Music Appreciation
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By James Beaty | Managing editor Jul 26, 2020
Back when I was a kid, around 12 or 13, I mailed a letter to a writer I very much admired.
Since I was born too late to send a letter to Edgar Allan Poe or Mark Twain, I sent one to a writer a songwriter who continually amazed me even at that early stage with his exceptional musical abilities. He not only wrote the songs he sang, he also wrote the songs sang by his brothers, his cousin and a longtime friend, all of whom were in the same band as he.
I'm talking about Brian Wilson, the amazing talent behind The Beach Boys.
Somehow I had obtained an address for The Beach Boys but I didn't write to the whole band. I singled out Brian Wilson because his name had been cited in virtually all of the songwriting credits on the group's records. Sometimes he wrote in collaboration with others. Still, unless it was a cover song, virtually all of the songs the band recorded had Brian's stamp on it.
When I sat my young self down to write Brian a letter, I didn't aim for anything very profound; I got right to the point.
As I recall, I wrote something along the lines of "Dear Brian, you are a great songwriter. You write all the best songs! I love to listen to your records here in Oklahoma.
"Your friend, James."
That's about it. I didn't want to drag it out too long. I figured Brian had lots to do, what with writing hits songs, serving as the band's de facto recording producer, and playing and singing with The Beach Boys.
I wrote down the California address, placed a stamp on an envelope and stuck my brief missive inside. In case the letter got lost or rejected or something, I wrote my return address on it. Then, I placed it in the mailbox. I simply wanted to let Brian know his musical endeavors were highly appreciated in the Sooner State. I didn't expect anything, not even a response.
That's why I felt so surprised when one day my mom told me a letter had arrived from me from California. California! I didn't know anybody in California other than my mother's Aunty Dolly. And she wouldn't be sending me a letter. Wait a minute. It couldn't be... could it?
[It] could.
{snip}
leftieNanner
(15,187 posts)When I was 12, my Dad got tickets for me to see them in concert at the Cow Palace (San Francisco). They were very good seats. I was a very shy child, so I even surprised myself when I took my BB Fan Club Card in hand and asked the security guard if I could get an autograph. He sent me back through the tunnel - our seats were on the left side of the stage. Then the next security guard looked at my Fan Club Card and sent me back through the next section. All of a sudden, I was standing in front of a door. Showed the card. Third security guard opened the door and let me in.
Sitting there in their white jeans and blue and white striped shirts were my idols!! Remember I was 12. I was shaking in my mary janes. I said nothing. Stuck my note pad and pencil out and they signed it. Brian wasn't there - I later found out this was right after he had his breakdown.
After I returned to my seat - in complete shock - I looked down at the autographs and smiled.
The concert was wonderful!
dhill926
(16,377 posts)a couple years ago. He did the entire Pet Sounds album, plus all sorts of goodies. One of the most astounding concerts I've ever been to. You could just feel the love flowing from the crowd...