lesser extent, Dennis, but he didn’t have the ambition that either one of them had. He did reveal a more experimental side with “Feel Flows” from the 1971 Surf’s Up album, and, of course, he co-wrote many other excellent songs for The Beach Boys, including “The Trader” and “Long Promised Road,” but his songs seemed to lack the ambitiousness of the songs Brian wrote for Pet Sounds and Smile, or even the type that Dennis wrote for his 1977 solo album Pacific Ocean Blue. Perhaps it was the fact that he didn’t have the demons inside him that seemed to drive Brian to immortal status, and which sparked Dennis, intermittently, throughout his short, troubled life. Carl was always the most grounded of the three. He was also not nearly as prolific a songwriter as Brian. He did show amazing talent, though, especially for production, and he was the main driving force during the late-‘60s-early’70s era of The Beach Boys, as they moved on without the guiding light that Brian had been for them during their best days. RIP Carl Wlson - truly missed.
Carl Wilson went from the chubby babyfaced little brother of Brian Wilson to slowly becoming the bearded wizened director of the band. One hired band member reported that Carl would give band members "that look" whenever they sang or played a wrong note.
Yes 👍 indeed, it was Billy Hinsche who stated that Carl heard everything. If you sang or played a bad note, Carl would give you that look. You didn’t want that. 😅
As a life-long Beach Boys fan, I always considered Carl to be the second most talented musician in the band, behind Brian. Plus, he had the voice of an angel. Brian, Carl, Dennis, Alan, Bruce, and finally, the scrub Mike. Don't agree with me? Listen to the album "Summer in Paradise", which was mostly produced by Mike, and is dreadful. BTW, Glen Campbell claims that it was him playing lead on the record of "Dance, Dance, Dance".
Update on the mystery lead vocalist in 'What'd I Say'.....There are Beach Boys historians/authors who believe(d) it to be Brian. Brian told me in a phone conversation in 2005 that it's him. I contacted Stephen McParlane (Kent Crowley's stated source at 25:00), who had no recollection of ever speaking with Crowley, nor could safely say who the lead vocalist is! It was Sydney, Australia on Saturday, January 18, 1964. As the Joy Boys were on the bill, I contacted Col Joye. He had a lot of interesting info on the tour (some printable!) but couldn't confirm who it is singing. I also had Probyn Gregory (long-time BW band member) on the case. He kindly got back to me: "Here's what I have to date: Al says it is Carl. Mike (who was again played the track and asked recently) says it is Carl. Carl (according to Jeff Foskett) says it is Carl. Since I too distinctly hear Brian in the BG vocals, I throw in my vote with Carl." If you listen to more of the concert here th-cam.com/video/0Qa9085_fm0/w-d-xo.html , you can hear Brian singing 'Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow' two songs before it. His tone is very different to the lead vocal in 'What'd I Say'.
Just had a listen and it sure is anything but clear as to who, but considering 64 is when Brian had his "breakdown", and listening/watching every available video, particularly those early days, very hard to imagine Brian singing that kind of rhythm & blues so naturally. I have read R&B was an early fav and influence of Carl's....I vote Carl, too.
Brian had his breakdown at the end of 1964. Isn't this concert from January 1964? Listen to Brian sing Papa oom mow mow in the 1964 lost concert on youtube. It has the same sound and feel. I don't think that Carl was singing leads in 1964. In my opinion, this is Brian. No disrespect to your opinion intended.
Very 👍 good interview with KENT CROWLEY, author of “Long Promised Road. Carl Wilson, Soul of The Beach Boys. The Biography.” I enjoyed the questions and the answers. Nice that Mr. Crowley has a background in music as well.
I knew I wanted to read the book when I pre-ordered it. But I couldn't have known how much I'd like it. I thought it was really really well done. Thank you to Mr. Crowley
Is there one particular album/cd to have on hand while reading this book. I don't want to download the songs. Maybe a greatest hits album my library might have.
I have not read Kent's book, but I have read about it at www.brianwilson.com. The reviews aren't great. You can find them if you do a search on Kent Crowley's name on the Community section. Anyway, the plot thickens. I've been in correspondence with a BW band member and a Beach Boys historian in the last couple of days. They both believe the vocalist on 'What'd I Say' to be Brian. One commented: "It's been known since the album came out that Brian was singing lead. In 1964, Carl probably didn't handle any lead vocals in concert. His first real lead vocal on record was "Pom Pom Play Girl," but I've never seen any evidence that the group performed the song in concert. Which likely means he didn't have a lead vocal in concert until after "Girl Don't Tell Me" was released in July 1965". The other commented: "Carl we know did not get his first lead vocal until Girl Don't Tell Me the following year, plus the vocalist has the authority and assurance of NOT the youngest guy in the band. Despite the track featuring some blue notes and phrasing that aren't really classic Brian, I still think it is him". Kent Crowley says he got his information from Steve McParland. If I knew how to find him.... Anyway, I'm just looking for the truth, which is why I played this recording to THE BRIAN WILSON in a phone call (thanking me for a donation to the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief) in 2005 and asked him who was singing lead. His enthusiastic response: "That's ME!!!"
I agree it's Brian but I'd just like to add that All Dressed Up for School recorded in September 1964 but unreleased until the 2fers in 1990 technically is ahead of Girl Don't Tell Me.
Obviously the right person to write a biography of Carl. Kent has a musical background that allows him to feel what Carl brought to the Beach Boys. I remember artists such as Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck talking about their admiration of their early surf guitar. Of course, too many now think that since Brian used the Wrecking Crew a lot in '65-'66, into early '67, all Beach Boys songs are played by others. No, that was 14 to 20 year old Carl.
Personally, I think Carl's best guitar playing was when he was using the Rickenbacker---as if the Rickenbacker was made for him---back in 1964-66. At least those are my favourite licks of his---songs like "Do You Wanna Dance" and "Dance, Dance, Dance". Pete Townshend was playing a Rick at the same time, and you compare his playing on "Can't Explain" up against Carl on "Dance, Dance, Dance"---which came out at the same time--and Carl outshines Pete on the comparative solos! As a person, I had a "man crush" on him since I was 9 years old. I remember idolising Carl--wanting to be like him when I grew up
Rest in peace Carl Wilson. Thank you for your gifts.
Carl was the shy. sweet faced brother who came out of his shell and demonstrated full blown soul on "Darlin"
Carl was a gentle soulful generous man. Thank you for leaving us such an amazing body work to insure that you're never forgotten. RIP
The start of Good Vibrations is heavenly. Very airy. The way he starts with "I" Ahhh....I love the colorful clothes she wears. I often replay that part. It just moves me. I will check out that Carl version of Ray Charles too.
Im SoCal born and bred, Beach Boys were my first band (besides the fab four). My 1st concert- Anaheim, Beach Boys & Chicago, 1975. Like the Beatles, i think everyone had a fav Beach Boy, Carl was always mine, dunno why. He really stepped up to the plate in Brian's absence as producer. Carl also made the band relevant again with "I Can Hear Music", as writer, producer, and that voice. What a talent. Twas a sad day when i learnt of his passing. RIP CW
To Quote - Carl Wilson was, unquestionably, the best singer The Beach Boys - one of the most beautiful voices in all of rock ‘n’ roll, especially when he sang falsetto. He could literally sing the phonebook and bring tears to your eyes. Simply put, the man sang, to quote an unreleased song of his, with “an angel’s voice.” Just one listen to songs like “God Only Knows” or “I Can Hear Music” bears this fact out. That he could also sing in a tougher, more masculine-sounding voice, like he does on 1967’s “Wild Honey,” and be just as convincing, showed just what an amazing vocal ability he truly possessed.
He also showed some of the songwriting genius of older brothers Brian, and to a lesser extent, Dennis, but he didn’t have the ambition that either one of them had. He did reveal a more experimental side with “Feel Flows” from the 1971 Surf’s Up album, and, of course, he co-wrote many other excellent songs for The Beach Boys, including “The Trader” and “Long Promised Road,” but his songs seemed to lack the ambitiousness of the songs Brian wrote for Pet Sounds and Smile, or even the type that Dennis wrote for his 1977 solo album Pacific Ocean Blue. Perhaps it was the fact that he didn’t have the demons inside him that seemed to drive Brian to immortal status, and which sparked Dennis, intermittently, throughout his short, troubled life. Carl was always the most grounded of the three. He was also not nearly as prolific a songwriter as Brian. He did show amazing talent, though, especially for production, and he was the main driving force during the late-‘60s-early’70s era of The Beach Boys, as they moved on without the guiding light that Brian had been for them during their best days. RIP Carl Wlson - truly missed.
Carl Dean did not sing "falsetto."
He had that AMAZING range, in his
normal voice!
(I wish I had that talent.)
steve
Mostly yes but in a few instances I think he did. But like Brian, mostly normal voice or head voice yes agree@@steveskouson9620
Carl Wilson went from the chubby babyfaced little brother of Brian Wilson to slowly becoming the bearded wizened director of the band. One hired band member reported that Carl would give band members "that look" whenever they sang or played a wrong note.
Yes 👍 indeed, it was Billy Hinsche who stated that Carl heard everything. If you sang or played a bad note, Carl would give you that look. You didn’t want that. 😅
Thank you for the wonderful, wonderful music you gave us Carl. Your voice was superb.
Always wanted to know about thr Carl Wilson years as the BB leader.
Dennis was a broken genius. Brian knew it and said so. Carl was brilliant as well. I'm glad I grew up listening to them.
As a life-long Beach Boys fan, I always considered Carl to be the second most talented musician in the band, behind Brian. Plus, he had the voice of an angel. Brian, Carl, Dennis, Alan, Bruce, and finally, the scrub Mike. Don't agree with me? Listen to the album "Summer in Paradise", which was mostly produced by Mike, and is dreadful. BTW, Glen Campbell claims that it was him playing lead on the record of "Dance, Dance, Dance".
Love Love Love Carl Wilson
David Lee Roth's version would not have been worth releasing without Carl's voice
This is a spot on family dynamic analysis. Thanks Kent.
Update on the mystery lead vocalist in 'What'd I Say'.....There are Beach Boys historians/authors who believe(d) it to be Brian. Brian told me in a phone conversation in 2005 that it's him. I contacted Stephen McParlane (Kent Crowley's stated source at 25:00), who had no recollection of ever speaking with Crowley, nor could safely say who the lead vocalist is! It was Sydney, Australia on Saturday, January 18, 1964. As the Joy Boys were on the bill, I contacted Col Joye. He had a lot of interesting info on the tour (some printable!) but couldn't confirm who it is singing. I also had Probyn Gregory (long-time BW band member) on the case. He kindly got back to me: "Here's what I have to date: Al says it is Carl. Mike (who was again played the track and asked recently) says it is Carl. Carl (according to Jeff Foskett) says it is Carl. Since I too distinctly hear Brian in the BG vocals, I throw in my vote with Carl." If you listen to more of the concert here th-cam.com/video/0Qa9085_fm0/w-d-xo.html , you can hear Brian singing 'Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow' two songs before it. His tone is very different to the lead vocal in 'What'd I Say'.
Just had a listen and it sure is anything but clear as to who, but considering 64 is when Brian had his "breakdown", and listening/watching every available video, particularly those early days, very hard to imagine Brian singing that kind of rhythm & blues so naturally. I have read R&B was an early fav and influence of Carl's....I vote Carl, too.
Brian had his breakdown at the end of 1964. Isn't this concert from January 1964? Listen to Brian sing Papa oom mow mow in the 1964 lost concert on youtube. It has the same sound and feel. I don't think that Carl was singing leads in 1964. In my opinion, this is Brian. No disrespect to your opinion intended.
Carl was THE Beach Boys. ----------Wolfsky9, 70 y/o
a honesty in his voice like no other
Thanks to you I discovered the live version of "What I'd Say" live in Australia.
Ah, but is it Carl? Please see above.
Interesting interview, but the vocalist in the recording of What I Say he refers to is actually Brian, not Carl.
Very 👍 good interview with KENT CROWLEY, author of “Long Promised Road. Carl Wilson, Soul of The Beach Boys. The Biography.” I enjoyed the questions and the answers. Nice that Mr. Crowley has a background in music as well.
I knew I wanted to read the book when I pre-ordered it. But I couldn't have known how much I'd like it. I thought it was really really well done. Thank you to Mr. Crowley
Couldn't agree more
I'm digging it too. Very well researched.
Carl was the Beach Boys.
Kent Crowley looks like what Dennis would look like if he had gotten older
@@mrsmacca126 why? it reminds me of dennis wilson too in fact. just listen to the voice. for chrissake. thats dennis!
Kent looks a bit like an older version of Dennis.
I see it!
How funny, I thought the same thing!
I see it too!
I want what drugs y’all are on
@@adlap0152 LOL!!!
If he was the soul, Brian was the mind and the body of this band.
excellent interview all around!!
Thank you, Douglas!
Is there one particular album/cd to have on hand while reading this book. I don't want to download the songs. Maybe a greatest hits album my library might have.
Excellent book. It's well done, & I enjoyed it immensely. ---------------WolfSky9
Love GOK, GV. Also Darlin from Wild Honey
If I had to pick a third Carl vocal after Good Vibrations and God Only Knows it would be The Trader.
Touch of the Maharishi about this guy
Norfolk Enchants he’s an opportunistic, overly ambitious loser.
I Know Carl Wilson Friends Mine I Was Born In 1984
Mr. Crowley! Dun dun dun!!!
I have not read Kent's book, but I have read about it at www.brianwilson.com. The reviews aren't great. You can find them if you do a search on Kent Crowley's name on the Community section. Anyway, the plot thickens. I've been in correspondence with a BW band member and a Beach Boys historian in the last couple of days. They both believe the vocalist on 'What'd I Say' to be Brian. One commented: "It's been known since the album came out that Brian was singing lead. In 1964, Carl probably didn't handle any lead vocals in concert. His first real lead vocal on record was "Pom Pom Play Girl," but I've never seen any evidence that the group performed the song in concert. Which likely means he didn't have a lead vocal in concert until after "Girl Don't Tell Me" was released in July 1965". The other commented: "Carl we know did not get his first lead vocal until Girl Don't Tell Me the following year, plus the vocalist has the authority and assurance of NOT the youngest guy in the band. Despite the track featuring some blue notes and phrasing that aren't really classic Brian, I still think it is him". Kent Crowley says he got his information from Steve McParland. If I knew how to find him.... Anyway, I'm just looking for the truth, which is why I played this recording to THE BRIAN WILSON in a phone call (thanking me for a donation to the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief) in 2005 and asked him who was singing lead. His enthusiastic response: "That's ME!!!"
I agree it's Brian but I'd just like to add that All Dressed Up for School recorded in September 1964 but unreleased until the 2fers in 1990 technically is ahead of Girl Don't Tell Me.
@@Blend42 See update below.
looks like charles manson