American Masters, Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Friday, Aug. 9, at 9 PM
Saturday, Aug. 10, at 2 AM
Sunday, Aug. 11, at 2 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Fusion on Monday, Aug. 5, at 8 PM
Explore the life and career of Brian Wilson — singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys. This film traces the legendary performer’s journey of reflection on a drive through Los Angeles with Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine, his longtime friend. With Fine behind the wheel and Wilson selecting the music, they reflect on the formative and creative periods in Wilson’s life as they revisit the places that helped to shape his career.
The filmed road trip provides an intimate look into Wilson’s recollections and is bolstered by memorable concert and studio footage as well as interviews with Wilson’s admirers and those close to him. he also opens up and shares intensely personal glimpses into his struggles with mental illness and drug abuse.
Wilson’s professional career began in 1961 with the founding of the Beach Boys. By the mid-1960s, Wilson had written or co-written more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the number-ones “Surf City” (1963), “I Get Around” (1964), “Help Me, Rhonda” (1965) and “Good Vibrations” (1966). Wilson’s honors include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beach Boys a Kennedy Center Honor, two Grammy Awards and much more.