'The Beach Boys': Carl Wilson's long-term battle ultimately led to his death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Beach Boys', directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, is a documentary scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on May 24, 2024.
The documentary provides an in-depth and unique look at the band's musical journey with the help of archival footage, insightful interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
The Beach Boys was formed in the early 1960s by three brothers, Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Carl Wilson, along with their cousin Mike Love and their close friend Al Jardine.
Subsequently, The Beach Boys became one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of American music.
Carl, the youngest of Brian's brothers, played a pivotal role in The Beach Boys as their lead guitarist. Known for his smooth vocals and musical versatility, Carl contributed significantly to the band's signature sound.
Let's talk about Carl and the events leading up to his death.
Who was Carl Wilson?
Carl Dean Wilson was born on December 21, 1946, in Hawthorne, California, United States. He joined The Beach Boys as a teenager, having taken guitar lessons beforehand. His early musical education allowed him to contribute significantly to the band's sound and success from a young age.
Serving as their lead guitarist, he was the youngest sibling of bandmates Brian and Dennis in The Beach Boys, and took on the role of the group's de facto leader during the early to mid-1970s, as reported by People.
His contributions extended beyond playing the guitar; he was also known for his production work and his ability to hold the band together through various personal and professional challenges.
Some of his notable works include 'God Only Knows' (1966), 'Kokomo' (1988) and 'Good Vibrations' (1966). In the early 1980s, Carl departed from The Beach Boys to pursue a solo career. He released two solo albums during this period: 'Carl Wilson' in 1981 and 'Youngblood' in 1983.
He was married to Annie Hinsche, the sister of Beach Boys touring member Billy Hinsche. Their marriage was a significant part of Carl's life during his tenure with The Beach Boys. He shared two sons, Jonah and Justyne, with Annie.
After his marriage to Annie ended, Carl married Gina Martin in 1987. His marriage to Gina lasted until his death.
What happened to Carl Wilson?
Carl was diagnosed with cancer in 1997, as reported by Los Angeles Times. Despite undergoing treatment for cancer, Carl continued to push forward with his music career.
He was dedicated to his music and fans, participating in the entire summer tour despite battling a serious illness. However, he also frequently visited hospitals in Los Angeles for treatment, showing remarkable resilience and determination.
Alyson Dutch, the band publicist at that time, said, "Even though he was diagnosed with cancer last year and going through treatment for a year, he was a real fighter."
What circumstances led to Carl Wilson's death?
Carl died on February 6, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, from complications of lung cancer, a battle he courageously fought in his final years.
Despite undergoing treatment, the disease ultimately led to his untimely death, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.
His death marked the end of an era for The Beach Boys and left a profound void in the music world. His legacy lives on through his timeless music and the impact he made on countless fans and fellow musicians around the world.
He was just 51 years at the time of his death.
How to stream 'The Beach Boys'?
'The Beach Boys' will be available for streaming on Disney+ from May 24, 2024.
Don't have a Disney+ Subscription? Worry not! We have got you covered.
Disney+ offers a basic package starting at $7.99 per month, featuring advertisements. For an ad-free experience, viewers can opt for the premium plan priced at $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year.
'The Beach Boys' trailer