10 Stories of Music (Not Just About the Losers). 1) Carl Wilson
Carl Wilson "Heaven" Brian was the mad genius, Dennis the beautiful and damned one, and Carl? Carl was the shy, chubby one.
But he had a voice that sounded like crystal. It took a while for everyone to realize it, but eventually, they did. Anyone who has loved "God Only Knows" (and anyone who hasn't is either deaf or has never listened to it) knows what "that voice" is capable of.
He and his brothers, along with Mike Love and Al Jardine, formed the greatest pop band of all time. It took him a bit to be taken seriously; he was the youngest. He didn't compose much: his first songs only appeared starting from "Surf's Up," but little by little, he emerged: first becoming the lead voice of the group, and then (when Brian was taken by his demons) carrying the band on his shoulders. He made two solo albums, "Carl Wilson" and "Youngblood," whose only flaw was being too "normal." But try listening to them! (at least "Heaven," his biggest hit). Because that was his problem: he was normal. But why, why did the demons that tormented Brian leave Wilson in peace? Perhaps Murry, their father-manager-master, was less intrusive with him, perhaps it was the fact that he was the youngest that protected him, or perhaps the truth is that he was the strongest of them all.
Not by chance, they dedicated an album to him: "Carl and the Passions" - "So Tough." And he truly was "so tough."
In '97, they told him he had two tumors, one in his throat and one in his brain. But the band had concerts to perform and commitments to keep. And he kept those commitments; despite chemotherapy, despite the exhaustion. During the concerts, between songs, they had to make him sit down and often give him oxygen.
Mama Wilson had three sons.
Brian, the mad genius. Dennis, the beautiful and cursed one. And Carl.
Carl, the shy and chubby one.
With a voice as clear as crystal.
And with balls of steel.
