Thank you Jordan for doing this vlog on him. Dennis was a friend of mine during the last 4 years of his life. I appreciate the sympathetic tone of your vlog and especially your accuracy. Few people know about You Are So Beautiful. While it was alchohol and cocaine that were his downfall it was always his love for and talent for music that really defined him. I have great memories of Dennis staying at my house in San Clemente and coming into nightclubs I was performing at in 1979, 1980 and sitting in and wowing the crowds each time. That's how I prefer to remember Dennis, those nights he was just being musical. I watched him decline to an unthinkable level and it frightened me. I was unable to handle him or even be of much help. He was that deep into his demons. Thank you again Jordan for your stellar report on Dennis. Probably the best one yet. Keep up the good work.
OfficialSteveGarey yes Jordan is by far the best on explaining in great accuracy the details on his vlogs. I must admit that although I admire all the beach boys fantastic music, I truly have an ache in my heart for each one, Brian, Carl and Dennis. I believe if the father didn’t abuse them so horrible, they all would have been close to perfect human beings ever. They were genuinely very loving people. ( MIKE LOVE, NOT TO MUCH . MY VERY LEAST FAVORITE BEACH BOY. HE IS NOT A PERSON I WOULD EVER, EVER CONSIDER TO BE A FRIEND. ). Just my opinion . TY again Jordan for great post and also ty for the input from Dennis’s friend Steve. RIP DENNIS, CARL AND FAMILY MEMBERS😘❤️✝️
It must have been hard to witness your friend's decline. I hope life has been good to you since. I have been a massive fan of Dennis for so many years and since going through some difficult times and a messy divorce a few years back I saw some similarities in the way my life was headed and it was really hard to pull back. Having made a lot of money and not working a traditional 9-5, when the depression sets in, losing a lot through a bad divorce and turning 40, the daytime drinking and late night parties take over, it's a slippery slope. I know it sounds clichéd but Dennis' story really helped save my life.
In 1977 I went to a Album signing for Pacific Ocean Blue and met Dennis. Very cool guy and respectful with each and every fan. Had my picture taken with him and hung out for about an hour with him. I expressed my gratitude to him about the excellence of POB. I told him that I started drumming because of him. He said that he was honored that someone was inspired by his music to start drumming. Great guy, talented musician who unfortunately couldn't find a way to fight the demons of his life. Last time I was in Santa Monica went Chez Jay's and sat in Dennis chair and had a couple of drinks and we did a toast to Dennis. Excellent Vlog. One note , Dennis was diving into the slip where the "Harmony" used to be docked and was retrieving personal items that he had thrown overboard years before. Peace to you Dennis and the joy of your music has brought to so many thru the years. Thank You Dennis . You are missed.
I think another of abused people seek refuge in alcohol and drugs. Repeated abuse by a parent causes a lot of psychological pain that is very difficult to keep inside if you don't deal with it. Brian's problems probably started there too. So much talent there, they are one of my all time favorites.
I always thought Dennis died of shallow water black-out. Hyper-ventilating before a dive or continuous dives while holding your breath for long intervals can cause you to literally faint underwater. He had made several dives to the bottom to receive his ex wife's possessions he had put down there from before, and was drinking heavily that day. Unless someone is there to spot you, blacking out under water is always going to be a death sentence. He likely wouldn't have experience anything which would have explained his peaceful position at the bottom. This can happen to anyone, even well seasoned, healthy, and elite divers and swimmers. Never hyperventilate before holding your breath. If you can help it, never hold your breath too long, and always have a spotter if you're doing this sort of activity. Don't play underwater breath holding games in the pool or beach (or let your kids), because it can be hard to notice someone having problems and they will drop like a stone to the bottom like Dennis did. Like I said, if you pass out underwater, and no one is there to help, you will drown. Be safe everyone.
It was said he also hit his head on a submerged pylon for the slip dock. If you are drunk,you don't think straight and he misjudged where he dove in . He was a very good swimmer/surfer.
I knew Dennis 1977 -1983. 1977 his boat was pristine and beautiful. He was driving a Rolls Royce convertable and doingvery well. I stayed on The Harmony and The Emerald. This IS accurate. The boat slip you got it!! Is the Emerald still on the Starboard side? I last saw him there with Bill Oster. God Bless you Dennis. Legend!!
@@TheMatrixIsReal. nope it was Ringo Starr’s Rolls Royce and next was Dennis Wilson’s. I do believe they leased these vehicles sometimes yet it was gorgeous with wooden dash board. Dennis had cashmere coats, beautiful sun glasses in 1977, His decline was slow yet I knew him before the beginning of the end.
Thank you, Jordan, for giving proper respect to Dennis Wilson (1944-1983). He was the under appreciated member of The Beach Boys. I’m so pleased you are familiar with Dennis’s solo musical efforts. Many Thanks for taking the time to pass on this important information to newer and younger fans. Cheers!
The last time I saw Dennis he was at Wally Heider's studio in Hollywood with Carl and Brian. They were working on the Pet Sounds stuff. Since I knew him, Dennis saw me and walked over and said "Hey, man, what are you doing?" I told him I was seeing my lawyer that day and asked Dennis how he was doing. He said, "Man, I'm just glad to be alive!" The boys called him then and said they had to leave. I never saw him alive again. Since his death, that day and what he said has haunted me. RIP Denny.
I didn’t know much at all about Dennis until now. This vlog was jam packed of interesting info! A lot of work went into this and I appreciate it. What a story to tell!
I had a friend, now passed on, who LOVED the Beach Boys. I went to numerous concerts with Gail. Gail was a very big girl who would stand in the aisle dancing and screaming out different BB names and swearing her love for them. It was quite the show. I never particularly cared for them, but Gail was afraid to go alone. Now, I am glad I went with her and have the memories that I have of her. I always found the whole Chaz Manson (& fam) thing too creepy. Thanks for listening and sharing my memories of Gail.
I met Dennis at a concert in Pittsburgh and I spoke and ate lunch with him I remember telling him that I loved Pacific ocean blue have you looked at me almost in shock that someone had heard it , he said to me if you like that wait till you hear my new album. It was the album bamboo they did release it a few years ago with Pacific Ocean Blue and I have it
It's my understanding that Dennis's boat, the Harmony, was gone from that location, having been sold, and that Dennis was skin diving in it's old slip location looking for some old items from the Harmony.
Dennis use to dock his boat there when he had it and when him and his old lady would fight stuff would get tossed overboard so the day he was drinking with friends that had a boat there and he started diving down to see if he could retrive his stuff that was tossed over when he had his boat there
That broke my heart when you mentioned the fan admiring his "Pacific Ocean Blue" album and he teared up...I'm sure he was proud of that work. But thought nobody heard it. One of the saddest declines of a musician.😣
This is a fantastic story, Jordan!! Beautifully told. I grew up listening to their music but never truly appreciated them until now. Thank you for this poignant tour of Dennis’s life. ♥️🎶
Thank you Jordan, for doing this piece on this beloved & much-missed musician, Dennis Wilson. Been a big fan of his for years. I can still remember hearing the news back in 1983 & getting the issue of People magazine on him a week later. He was a real ladies man. Very generous to those less fortunate, he loved to help people that were hurting, ill, homeless. His kids adored him, he loved his children so much.
Thanks for giving Dennis and Ocean Pacific Blue some well deserved praise! I Had a friend who had a boat slip there and spent a few fun summers just hanging out there. Also went to college in MDR.
1) My boys went to Hawthorne High with the Wilson brothers. 2) My dad was a Hawthorne Fireman and showed up to a call of Murry tying Brian to a tree and abusing Brian. My father told Murry basically that if he ever showed up to something like this again Murry would be in trouble. At the time it was ok to beat kids. That shook my dad up.
I met a Dennis decades ago at the Peaches Record store in Dearborn Mi. It was a stop on his promotional tour regarding his P.O.B. album. Me and a friend drove there just to see him and maybe shake his hand. I got to shake hands with him and he stood there patiently while my buddy took a great photo of us which I still have. Afterwards we hung around the store and watched everything. Everyone got to exchange a few words, take a picture, shake hands or whatever and you didn’t have to buy anything. A real decent guy.
The Beach Boys first performed Pet Sounds live at my dad's high-school. They had a surprise show in the auditorium and to their suprise... it was the best American band and arguably one of the best bands of all time.
Only a hotrod guy would understand how Dennis built the ‘32 Tudor sedan. Bought a big block corvette and trashed everything but the engine and trans and rear end. One of the better known shops made everything work in the deuce sedan they bought for the purpose of building a hotrod. The sedan bounced around for decades after Dennis death until it landed in the hands of Steve Greivy who was at the time the Chef, driver for the owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Steve really didn’t know the car’s history which only became apparent after the car landed in my garage. It took me years to chase down its history which I did just out of curiousity. Hotrods, especially old ones, have a past of their own that is fascinating if you take the time to do the research. Although it’s face has changed the vin numbers are still the same as is the license plate. All we know is the production company paid the tab for the build and it was supposedly in the estate inventory when Dennis drowned. Ironically I met all The Beach Boys at smooth dancers hall in Fresno about six months before the band really took off about ‘61-62. I had no idea, no inclination that the sedan would end up in my ownership.
When you were at Nick's Liquor, you were standing right next to Hinano Cafe, another of Wilson's haunts. Inside there are surfboards on the walls. Next to the pool tables is one that's marked with, "Dennis Wilson says fuck you!"
The beach boys made everyone happy. My friends and I discovered them in 1977. I bought the album with all their hit songs. I shared it with my best friend, as we grew up poor. Love all the beach boys!!!!
Audrey was very much loved by the band, other bands who played with the Beach Boys. Inner circles she is and was adored. I never met her yet I knew Dennis very well.
What a sad end to one of the beach boys. They were a group in my time. I remember singing & dancing to their fabulous music. Greatest memories of my teen years.
I grew up listening to The Beach Boys. They were one of my favorite groups and I remember when he died like it was yesterday. You did a great job, as always, showing all of these historic sites 👍
Wow,.......what an unexpected surprise,.. and informative video. I was never a huge Beach Boys fan(really only followed them from 1964 thru 1971) however,...I was always drawn to the Dennis Wilson story. I have watched other documentaries about him and enjoy the expanded cd Pacific Ocean Blue,... in fact I think I will listen to it today (Memorial Day).
The original masters to Pacific Ocean Blue were stolen out of his car! He had to go back into the studio and recreate the album from scratch! I really liked that album but I gave it to my brother for a birthday present. I told him about the signature, but he didn't believe it was real! What a dick!
Jordan, That was wonderful. You really explain things so thoughtfully. I was so sad to find out about their Father Murry. I'm sure that influenced Dennis, those wounds can run deep I'm sure. It's such a shame. I love the way you go to sites of the person your vlogging. It makes it come alive. Thank you yet again.
Well, he wasn't actually throwing things into the water that day. His boat, the Harmony, had been docked in the slip next to the boat of the friend he was visiting on the day he died. He had thrown some stuff over the side of the Harmony when he was living there. On that last day, when he was diving, he found some stuff he had thrown over the side. He was getting a boot out of the stuff he was finding. Aww Dennis...:-/
Always so sad to hear the Dennis Wilson story. What a handsome, talented man. It's also sad to think that maybe his life might've been different had he not had such an abusive father. I'll be looking up that album and listening to it today and want to say "thank you" for the time and care you put into each of your vlogs. You are clearly a kind and sensitive person. PS-Jah was looking particularly cute and spry with that happy little tail! ❤️
Mostly likely. He also wouldn’t have been a Beach Boy. It was his dad who made the boys form the band and he also got music deals for the boys. He made them famous, if not unhappy and screwed up.
Dennis' boat was repossessed in '81. He died in '83. It was said the boat came up for auction in 2010 but the buyer did not want to be known. Still looking for that. The boat that was parked next to the space that Harmony docked was the Emerald. That is the one that was sunk.
I remember hearing the news of Dennis's passing, so sad, I was really bummed to hear that he left us to soon. R.I.P. Dennis Wilson, you'll are surely missed.
My favorite Beach Boy! Pacific Ocean Blue has to be the most criminally underrated albums in all of rock n roll history. So much raw emotion from Dennis. Fortunately, this last decade has been good to Dennis and POB is getting its due respect. A life gone much too early.
Very strange, I visited marina del ray for the same reason about a month ago to see where he had passed away. I drive in, and parked not knowing at all where it happened but just assumed it was the general area. I swear I parked right there got out of my car walked down to the right and looked right there at that dock. I then walked back to my car and drove off and went around to a more public parking lot. That was exactly where I first went, Dennis your spirit lives on...
I would say that when Dennis hit his head he suffered significant head trama, and that would explain his being in the fetal position when he was found. I grew up in the sixties listening to Beach Boys music, and haven't been without a copy of "Endless Summer" for about 45 years. Great vlog today.
Great video! I worked for Caltrans in the early 80s when the 105 was designed. I didn’t realize that it displaced The Beach Boys home. I’ll have to check it out the next time I’m in Town. Also, didn’t know the Fleetwood Mac connection.
The amount of effort you put in to make this video and with the rest of your channel= Outstanding man. You are a gift to RU-vid and the viewers. Thank you for this boss
That was a very sad story. As someone who had a very regrettable and father and now a brother who is also very troubled and lost - it's too close to home. Teena Marie was an amazing musician and also responsible for a landmark legal case against her music company that musicians today still benefit from. Would love to see a piece on her. Lastly, the Wilson's house is basically walking distance from Elon Musk's Space-X HQ.
Wow, you researched this vlog really well, Jordan! I grew up loving the Beach Boys music but didn't know much about their tumultuous life. I remember the day Dennis died. Such a sad ending for a bright, talented, handsome guy. Thanks for sharing his tragic story.
Thank you so much for sharing about Dennis.. What makes me so sad that he’s so underrated and he is known for so much more!! he was an extremely talented musician along with being a drummer and songwriter.. I’m only 35 and I know he was before my time but I have so much respect for him along with Carl Wilson too..
Thank you Jordan! Loved the Beach Boys when I was growing up and this was so interesting! Thank you for telling Dennis's story in such a way that it is a tribute to his life.
Dennis Wilson WAS the real beach boy. One of the most fascinating stories of rock n roll. I've seen the 10 part documentaries on Dennis. Sad ending bad boy musician. I never knew he was allowed a true burial at sea with some sort of special permission not given to many.
I graduated from High school in 1963. Their music was so upbeat ,it put an instant smile on your face. Loved them then and now. While it is such a sad story, it is part of the story of a legendary group, that brought happiness to so many people. RIP Dennis.🏄♂️🌹
I'll always love those guys. I grew up a California beach baby in the 60's and 70's. Only 30 mins from the beaches, those were wonderful years , and a beautiful state to grow up in. I'm a transplant now in another state, but I'll always be a Cali girl, and I think Beach Boy music wove itself into my DNA! I remember the day Dennis died. Devastating news for this surfer girl. I still have Dennis's album you displayed. When it came out I snapped it right up. He sang his soul into that album, you could feel it. I don't think I'd ever part with it, even after all these years. 🏄🏻♀️
As a professional tour/historic guide on the Central Coast I REALLY appreciate your style and detail you put into your research.. Ive been doing this wayyyy before "Google" existed.. Thanks for including Marks as he still plays with them.. I too have been to the landmark, what a great blue collar hood to grow up in. Too bad their father was a monster as mine was..
I agree with what you are saying. Oh damn the fact you mention your "father was a monster as theirs' was" you must be able to understand the pain the Wilson Bros went through. I feel for you man🤙
This just popped up on my feed while "Good Vibrations" was playing on my phone. THANK YOU for remembering Dennis Wilson. (I discovered your work through a Brian Wilson vlog that you did a while back.) I HAVE to get to that Wilson House Monument - Thank you for going there. You always do great stuff, no matter the location or topic -- Debbie from NJ
TY for doing such a great job Jordan!! I knew Dennis died by drowning but never knew the story of exactly how. Wow!! I learned SO much. What a tragedy. I was just a toddler when they were famous..2 or 3 maybe, but their music has been around forever. I think being a famous person is much harder than the rest of us all think. 😇🌴♥️🌹🌞
I remember Dennis singing the Wanderer. Definitely of all the beach era music, the beach boys were by far and away the most popular and best of the beach sounds. Had the most songs and #1 hits during the 60s.
Excellent work Jordan. I remember when Dennis died, and thought how strange it was that he was diving in the marina like that. Those waters aren't the cleanest with all of the oil and fuel floating about. Good job. Cheers.
Life just is not easy for people and then I think drinking heavily just keeps a person messed up mentally and physically and unfortunately Dennis liked it because it helped him not look at himself and the pain he felt. Sad story and happens to millions of people. When you know better you do better remember that
It is sad that so many of the "greats" die in tragic and sad circumstances. Its just a shame they couldn't have found some sort of good feelings from their works and that could have smoothed their restless spirits.
I really appreciate this & your view & love for Dennis Wilson, plus the fact that you really like his music as well as The Beach Boys. I never knew too much about his death back then, up to this year, surprisingly…or who each member was that closely except Brian when I was a young person - around 1980 to around 85 or 86, but always loved hearing them on the radio. They came to a city close to mine around 1985 ish I believe - I would’ve been 15, & they played a concert at the Lake. It was GOOD! I remember my step dad saying that Brian Wilson wasnt with them & that the little brother Dennis had died- the drummer -= he was sad about that & wished both brothers were there for us to see. He didn’t much like Mike Love. 😏. They of course played all of their songs & had a great crowd! People loved it. Takes dedication to keep that going! Further looking into Dennis Wilson - I’m hooked & love his stuff - plus he’s such a beautiful man. Lol. Really liked hearing him sing Forever, and You are so Beautiful on a live clip from another video - OMG it was really good, Had NO IDEA! but it’s because of THIS video. So thanks for introducing Dennis Wilson to me, for the first time. Shocking right? Beach Boys Will always live. Such an iconic band wow. I’ve come to learn the major genius that Brian was. Truly wish Dennis could’ve went on longer with his big brother. 😢 they seemed close. RIP BRIAN, CARL, & DENNIS “Near the Sea, We forget to Count the Days.” ❤️
We love The Beach Boys, here in Chile , South America. They performed in Santiago , our capital city, once. Thanks for the video. Blessings to Dennis and for you.
@Matt Kustom Kostumes - you do know that Dennis Wilson married Mike Love's illegitimate teenage daughter when in his late 30s right? Seems like Dennis Wilson was the one deserving of a punch in the gut.
Jah!!! Sweet baby. Dennis Wilson was really a great musician. Didnt you do a vlog on him before? Crazy that he would get involved with Charles Manson. That could never end well. Such a sad ending. Thank you for sharing Jordan. Much love to you and Jah❤❤❤🦁
Yes, Dennis was "buried at sea" Not so be confused with "ashes" spread at sea. At the time, only veterans of the Coast Guard and Navy were allowed to be buried in US waters without being first cremated, but Dennis's burial was made possible by the intervention of then-President Ronald Reagan.
Wrong. Brian’s mother, Audree, told Brian to add Carl to his band, because she knew he looked up to Brian, and had the musical ability. Dennis joined because they needed a drummer, and he was all they had. He was also their thematic idea man in the band’s early years.
Carl was already in the band due to his musical ability, she asked him to have Dennis in the band bc he was the only one left out, so Brian said he could play the drums
What's really sad is that he didn't think he was good enough and that people didn't care enough to listen to his music. I know we'll never know why. I guess it might have been a little of the drinking, the drugs, could be a little mental illness/depression. We could keep telling someone how much we love them, what we think of them and how good they are and sometimes that's just not enough.😢
Jordan, this brings back memories. In 1983 I just graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Explorer Academy. I was based at the Lennox station which had the patrol area over Marina del Rey. I was out of state when the news broke that Dennis drowned. They showed video of one of our deputies helping the corner move his body on a gurney. I knew that deputy, but never got the opportunity later to ask him on the details of the scene, but you helped answer my inquiry. 👍🏻 So sad, and I’m wondering if the family trauma of dealing with Murray affected Dennis in the long term. Was he still battling his father in his head in the adult years maybe? Maybe where Brian was introverted and retreated inwardly, Dennis being extroverted, perhaps dealt with Murray’s actions in another way? Only Brian would probably know. I remember in 1980, he was playing drums at a Beach Boys concert on TV. I think it was a live show. I can’t remember where it was but I remember seeing Dennis become very angry at someone in the crowd between songs, and he was pointing his finger and yelling. At that point I realized that Dennis was not someone you would mess with. He sure did not hold his speech it seems.
Happy Memorial Day, remember those that are serving or have served or were killed in action. Thank-You for your service!! I hope Dennis is at peace in death, rough childhood and last yrs of his life. Rest In Peace Dennis.
Thank you so much for this. Pacific Ocean Blue is a deep ,sad wonderful recording. Also a hats off to Taylor Hawkins who finished the vocals on Holy Man which Dennis never did. But you can hear Dennis in his voice.
I used to love listening to the Beach Boys when I was a little kid in the early 70s. The music always made me want to live in California! (Although I never have) I didn’t know much about the life of the Beach boys and I learned a lot about them from your vlog!! Thanks!!
Very good vlog, Jordan, and you're always so good at story telling. This is one that had such a sad ending, but you were so respectful (as always) and showed us just how it was as if we'd been there. Thanks again for your talent and empathy on all of your subjects.
I love Dennis and been listening to his music for years. I love his ballads and yes he is difintly underrated. RIP my brother. Farewell my friend. My beautiful friend....
What a sad end to someone who at one time had the world in the palm of his hand. The thief cometh, not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Indeed! And it's a terrible shame that Dennis apparently had zero motivation to stop drinking and drugging. He could have checked into a clinic and detoxed, and come out the other side a brand-new man. It's just sad all the way around. God bless you, man.
Very well said! My brother was a good friend of Carl, so much so that he gave his drum set to my brother, before he died too soon in 1997. Carl was married to Dean Martin's daughter, Gina. So sad that most people don't even acknowledge the existence of the thief that you refer to.
Thank you for that Jordan , I was born in Hawthorne and went to Hawthorne high in the 70's lived in Redondo beach in the 80's , excellent job as always .
I enjoyed your video! You should do another one on Dennis. You could show some of the other places he lived and hung out at. Ive heard that his home in the Pacific palisades area is the one that the family stayed at. I've heard he lived in a house in Venice in like 1981.
Hi Jordan - another great vlog. Most of your info was correct . . . but I must say that from what I've read, Denny was diving to recover things that he (or Karen Lamb) had thrown overboard from The Harmony. It had been docked in the berth right next to the one where he spent his last day. He had found a silver picture frame with a faded picture of himself and Karen. He then went back down a second time. I believe that's when they lost track of him. You're correct, POB is an EXCELLENT album. All of Dennis' songs from "Friends" through "Sunflower" and "Carl & The Passions" etc., were excellent. "Cuddle Up" and "Only with you" are two of the most heart-breathtakingly beautiful songs ever written. Dennis Wilson was - without question - one of the best.
