He would fully assume this role in the years immediately following Pet Sounds as the group struggled to maintain their relevance in an ever-changing and increasingly socially conscious musical landscape. That same year, Carl would sing lead on the group’s mega-hit “Good Vibrations.” Behind the scenes, he was rising to the occasion, acting as a stabilizer among changing personnel and increasingly volatile personalities. Just as Carl was beginning to rise to leadership within the group in 1966, he also became one of their driving voices, lending his vocals to the ethereal beauty “God Only Knows” at a mere 19 years old. Carl, an adept guitarist, slowly began to have more of a presence over the course of the first few Beach Boys albums, earning solos and, eventually, his first lead vocal turn on “ Girl Don’t Tell Me” on 1965’s Summer Days (And Summer Nights!). While Bruce Johnston was brought in to cover Brian’s vocal parts on tour, who took over as leader of the group? It was a teenage Carl Wilson who stepped up to keep the group focused and together in his older brother’s absence.

The story of Brian Wilson receding into the studio and recording his magnum opus, Pet Sounds (1966), while the rest of the band continued on tour is well-known lore.

Though many of the group’s most known and revered songs are helmed by Carl, his older brothers and cousin often overshadow him however, without Carl Wilson it’s unlikely that The Beach Boys would have endured as a group past 1966 or much after. When someone thinks of The Beach Boys, is it Brian Wilson and his unadulterated genius that comes to mind first? Mike Love and his constant antics? Dennis Wilson and his tortured wildness? This is the greatest tragedy of Carl Wilson. When Brian left the spotlight, another Wilson brother had to step up to lead The Beach Boys

Long Promised Road by Kent Crowley