VOA常速英语:Former Beach Boy 'Reimagines' Gershwin

You never know what to expect from singer Brian Wilson. Wilson tackles some of George Gershwin's most enduring melodies, and even completed two of the legendary composer's tunes on his latest album, "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin."

Brian Wilson has been a lifelong Gershwin fan.  He heard "I've Got A Crush On You," "Rhapsody In Blue," and other George and Ira Gershwin classics at an early age.  Brian went on to become the co-founder and leader of one of rock and roll's greatest bands, The Beach Boys.

The idea to record an album of Gershwin songs came to Brian more than a year ago.  With permission from the composer's estate and support from his new label, Disney Records, Brian performed, arranged and orchestrated 12 Gershwin standards, and then put the finishing touches on "The Like In I Love You" and "Nothing But Love."

Brian Wilson adds "collaborator" to his list of credits on his new album with the completion of George Gershwin's "Nothing But Love."  Gershwin left behind over 100 unfinished works when he died at age 38 in 1937.

Brian praises Gershwin as an inventor of the popular song.  He says, "George Gershwin had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equaled, yet his music is timeless and always accessible."  Brian, who has recorded more than 10 solo albums since leaving The Beach Boys in 1988, adds, "This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on." 

Brian will headline the first of six concerts in Australia on October 29, including four shows with Chicago, America and Peter Frampton.