Dennis Carl Wilson (December 4, 1944 – December 28, 1983) was an American rock and roll musician best known as a founding member and the drummer of The Beach Boys. He was a member of the group from its formation until his
... Dennis Carl Wilson (December 4, 1944 – December 28, 1983) was an American rock and roll musician best known as a founding member and the drummer of The Beach Boys. He was a member of the group from its formation until his death in 1983, though in keeping with recording studio practices of the time uncredited session musicians would be used. On stage in the seventies and eighties a second drummer would be used.
Compared to his bandmates, which included his brothers Brian and Carl, and his cousin Mike Love, Dennis sang infrequently, often not singing backup vocals at live performances, though he did so in the studio. He was commonly seen as the sex symbol of the band. His prominence in the group increased as their careers went on, sometimes singing lead, and writing towards and into the 1970s.
