Brian Wilson Named MusiCares 'Person Of The Year'

[AKA]

Wilson Named MusiCares 'Person Of The Year'

By Barry A. Jeckell
Billboard

Brian Wilson has been selected as the 2005 MusiCares Person of the Year. The former Beach Boys mastermind will be honored at the Recording Academy charitable foundation's 15th annual gala tribute, set for Feb. 11 in Los Angeles, two days before the 47th annual Grammy Awards.

"He embodies the positive spirit that comes from dedication, perseverance and creative brilliance; his contributions to the evolution of music are both legendary and profound," says MusiCares Foundation and Recording Academy president Neil Portnow. "Brian and his music have the power to reach listeners across generations and deliver a musical experience that is timeless and unforgettable."

The once reclusive Wilson has been back in the spotlight in recent years, touring and recording solo albums, and earlier this year completed "Smile," the aborted follow-up to the Beach Boys' 1966 masterpiece, "Pet Sounds."

In other news, the Recording Academy has announced that Pierre Cossette will executive produce the upcoming Grammy Awards for the 35th consecutive and final time. Cossette Productions' Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette will produce future ceremonies, with both serving as executive producers.

Since first producing the Grammys in 1971 for the maiden nationally televised live ceremony on ABC, Pierre Cossette has also produced the Latin Grammy Awards telecasts and events for MTV, VH1 and BET. A successful Broadway producer of such shows as "The Will Rogers Follies" and "The Scarlet Pimpernel," he is developing a musical inspired by the life of folk music legend Woody Guthrie.

This year's Feb. 13 Grammy ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Nominees will be announced on Tuesday (Dec. 7).

[MaryElizabeth]

Brian Wilson more than deserves it. He kicks ass and he's one hell of a survivor.