Honourable senators, today I rise to pay tribute to a towering figure in music history: Brian Wilson. As a founding member of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson’s genius shaped not just the sound of a generation but the very fabric of popular music.

Born in 1942 in California, Wilson’s gift for melody, harmony and innovation became evident at a young age. Together with his brothers Carl and Dennis, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, he formed The Beach Boys — a band that captured the dreams, optimism and struggles of a post-war America in the 1960s.

However, Brian Wilson was far more than a songwriter of catchy surf tunes. He was a visionary. His pioneering work on albums like Pet Sounds redefined what was possible in popular music. With layered harmonies, intricate arrangements and emotional depth, Wilson’s compositions spoke to the hopes, anxieties and complexities of life. Pet Sounds in particular has been hailed as one of the most influential albums of all time, inspiring artists from The Beatles to contemporary musicians.

What makes Brian Wilson’s story especially poignant is that his extraordinary creativity often came hand-in-hand with personal struggle. He faced significant mental health challenges, yet, through it all, he continued to create music that brought joy, solace and inspiration to millions.

Honourable senators, Brian Wilson’s legacy is found not just in record sales or awards — though there are many — but in the way his music reminds us of our shared humanity: the highs and the lows, the light and the shadows. His work continues to unite generations across the world, transcending time and place.

Today, let us celebrate Brian Wilson not just as a musical genius but as a testament to the power of resilience, creativity and the enduring spirit of art.

Thank you, meegwetch.