Hello Ted,

BRIAN WILSON- A MUSICAL GENIUS

WHAT A BLUNDER

Perhaps one of the worst prophecies I've ever made is when Brian told me, “Ted, I’m going to get serious about making music”

I immediately told him exactly what I thought, and replied with confidence, “Brian, you're wasting your time!!!!"

Obviously, I was dead wrong- What a Blunder!- The Beach Boys have now reached sales of 100 million over the past 50 years!!

BRIAN RECENTLY PASSED AWAY

As most of you know, Brian passed away June 11th at 82 years old. This newsletter is a tribute to his musical genius with the intention of glorifying the Lord.

BRIAN WILSON

Brian Wilson and I were great friends growing up together in Southern California. As a high school student, Brian was a kind and friendly person. We had a lot in common: he lacked self-confidence with girls and was a good student. He had a very caring, kind mother and a stern, physically abusive father. Carl, his brother was a gentle person. I remember Dennis, his youngest brother got into trouble often.

We would hang out in his living room as Brian plunked on the piano keys. Meanwhile, I would urge him to get outside to play ball, go to the beach, or go to a party. I thought his plunking at the piano was simply a purposeless habit.

Brian and I used to run on the South Bay beaches to the Beach Piers of Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beach.

We also played other sports together. Brian was an excellent runner, could easily throw a football 70 yards, and throw a baseball from home plate over the centerfield fence. He was a powerful hitter too- but he couldn’t hit a curve ball!

We were both good students and were able to excel throughout high school.

Brian (middle) and Ted (right)

After high school we both went to El Camino College in the South Bay in SoCal. I played one year of college basketball and 2 years of college baseball, forgoing my 2nd year of basketball to hopefully one day sign a more lucrative baseball contract (shoulder injuries and surgery proved this to be wishful thinking).

In college, Brian tried out for the baseball team too. He got cut because “he couldn’t hit a curve ball"

I told him I would teach him to hit a curve ball. (I was a pitcher)

Brian surprised me when he declared,

“I’m going to get serious about making music.”

My 'famous words'- “Brian, you’re WASTING YOUR TIME!”

Boy was I wrong!!!!!

The following highlight stories from our childhood together were discussed during the interview:

• Like most, I didn’t take The Beach Boys seriously. Most of us thought of The Beach Boys as a neighborhood home garage singing group at best
• Brian wore jeans when we went to the beach because he was embarrassed of his fair skin
• One of their album covers shows his white feet (see picture)
• We excelled in our classes in high school but had to be separated because we were too social
• "Brian peed in his pants" experience (but he really didn't-it was my made up story in telling the vice principal why we ditched a class)
• My mom’s pancakes were Brian's favorites when he spent the night
• Brian and I reenacted The Big Bopper together. I was the Big Booper center stage; Brian was in the background with a couple of other friends
• Brian’s vapor lock in his old Plymouth was a challenge every time we went to the beach
• Brian had a long-time crush on Carol
• Trips to Catalina Island to see the Four Freshmen. Their harmonies impacted Brian to this day
• "Ted's the last person I thought would be at a Bible Study!?"
• My favorite song of his became 'LOVE AND MERCY'. I told him so in Atlanta explaining to Brian that now as a believer those 2 words LOVE and MERCY had deep meaning to me
• When I was an atheist Brian was one of 3 people that invited me to church. Brian, Jim Combs (college basketball teammate), and my girlfriend, Tudi (now my wife of 58 years in July ‘25). No one ever told me about Jesus Christ!?
• Rich Sloan (classmate) has faithfully kept our high school class of 1960 updated about Brian
• About 10 years ago Al Jardine (band member) sought me out to encourage me to go to The Beach Boys Concert in Atlanta. Tudi and I attended thanks to Al.

NOW- DEEP REGRETS-

I deeply regret that I didn’t have any depth or insights about Jesus Christ when I was growing up with Brian- I was an outspoken atheist back then.

However, in recent years, when we saw each other briefly at performances backstage, I focused on some of the positive times we had together. I “always” thanked him for inviting me to church growing up, even though I rejected his invitation. I am grateful I was able to share my faith in Christ with Brian over the years. He was amazed at my transformation from an outspoken atheist to an outgoing Christian.

Again, "hindsight is 20/20," but how I wish my relationship with Brian had been Christ-centered growing up!

Many of us exist as WALKING TOMBS- we strive to have an attractive outside, but are like empty and godless cemeteries inside. As an atheist, that was me!

The 2 Most Profound Statements from above:

1- "Brian, you're WASTING YOUR TIME!"

2- "Ted is the last person I would expect to be at a Bible Study”

Both depict God’s miracles in Brian's and my life.

The last time Tudi and I saw Brian, he was performing at the Fox Theater. We were invited to his quarters before his performance. I could easily tell he had memory issues. I told Tudi I probably would not see him again due to his failing health. Every time I saw Brian through all the years, I would remind him of how I came to know Christ as my Savior and Lord, always thanking Him for inviting me to church and specifically telling him in depth of my SALVATION experience in the Army.

CONCLUSION-

BRIAN was a very special boyhood friend I will never forget. His musical genius will be enjoyed by millions for multiplied years to come. However, most important to me, he sought to help me escape my atheism as a young man when he invited me to church. By God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, I later became a believer.

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching his performances, especially his Pet Sounds concert in London, but my memories of Brian will always be centered on our boyhood days in high school and early college as well as our last visit after the Beach Boys performance at the Historic Fox theater.

A DIFFICULT QUESTION-

Several people have asked me: Was Brian a true believer in Jesus Christ?

My answer: I THINK SO?! (But only the Lord knows his heart.) I PRAY SO!

MY ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU

As a believer, never tire of sharing your testimony—especially about your faith in Jesus Christ. Life is fragile. We never know when someone may step into eternity. It can happen anytime, anywhere.

That's why it's so important to encourage others daily by humbly and consistently sharing your faith in Christ.

Scripture gives us the best guide for effective witnessing:

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

— Colossians 4:2–6

These verses have guided me through the years, especially as I shared life and faith with Brian after my born-again experience.

Let these principles shape your witness:

• Prayer
• Watchfulness
• Open doors
• Proclamation
• Clarity
• Wisdom with people
• Grace-filled conversations



Please take a moment to listen to “Love and Mercy” (link below). May it encourage your heart as you continue walking in faith and sharing Christ with others.

Ted

Acts 17:28

P.S. JOIN US FOR WB TRAINING:

Wednesday, June 18th at Big Canoe Wildcat Pavilion from 4-5:30 pm.

All are welcome to join our informal gathering!

AGENDA-

Testimonies from mission-minded young newlyweds James and Olia (Ray Bedingfield and I recently attended their beautiful wedding).

“Our youth group is involved in printing and distributing Bibles, planting churches, supporting orphan foster home programs, operating daycare centers, and spreading the Gospel through evangelism.” -James & Olia

James has been involved in our Friday Morning Men’s Fellowship group. The couple will share their faith journeys, how they came to Christ, and how marriage has deepened their faith. James, a recent graduate of GA Tech, is very well spoken, a deeply committed Christian, and has a heart for people to come to Jesus Christ. All in attendance will be inspired!

Time permitting, we will also cover-

2-A Summary of the BRIAN WILSON recap

3-Group Discussion Question: How do you know who is saved?

Listen to Love and Mercy below:

Listen to my interview about Brian on "Inside the Gates" local Radio station with Dale Hood. Click button below then scroll down to Brian Wilson interview.