Billy Joel, James Taylor, Sting, Brian Wilson, Chris Botti, Feist, Roberto Alagna, and Musical Family Members to Perform Along with Many More Special Guests

Concert Once in a Lifetime "All Access" Concert/Gala Experience to be Auctioned

New York. 27 March 2008
This year marks the 20th year since Trudie Styler and her husband Sting took their first trip to the Brazilian Rainforest and their commitment began.  What subsequently followed was the founding of the Rainforest Foundation Fund.   On May 8th they celebrate another milestone, the 15th RFF  “Some Kinda Legacy” Benefit Concert at the eminent Carnegie Hall followed by a gala dinner in the newly restored legendary Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.   Billy Joel, James Taylor, Sting, Brian Wilson, Chris Botti, Feist, celebrated French operatic tenor Roberto Alagna, cellist Natalie Clein plus some very special musical family members along with many more special guests will perform one night only on behalf of the Rainforest Foundation Fund.  MacAndrews & Forbes, one of the RFF's longest-running corporate supporters will be joined this year by Crate and Barrel as the evening's Co-Sponsors. 

To celebrate the achievements of The Rainforest Foundation Fund and to raise awareness of its mission, Crate and Barrel's Madison Avenue windows in New York City will feature images of inspiring success stories from the world’s rainforests and a special once in a lifetime "All Access" Concert/Gala experience will be auctioned off on www.CharityBuzz.com beginning March 27 – April 10th. This remarkable, unprecedented package includes access to an exclusive closed-set dress rehearsal, a private box at Carnegie Hall, a table at the Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom for the after-show gala, plus much more! 

“Once again I have the great privilege of producing an all-star line-up for the Rainforest Foundation benefit at Carnegie Hall,” said Trudie Styler.  “It is a tremendous thrill for me to work with so many responsible and generous artists, who all step up with such grace to make this show one of the most unique and talked-about concerts of the calendar. What inspires us all to keep participating in this regular event is recognizing the importance of taking care of our precious planet, and working to protect it from further degradation. The money we raise will improve the lives of so many indigenous people – giving them safer water, protected homelands and a sustainable future – and in turn will make us all the beneficiaries of a healthier planet.”

Created in 1989, The Rainforest Foundation Fund did not emerge out of an abstract concern or theory about the environment or indigenous peoples. It began because an indigenous leader asked for Trudie Styler and Sting’s help. They agreed to involve themselves tirelessly in support of that call because they understood that the threat to the home of those indigenous people was part of a larger threat to all of us, and our future. Over the years, many of the objectives of the Rainforest Foundation Fund, and the national organizations - RFF Norway, RFF UK, RFF USA, which now covers three continents, Asia, Africa and the Americas, have been successfully achieved.   However, the work is far from over as they continue to focus on crucial issues such as land rights, security, natural resources management, community and organizational development, cultural revitalization, protection of human rights and supporting the indigenous people. 

According to RFF International Chairperson, Franca Sciuto:  “Whatever success we achieve is in large measure the success of those who are at the forefront of the struggle to protect their land, their rights, their lives, the indigenous peoples and tribal populations of the world to whom we renew our commitment. Our thanks go to Sting and Trudie for their continued support, to our supporters and donors.”   For more information please visit the website at www.rainforestfoundationfund.org

Carnie Wilson to Release First Solo Album "A Mother's Gift: Lullabies from the Heart" Inspired by the Birth of Her Daughter Lola Sofia

(October 3, 2005 - Los Angeles, CA) Beach Boys co-founder, Grammy winner and music legend Brian Wilson has raised $210,000 and has made over 500 phone calls through his Katrina donation challenge, which ended this past weekend, Saturday, October 1st. He organically launched this challenge via his website on September 22nd where he stated that he would match all cash donations and would make a personal telephone call to thank each donor giving $100 or more.

Wilson does not intend to stop here. He is currently working on a plan to bring Christmas to New Orleans by organizing an event to include a musical performance while tying in a partner to bring toys and the joy of Christmas to the stricken area of New Orleans. Wilson performed at last year's Jazz festival where he felt an incredible connection with the people, musicians, and culture of New Orleans.

"Christmas has always been a special time for me and my family," says Wilson who is set to release his first solo album of Christmas music, "What I Really Want For Christmas" on October 18. "I would love to be able to go down to New Orleans and bring toys and perform for the kids that have lost so much. No kid should be without Christmas"

The Katrina challenge began organically when he posted a note on his message board at www.brianwilson.com and a fan, not believing it was actually Wilson, challenged him to call. Wilson agreed, but only if the fan donated to Katrina relief. From this one exchange came Brian's Katrina challenge where he and his wife Melinda decided to match all cash donations and Brian would call each donor donating over $100.

Additional Artists Join this Multi-Genre, Multi-Platform Special Including
The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Kanye West, Sheryl Crow, Paul McCartney, Alan Jackson, 3 Doors Down, Kelly Clarkson, Brian Wilson, Melissa Etheridge, The Neville Brothers, Trent Reznor, Cash Money’s Baby and Lil’ Wayne and more

Special To Direct Donations to The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and America’s Second Harvest and to Promote Volunteerism

New York, NY – September 2, 2005 – MTV, VH1, and CMT announced more artists set to take part in an ongoing Hurricane Katrina relief campaign which launches Saturday, September 10th from 8-11pm ET/PT with “ReAct Now: Music & Relief,” a multi-artist, multi-genre, multi-platform special set to air commercial free and simultaneously across all the music networks including: MTV, VH1, CMT, MTV2, VH1 Classic, mtvU, and MTV Overdrive & VSpot, MTV & VH1’s broadband video services. The special will seek to raise much needed funds for The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, America’s Second Harvest and similar organizations as they continue their relief efforts in the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina. The campaign will also seek to activate the diverse audiences across MTV, VH1, and CMT to drive volunteerism, donations, and general awareness.

A wide array of artists will appear in the special including: The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Kanye West, Sheryl Crow, Paul McCartney, Alan Jackson, 3 Doors Down, Kelly Clarkson, Brian Wilson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Melissa Etheridge, The Neville Brothers, Trent Reznor, Cash Money’s Baby and Lil’ Wayne, Motley Crue, Simple Plan, Dashboard Confessional, Goo Goo Dolls, Staind, Good Charlotte, Audioslave, Common, John Mayer, Marc Broussard, Maroon 5, The Radiators, and more. They join previously announced artists: Ludacris, Green Day, Gretchen Wilson, Usher, Alicia Keys, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews Band, Rob Thomas, David Banner, Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington.

The live programming block from 8-11pm ET/PT will emanate from New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Atlanta, and will feature a combination of live and taped performances and messages from artists. Additional details will be announced in the coming days.

“Since we announced this campaign, there has been an incredible outpouring of support from the music and entertainment community who want to lend their voices, performances or messages of hope to those in need,” said Van Toffler, President MTV Networks Music Group. “The affected area hit hard by Hurricane Katrina shares a rich musical and cultural heritage, so it’s all the more meaningful that we try to support these massive relief efforts through music and encouraging our audiences to help any way they can.”

Starting earlier this week, all the CMT, VH1, and MTV platforms have begun awareness campaigns to provide information to viewers on how to get involved and participate in the relief efforts. Viewers and users will continue to be directed to web sites and numbers where they can make donations of money, clothing, equipment, and anything else that may help the affected areas.

Each of the respective news departments for MTV, VH1, and CMT are also covering and filing reports from the devastated areas. MTV News is planning a special that will also air on Saturday, September 10th, directly preceding “ReAct Now” on MTV.

The American Red Cross is asking people to help by making an online contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW to donate, signing up with a local chapter to volunteer or making a blood donation.

The Salvation Army is currently providing services to storm victims and first responders in the Gulf Coast states. A $100 donation to The Salvation Army will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household clean-up kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies. A contribution can be made online at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

America’s Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network is in need of food and funds to respond to Hurricane Katrina in states impacted by the disaster including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. America’s Second Harvest national Network of food banks and food-rescue organizations have moved into disaster response mode to help sister food banks directly impacted by the wrath of the ferocious storm.

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), owns and operates the following television programming services – MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, mtvU, VHI, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, MTV INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 12 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

What I Really Want For Christmas, His First Solo Album of Christmas Music, Set for October 18th Release on Arista

Includes new songs with lyrics by Bernie Taupin, Jimmy Webb, new versions of two 1964 Beach Boys yule classics, and 8 Christmas chestnuts

(May 2, 2005 – New York, NY) The ever-productive and always surprising career of American popular music icon Brian Wilson will continue to dazzle old and new fans as he puts the finishing touches on his first solo album of Christmas music. WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, named for its Bernie Taupin-penned title track, will arrive in stores October 18th on Arista Records, it was announced today by Clive Davis, Chairman of BMG U.S.

“Christmas has always been a special time for me and my family,” said Wilson. “And this year will be even more special because I’ll have a new album of holiday songs on Clive Davis' label to celebrate the holiday season. I hope the music means as much to other people as it does to me.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about the prospects of an album than what we look for from Brian Wilson’s ‘What I Really Want For Christmas’. To finally share in his musical genius and help bring this holiday future classic to millions of fans all over the world is truly an honor. We are all overjoyed to be a part of this,” praised Davis.

In addition to “What I Really Want For Christmas,” with lyrics written by Taupin (Elton John’s long-time lyricist), Brian’s new album will feature one more newly-composed tune, “Christmasey,” with lyrics by Jimmy Webb (of “Up, Up and Away” and “By the Time I Get To Phoenix” renown). Brian will also offer new versions of “Little Saint Nick” and “The Man With All the Toys,” which were the two opening songs on 1964’s essential The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album (his last full LP of yuletide songs).

The balance of WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS will include new versions of 8 holiday favorites: “Auld Lang Syne,” “Deck The Halls,” “The First Noel,” “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,” “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” “Oh Holy Night,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” Joining Brian for the album sessions was his ten piece top notch band with a working lineup of Jeffrey Foskett (vocals, lead guitar), Darian Sahanaja (vocals, vibes, keyboards), Probyn Gregory (vocals, guitar, keyboards, horns), Nick Walusko (vocals, guitar), Nelson Bragg (drums), Jim Hines (drums), Bob Lizik (bass), Paul Mertens (flute, saxophones), Scott Bennett (vocals, keyboards, percussion), and Taylor Mills (vocals). The album was produced and arranged by Brian Wilson.

Brian Wilson Presents Smile, his most recent album (September 2004, Nonesuch) con-tinues to astound and inspire everyone who hears it. Prior to the recording, he undertook an extended tour of the U.K., Europe, and eventually the U.S., that first presented the music of his long awaited and finally completed Masterpiece of 1966’s most famous unreleased and unfinished album ever, Smile. This past February, Brian won the first Grammy Award of his career (for “Mrs O'Leary's Cow,” ironically an instrumental track from the 2004 album). With the recording of his Christmas album now finishing up, Brian will embark on an extensive tour of Europe in early June. Starting early in August, Brian and his band will go on tour in the United States presenting Smile, with dates already announced for Jones Beach Amphitheatre in New York (on August 13th) and the Hollywood Bowl (September 4th) expected to be immediate sell-outs.

WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS and Brian Wilson Presents Smile are the latest volumes in a resurgence that began in 1988, with the release of his first official solo album, Brian Wilson. After a long hiatus, 1995 brought the prophetically titled documentary film (and companion CD), I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times. That same year, after his marriage to Melinda Ledbetter, Brian issued Orange Crate Art, with long-time collaborator Van Dyke Parks. Imagination followed in 1998, featuring co-writes with Jimmy Buffett, Carole Bayer Sager, J.D. Souther, and others. The indie label BriMel was launched in 2000 with Live At the Roxy Theatre, followed by Getting’ In Over My Head (June 2004), the precursor to …Smile and now, WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS.

2-Disc Set Features Documentary, Exclusive Live Performance And Behind-The-Scenes Footage

LOS ANGELES — On May 24 Rhino Home Video delivers BRIAN WILSON PRESENTS SMiLE: THE DVD. The two-disc package features nearly four hours of material, including the documentary Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson And The Story of SMiLE (from LSL Productions, in association with Chautauqua Entertainment), as well as an exclusive performance of SMiLE shot in its entirety in Los Angeles, and nearly two hours of never-before-seen bonus footage. The set will be available at all retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Directed by award-winning writer/producer David Leaf (who also wrote the Brian Wilson biography The Beach Boys & The California Myth), Beautiful Dreamer traces the 37-year saga of Wilson’s most fabled work. Through interviews with celebrated friends, musicians, producers and peers (Sir George Martin, Elvis Costello, Roger Daltrey and film stars Rob Reiner and Jeff Bridges), the documentary explains the ambition and inspiration behind SMiLE’s acclaimed songs, the obstacles that prevented their release and the joyous conclusion at the 2004 Royal Festival Hall debut performance of SMiLE.

BRIAN WILSON PRESENTS SMiLE: THE DVD also includes a 5.1 Surround Sound live performance of SMiLE, as well as never-before-seen interviews with its star, bonus live footage featuring the 2004 Royal Festival Hall performance of “Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow” (a recent Grammy&Mac226; winner for Best Rock Instrumental), plus priceless intimate footage of Wilson at the piano, playing “Rhapsody In Blue,” “Good Vibrations,” “Heroes And Villains,” “Wonderful,” and singing “Cabin Essence.”

In addition, fans are treated to recording session footage, a photo gallery, the theatrical trailer for Beautiful Dreamer, fan and celebrity reaction filmed after the Royal Festival Hall performance, as well as a contest-winning video for “Heroes And Villains.”

Thirty-seven years after he and lyricist Van Dyke Parks began creating SMiLE (Nonesuch Records), the album was released in 2004, giving Brian Wilson his biggest hit in nearly three decades and garnering the pop icon widespread critical acclaim and three Grammy nominations. Featuring Wilson’s touring band of five years augmented by The Stockholm Strings and Horns, SMiLE was dubbed a “masterpiece” by Newsweek and was saluted with the rare and coveted five-star review in Rolling Stone.

Filled with compositions that are complex and sophisticated while glorious and beautiful, SMiLE was originally intended to be the follow-up to The Beach Boys’ iconic breakthrough Pet Sounds. It was to appear in stores in January 1976. In fact, more than 400,000 SMiLE record jackets were printed and ads were taken out in various magazines to prepare for the concept album. After Wilson began performing Pet Sounds live in recent years, he decided to revisit SMiLE in concert at a universally hailed week of performances at the Royal Festival Hall in London in February 2004. Soon after, Wilson returned to Sunset Sound in Hollywood, where he’d originally cut portions of SMiLE, to create the definitive studio recording.

The DVD set documents Wilson’s reunion with Van Dyke Parks, and even finds the lyricist interviewing the musical legend. The DVD’s documentary component was immediately lauded after it debuted on Showtime last year as Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson And The Story of SMiLE. It tells the story of how a boy from Southern California who dreamed of becoming a major league baseball player instead became one of rock music’s greatest visionaries.

BRIAN WILSON PRESENTS SMiLE: THE DVD track listing:

DISC ONE
Documentary: Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson And The Story Of SMiLE

Bonus Material

• Theatrical trailer
• “Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow,” from the world premiere of SMiLE, Royal Festival Hall, London, February 2004.
• After The Show featurette (postconcert reactions)
• Interview Highlights
  Van Dyke Parks interviews Brian Wilson 2/22/04
  Interview with Brian Wilson 3/16/04
  Interview with Brian Wilson 5/01/04
  Interview with Brian Wilson 8/16/04
  

DISC TWO
SMiLE Live Concert
01. Our Prayer/Gee
02. Heroes And Villains
03. Roll Plymouth Rock
04. Barnyard
05. Old Master Painter/You Are My Sunshine
06. Cabin Essence
07. Wonderful
08. Song For Children
09. Child Is The Father Of Man
10. Surf’s Up
11. I’m In Great Shape/I Wanna Be Around/Workshop
12. Vega-Tables
13. On A Holiday
14. Wind Chimes
15. Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow
16. In Blue Hawaii
17. Good Vibrations

Bonus Material

• Outtakes from the making of Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson And The Story Of SMiLE
• Brian Wilson photo gallery
• Brian Wilson at the piano:
  “Rhapsody In Blue” (solo)
  “Good Vibrations” (solo instrumental)
  “Good Vibrations” with Carol Kaye (instrumental)
  “Heroes And Villains” (solo instrumental)
  “Heroes And Villains” (instrumental with Carol Kaye)
  “Heroes And Villains” (vocal version with Carol Kaye)
  “Wonderful” (solo instrumental)
  “Cabin Essence” (vocal version with Darian Sahanaja on piano)
• The recording of Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE featurette
• “Heroes And Villains” contest-winning video

FACT SHEET

GRAMMY®-nominated composer Brian Wilson will be honored as the MusiCares 2005 Person Of The Year at a special tribute dinner, concert and silent auction held Friday, February 11, 2005, at the Hollywood Palladium. Wilson was selected as the MusiCares Person Of The Year for his accomplishments as a musician and humanitarian.

The Person Of The Year event features a star-studded concert of tribute performances by many of today’s biggest music stars. Also among the highlights of the MusiCares Person Of The Year gala is its prestigious auction featuring collectibles such as music and sports memorabilia, artwork and luxury items.

This year’s auction will feature a one-of-a-kind Brian Wilson inspired Cadillac XLR. Proceeds from the annual Person Of The Year tribute provide essential support for MusiCares’ Financial Assistance Program, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

VEHICLE OVERVIEW: A 2005 Cadillac XLR has been customized with Brian Wilson inspired design cues transforming the vehicle into a one-of-a-kind luxury roadster sure to appeal to premium car and music enthusiasts. With an automatic, one-button power retractable hardtop roof, the XLR converts from a coupe to an open air convertible in under 30 seconds.

EXTERIOR COLOR/PLATE: The XLR is a vibrant visual statement with its specialty deep blue iridescent paint. Depending on light conditions, the complex paint reveals three different shades of blue. Brian Wilson signature badging is added to the body’s exterior as well as on a custom rear license plate.

SEATS: The interior design epitomizes contemporary luxury. Rich, shale leather seats have been customized with blue suede inserts, color-coordinated Brian Wilson signature stitching on the headrests, and matching blue leather roll bars. The seats are both heated and cooled providing ultimate comfort in any climate.

INTERIOR ACCENTS: Unique eucalyptus wood has been stained orange to match a tinted Bvglari instrument cluster. With striking aluminum accents completing the package, a luxurious environment is created.

TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology abounds from the keyless access to the push-button start, making the XLR a truly “keyless” car. A 7-inch color touch screen provides access to DVD navigation, a nine-speaker world-class Bose audio system with a six-CD in-dash changer, XM Satellite Radio and DVD entertainment (in Park position). The vehicle is also equipped with OnStar, a head-up display projecting key driver information on the windshield, adaptive cruise control, Magnetic Ride Control and StabiliTrak.

PERFORMANCE/ENGINE: The XLR is built with a performance-oriented chassis and structure, and has a 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT (variable valve timing) rear-wheel-drive engine. The combination makes it the lightest, most powerful vehicle in its class. The vehicle generates 320 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.

WHEELS: Spun-cast aluminum, 18-inch wheels have been “chromed out” and along with custom yellow calipers they provide a striking accent to the vehicle’s exterior persona. The vehicle rides on Michelin ZP Extended Mobility tires (P235/50R18 front and rear).

DESIGNER/PRODUCER: Design was inspired by Brian Wilson, and Ron Canyon of Canyon Motors, LTD in Los Angeles is completing all design cues for the vehicle.

Los Angeles, CA January 4, 2005 -- Markus Sandlund, one of the talented cellists from the Stockholm Strings and Horns who performed on Brian Wilson’s album SMiLE, has been reported missing from Phuket, Thailand.

Markus Sandlund (born April 29, 1975) and his girlfriend, Sophia, traveled to Thailand after completing the SMiLE tour in Australia and New Zealand. They were vacationing at the Orchid Beach Resort at Khao Lak (room 112) when the Tsunami hit.

At the time of the tsunami they were at the pool. Sophia was swept away by the flood and was later rescued. She is now back home in Sweden where she is still hospitalized, recovering from injuries. She has not seen Markus since the wave hit.

"I have been devastated since I heard the news that Markus is missing in Thailand,” said Wilson. “ We have sent an agent to see what we can find out, but as of today we have been unable to locate Marcus in the area. If there is anyone out there who might know Markus' whereabouts please contact info@brianwilson.com. My prayers go out to all of the victims and their families and I would ask you to say a prayer for Markus’ safe return."

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Markus Sandlund (Swedish personal code 8956) please contact www.brianwilson.com

The 15th Annual Gala Tribute Benefiting the MusiCares® Foundation's Financial Assistance Program Will Be Held Feb. 11, 2005

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2004) – GRAMMY®-nominated composer Brian Wilson will be honored as the MusiCares 2005 Person Of The Year, it was announced today by Neil Portnow, President of the MusiCares® Foundation and The Recording Academy®. Wilson – chosen for his accomplishments as a musician and humanitarian – will receive the honor at a special tribute dinner, concert and silent auction held Friday, Feb. 11, 2005, at the Palladium in Hollywood. The MusiCares tribute dinner is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week, a celebration that culminates with the 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards on "GRAMMY Sunday," Feb. 13, 2005. The telecast will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. (live in the East, tape delayed in the West).

"We take great pride and joy in saluting Brian Wilson during MusiCares' milestone 15th anniversary of providing a safety net for musicians everywhere," said Portnow. "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. Brian and his music have the power to reach listeners across generations and deliver a musical experience that is timeless and unforgettable – and that's exactly how this year's Person Of The Year event will be on February 11."

A songwriter, producer, arranger and composer, it is no exaggeration to call Wilson one of pop's most influential creators and one of music's most revered figures. Starting in 1961 in his family living room in Southern California, Wilson, his two younger brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine first came together to create what would become the quintessential soundtrack to the California Dream – and more than two dozen Top 40 hits, including "Surfer Girl," "I Get Around," "Don't Worry Baby," "Fun, Fun, Fun," and "California Girls." By 1966, the Beach Boys emerged as America's preeminent pop group and also proved to be one of the best-produced groups of the '60s thanks to Wilson's continually evolving studio proficiency. It was this legacy that resulted in the Beach Boys' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

By the mid-'60s, Wilson opted not to tour with the Beach Boys to focus solely on studio productions. In 1966, he produced three records that would forever change the course of pop music. The first was Pet Sounds, his musical autobiography, which is considered by many to be one of the greatest albums ever made. The second record was the worldwide No. 1 single "Good Vibrations," a "pocket symphony" deemed one of the seminal singles of all time. His third creation was Smile, a collection of songs that combined classical composition, multipart harmonies, rock rhythms and an avant-garde sensibility, which unquestionably became one of the most anticipated works ever. However, a combination of circumstances, both personal and professional, forced Wilson to shelve the project – and during the subsequent 37 years, Smile became the most famous unfinished, unreleased album in music history.

Throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s, Wilson continued to write, record and produce sonic masterpieces, with the Beach Boys, as a solo artist, and in collaboration with other musicians ("Til I Die," "Love & Mercy," Orange Crate Art with Van Dyke Parks, Brian Wilson, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, Imagination, Gettin' In Over My Head); and in 2000, he was inducted by Paul McCartney into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Even as he battled personal demons and professional ups and downs, he never lost sight of his "holy grail," Smile. Finally, in 2003, Wilson and his chief Smile collaborator Van Dyke Parks reunited to complete the work, which has been greeted with enthusiastic response from both fans and critics alike.

Earlier this year, Wilson and his band performed Smile to sold-out audiences across Europe, recorded an all-new studio version of the album, and then toured the U.S. Since its release this past September, Smile has garnered rave reviews and already is topping 2004 year-end critics' lists.

Wilson gives generously of his time and talent to worthwhile causes that are near and dear to his heart and the music community. His philanthropic efforts are evident in his ongoing support (through concerts and private donations) of the Carl Wilson Foundation for cancer research (his younger brother succumbed to the disease in 1998), as well as performances at the Adopt-A-Minefield benefit (appearing with Paul McCartney) and Neil Young's Bridge School concert (which raises funds to help ensure that individuals with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of augmentative and alternative means of communication and assistive technology).

The Person Of The Year event features a star-studded concert of tribute performances by many of today's biggest music stars. Also among the highlights of the MusiCares Person Of The Year gala is its prestigious auction featuring collectibles such as music and sports memorabilia, artwork and luxury items. Proceeds from the annual Person Of The Year tribute provide essential support for MusiCares' Financial Assistance Program, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Featuring unprecedented interviews with Brian Wilson and a host of music industry greats, from Roger Daltrey to Sir George Martin, Beautiful Dreamer tells the story of the Beach Boy genius’ mythical masterpiece, SMiLE - the most famous unfinished, unreleased album in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

The film includes exclusive eyewitness accounts by those who were there in 1966, including Wilson’s co-songwriter Van Dyke Parks, as well as commentary from Beatles producer Sir George Martin, Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, Elvis Costello, Roger Daltrey, Jeff Bridges, to Jimmy Webb, Lou Adler, Burt Bacharach, journalists, producers and musicians, together with rare behind-the-scenes footage of the early production of SMiLE.

Slated for release in early 1967 and set to be Brian Wilson’s revolutionary follow-up to the critically acclaimed Pet Sounds, SMiLE was to feature acclaimed tracks such as Good Vibrations, Surf’s Up, and Heroes and Villains. Despite the anticipation, it was never completed, and in the 37 years hence, it became a mythical piece of music. Beautiful Dreamer charts the journey of SMiLE, from its initial inception in 1966, in the midst of the Beach Boys’ rising commercial pop success, through the creative processes and collaborations from which SMiLE came about, to its disappearance into obscurity for over thirty years. Enshrouded in tales of mind-blowing avant-garde brilliance, Beautiful Dreamer explains the enduring impact of SMiLE on Brian and his musical collaborators, until its live renaissance in 2004, at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

For six months from the end of 2003, director David Leaf and his crew intimately chronicled Wilson’s world, from the studio completion of SMiLE, to the first vocal rehearsals, through the world premiere performance of SMiLE in London, which features a cameo from Sir Paul McCartney. With the total participation and authorisation of Brian Wilson, including candid admissions about his mental health and drug use over the years, Leaf has created a unique film - a combination of historical documentary and a behind-the-scenes portrait on the creation, denouement and resurrection of SMiLE.

All this, alongside a treasure trove of original photographs, and simple, astonishing footage of Wilson performing some of the best known and musically lauded pop songs in history – including a complete performance of Surf’s Up, on a 1967 CBS News special hosted by Leonard Bernstein - combine to create a complex, and by turns humorous and painful portrait of one of the modern geniuses of contemporary pop music.

SYNOPSIS
Featuring unprecedented interviews with Brian Wilson and a host of music industry greats, from Roger Daltrey to Sir George Martin, plus rare behind-the-scenes footage of the early production of SMiLE, Beautiful Dreamer tells the story of the Beach Boy genius’ mythical masterpiece - the most famous unfinished, unreleased album in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

For six months from the end of 2003, director David Leaf and his crew intimately chronicled Wilson’s world, from the studio completion of SMiLE, to the first vocal rehearsals, through the world premiere performance of SMiLE in London. With the total participation and authorisation of Brian Wilson, including candid admissions about his mental health and drug use over the years, Leaf has created a unique film - a combination of historical documentary and a behind-the-scenes portrait on the creation, denouement and resurrection of SMiLE.

DIRECTOR’S WORDS
‘Beautiful Dreamer first needed to explain the special place in the pop music pantheon that Brian Wilson occupied in the fall of 1966… when, in the wake of the avant-garde single, ‘Good Vibrations,’ the entire music world was literally wondering what the Beach Boys musical leader would do next.’

To do that, and also give the audience the feeling of what it was like to live in the midst of SMiLE - a creative era when anything was possible - the key participants (including Wilson and his collaborator Van Dyke Parks) sat for unprecedented, comprehensive interviews. Candidly, for the first time ever, they told the story of their famous (and, regrettably infamous) creation, SMiLE.’

‘It is the SMiLE music (composed, arranged and produced by Wilson) which has lead so many to become consumed by the legend of SMiLE, to wonder what happened to it, to speculate how the world might have been different had SMiLE been completed and released in 1967 and, most of all, to ultimately regard it as the ‘holy grail’ of rock ‘n’ roll.’

‘What was vital to the success of the film was to explain how SMiLE wasn’t just hype, the creation of a brilliant publicist.’ To do that, to give credence to Wilson’s ambition to record – ‘a teenage symphony to God’ - Sir George Martin, Andrew Loog Oldham and Roger Daltrey (representing the triumvirate of group’s who were competing with Wilson’s Beach Boys for pop supremacy in the mid-1960s) all contributed their commentary to the film, giving the perspective from ‘across the pond’, where SMiLE, the eagerly anticipated follow-up to Pet Sounds, was talked about in whispered excitement.’

‘But SMiLE was much more than an industry myth. The buzz on this record was so strong that it caught the attention of the cultural establishment. So that we can feel the impact that SMiLE might have had on the public, the first act of the film concludes with Wilson’s complete performance of ‘Surf’s Up’ (from a 1967 CBS News special on pop music hosted by the most important American maestro in classical music, Leonard Bernstein). It is on that appearance that we can viscerally come to understand how important Brian was in 1967…and how big an impact the music of SMiLE was making, even before it was released.’

‘Finishing SMiLE, Brian once observed, would be like ‘raising the Titanic.’ Well, we were there as he actually "raised the Titanic," a colossal moment in cultural history.’

DIRECTOR’S BIOGRAPHY

David Leaf is a Peabody and WGAW Award-winning television writer and producer/director best known for his work on acclaimed pop culture programs, music specials and retrospectives.

Perhaps most notably, his credits include being one of the Emmy-nominated (and Peabody Award winning) writers on the landmark all-network telethon ‘America: A Tribute To Heroes’, five years as a profile producer/director for ‘Disney's Salute To The American Teacher’ and writing and directing the filmed segments for ‘Christopher Reeve: A Celebration of Hope’ [ABC], helping that program earn an Emmy-nomination for ‘Best Variety Special’.

Among his other producing credits are the Emmy-nominated ‘Billy Joel: In His Own Words’ [A&E], ‘An-All Star Tribute To Brian Wilson’ [TNT], and ‘You Can't Do That: The Making Of 'A Hard Day's Night’.

Among his record industry credits are liner notes for the award-winning re-issues of Pet Sounds and the Good Vibrations box set, which he co-produced. He also wrote the books for and produced ‘The Pet Sounds Sessions’ box set, for which he received a Grammy Award nomination for ‘Best Historical Recording’. Leaf has won the Q Magazine Recorded Music Award (1990 & 1993) twice.

As an author, Leaf has written three biographies (including the best-selling authorised biography of the Bee Gees and the ground-breaking Brian Wilson biography, The Beach Boys & The California Myth).

With his partners at LSL Productions, Leaf has written and produced documentaries on The Bee Gees, the Marx Brothers, Nat King Cole, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

BACKGROUND NOTES ON BRIAN WILSON
Before 1966, Brian Wilson had been responsible for some of the most beloved records ever - Surfer Girl, Fun, Fun, Fun and California Girls, to name just a handful of the dozens of hit records he produced for his family band, the Beach Boys.

In 1966, that Wilson produced three records that forever changed the course of popular music: The first was Pet Sounds, and it is considered to be one of the greatest albums ever made. The second was a single, Good Vibrations, and it proved that the recording studio was a place where art could be created. The third was SMiLE. It was to be the next step - a suite of songs that combined beautiful harmonies, rock sensibilities and the avant-garde. It represented the entire history of American music in one piece and told a story of an America that could be as good as its ideals.

SMiLE was never completed. During the past 37 years, it has become the most talked about unreleased album in music history. As Newsweek magazine recently reported, imagine if the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's hadn't come out back in 1967.

CAST/INTERVIEWS

LOU ADLER
DAVID ANDERLE
TONY ASHER
BURT BACHARACH
HAL BLAINE
JEFF BRIDGES
ELVIS COSTELLO
ROGER DALTREY
LORREN DARO
KEVIN HEARNE
BILLY HINSCHE
FRANK HOLMES
ROBIN HOOD
DANNY HUTTON
CAROL KAYE
HARVEY