Brian Wilson Signs With Disney Records, Announces Two New Albums

Brian Wilson has signed a contract to release new material through Walt Disney Records with two albums coming out in the coming year.

David Agnew, president of the record company, said "We are honored to be in business with one of the greatest musical artists of all time. It is impossible to overstate the impact Brian has had on contemporary music and culture -- it has been nothing less than profound. We look forward to partnering with Brian on this exciting new voyage in his musical journey."

First up is an album of classic songs from the pen of George and Ira Gershwin. Not only will the album have some well known pieces, but the Gershwin estate has given Wilson access to unfinished songs and given permission to the singer/songwriter to complete the works.

"I've always loved George Gershwin. The earliest music I remember hearing is Rhapsody in Blue,” says Wilson. “Along with Irving Berlin, Gershwin basically invented the popular song, but he did something more. He had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equaled yet his music is timeless and always accessible. This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on."

Todd Gershwin (George Gershwin estate) and Michael Owen (Ira Gershwin estate) said in a statement "The Gershwin families are delighted that the legendary musician Brian Wilson has chosen to record a collection of George and Ira Gershwin songs for his next project. In every generation, American music has been pushed forward by visionaries, from the Gershwin brothers to Brian Wilson. This latest interpretation will be a new opportunity to discover the magic of Gershwin music."

The second album will be Wilson's take on popular Disney songs, which he promises to "Brian-ize."

Both albums will be released on the Disney Pearl, the same label that released Kenny Loggins' latest album of children's songs. No release dates have been announced.