Dennis Wilson

Dennis Wilson
Wilson in a 1971 promotional shot for the film Two-Lane Blacktop
Background information
Birth name	Dennis Carl Wilson
Born	(1944-12-04)December 4, 1944 Inglewood, California, U.S.
Origin	Hawthorne, California, U.S.
Died	December 28, 1983(1983-12-28) (aged 39) Marina del Rey, California, U.S.
Genres	Rock, pop
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments	Vocals, drums, keyboards
Years active	1961–1983
Labels	Caribou, Sony Music, Capitol, Brother, Reprise
Associated acts	The Beach Boys, Daryl Dragon, the Four Speeds, Gregg Jakobson

Dennis Carl Wilson (December 4, 1944 – December 28, 1983) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who co-founded the Beach Boys. He is best remembered as their drummer and as the middle brother of bandmates Brian and Carl Wilson. Dennis was the only true surfer in the Beach Boys, and his personal life exemplified the "California Myth" that the band's early songs often celebrated. He was also known for his brief association with then-aspiring songwriter Charles Manson, who was later convicted of murder conspiracy.

Dennis served mainly on drums and backing vocals for the Beach Boys from its formation until his death in 1983. It is often erroneously stated that Dennis' drumming in the band's recordings was filled in exclusively by studio musicians. His drumming is documented on a number of the group's singles, including "I Get Around" (1964), "Fun, Fun, Fun" (1964), and "Don't Worry Baby" (1964). While he was allowed few lead vocals in the 1960s, his prominence as a singer-songwriter increased into the 1970s. His original songs for the group included "Little Bird" (1968), "Forever" (1970), and "Slip On Through" (1970). Although uncredited, Wilson helped pen "You Are So Beautiful", a hit for Joe Cocker in 1974.

Wilson's only solo album, Pacific Ocean Blue (1977), was released to warm reviews, but a moderate commercial reception. Written and recorded over a span of several years, the album peaked on US record charts at number 96 during a 12-week stay. Sessions for a follow-up, Bambu, disintegrated before Wilson's death.