Former Beach Boy Brian Wilson has been named MusiCares Person Of The Year 2005 and will be honoured at the annual gala dinner of the US Recording Academy's charitable foundation next Feb, two days ahead of the Grammys.
Announcing the award MusiCares Foundation and Recording Academy president Neil Portnow told reporters: "Brian 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."
The award follows Wilson's return to public performing after years out of the spotlight - a return to form which led, earlier this year, to the release of a completed version of 'SMiLE', the long lost Beach Boys album originally recorded in the late sixties.