It begins with Elton John and concludes with Bob Dylan. And in between are some of music’s biggest stars wishing – and in some cases, singing – Brian Wilson a happy 80th birthday. A video compilation from all the well-wishers was released on June 20, 2022, the day the musical genius celebrated his big day.
The participants include some of the most memorable songwriters in pop music history. Elton John starts it off, calling Wilson “the only real pop genius in the world.” It continues with Smokey Robinson, Barry Gibb (“your [musical] insights have been overwhelming to me”), and Carole King.
Joe Walsh serenades Wilson with an electric “Happy Birthday” as only he can. The presentation closes with Dylan singing the same song, while strumming an acoustic guitar.
The complete list of stars that participated (in order of appearance):
Elton John
Smokey Robinson
Barry Gibb
Carole King
Graham Nash
David Crosby
John Fogerty
Micky Dolenz
Danny Hutton
Stephen Bishop
Joe Walsh
Jeff Bridges
Cameron Crowe
John Cusack
Don Was
Lyle Lovett
Al Jardine
Blondie Chaplin
The Brian Wilson Band
Chuck D
Jim James/My Morning Jacket
She & Him
Questlove
Fleet Foxes
Bob Dylan
Watch the stars wishing Brian Wilson a happy 80th birthday
Related: Wilson talks about some of his classic songs
