Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

Explore the life and career of the singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys. The film traces the legendary performer’s journey of reflection on a drive through Los Angeles with his longtime friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine.

See musical genius Brian Wilson at work producing his song, "Honeycomb." "Start with a background track, then you do the background vocals, then you do the leads," said Wilson of his process.

This archival footage from 1966 shows Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys working on "Good Vibrations" in the studio. "Back at that time, there's a lot of upbeat, up-tempo songs but Brian brought in this haunting harmony," said producer and songwriter Linda Perry.

In this outtake from "American Masters—Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road," Brian Wilson stops at Hawthorne High School, his alma mater, where the current principal helps right a wrong in his grades.

Jason Fine first convinced his boss at Rolling Stone to let him cover Brian Wilson's burgeoning solo career in 1997. Since then, Fine and Wilson have enjoyed a lasting friendship.