Carl Wilson, founding member of the Beach Boys, was born 75 years ago today.
Wilson was rock singer, guitarist and composer, and lead guitarist and occasional lead vocalist of The Beach Boys. He performed lead vocals on a number of notable songs, including "Good Vibrations" and "God Only Knows."
Wilson was the youngest brother of fellow Beach Boys, Dennis and Brian Wilson, and cousin of Beach Boy, Mike Love.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer after becoming ill at his vacation home in Hawaii in early 1997. Despite his illness, Wilson continued to perform during chemotherapy treatment.
He played and sang throughout the Beach Boys' entire summer tour which ended in the fall of 1997. During performances, he sat on a stool. His unique, compelling voice, however, never deserted him and he always respectfully stood while singing, "God Only Knows."
Wilson died of his cancer in Los Angeles surrounded by his family, on February 6, 1998, just two months after the death of his mother, Audree Wilson. He was 51 years old.