Brian Wilson was born 80 years ago today, and in celebration of his milestone birthday, special messages from some of The Beach Boys legend’s famous musical friends, fans and associates have been compiled in a video that’s been posted on Wilson’s official YouTube channel.
Among the stars featured in the video are Bob Dylan, Elton John, John Fogerty, Joe Walsh, Graham Nash, David Crosby and Wilson’s fellow Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine.
Elton, who is the first artist featured in the tribute, tells Brian, “Have a wonderful 80th birthday with [your wife] Melinda and your family…You’ve inspired me all my life. To me, you’re the only real pop genius in the world, and I love you very much.”
Fogerty declares, “Happy 80th birthday, and thank you for all the great music!”
Walsh is shown playing the intro to The Beach Boys classic “California Girls” on an electric guitar, and then singing a fun rendition of “Happy Birthday to You.”
Nash says, “I wanted to take a moment and wish you a very, very happy 80th birthday. Do me a favor, please. Keep writing all your wonderful music. I’ll be listening.”
Crosby adds in a separate clip, “Happy Birthday. I love your music. I always have.”
Jardine, who’s been touring with Wilson in recent years as part of his solo band, says, “Hi Brian, I’m the guy who sings on your left…Always remember, we’ll always be younger than your cousin Mike [Love].”
Dylan ends the presentation with an acoustic rendition of “Happy Birthday to You.”
Among the other stars who are featured in the video are Smokey Robinson, the Bee Gees‘ Barry Gibb, Carole King, The Monkees‘ Micky Dolenz, My Morning Jacket‘s Jim James, producer Don Was, actors Jeff Bridges and John Cusack, and filmmaker Cameron Crowe.
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