In two days we lost two of the most talented and innovative artists of my generation.
On Monday, June 9, Sly Stone passed away. Him and his group, Sly and the Family Stone provided part of the soundtrack of my life. I loved their diversity, energy and their songs. I have The Greatest Hits album and I still have them as part of my playlist, and on my iPod (which I still listen to).
On Tuesday, June 10, Brian Wilson, also passed away. He is the founder and multitalented leader of The Beach Boys. Again part of the soundtrack I grew up with. His life, like Sly Stone was complicated and he suffered with mental illness. A genius songwriter admired by his peers.
I got to know and appreciate The Beach Boys through my brother. Him and his friends were all motor heads. They all drove “muscle cars,” and listened to The Beach Boys.
As an aside, there was great admiration between Brian Wilson and the individual members of The Beatles.