October 16: Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips is 44-years-old today.

-----

Wendy Wilson was born in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson and his first wife Marilyn, who was a member of girl group The Honeys. She is also the younger sister of Carnie Wilson.

Wendy co-founded Wilson Phillips with Carnie when they were in their teens. The Wilson sisters and childhood friend Chynna Phillips grew up together in Southern California in the 1970s and 1980s. Phillips's parents are John Phillips and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas.

The three shared a love of music and songwriting, and developed their own style of vocal harmonies. In 1989, the trio signed with SBK Records. Wilson Phillips released two albums in 1990 and 1992. Wilson Phillips 1990 self-titled debut album sold over 10 million copies worldwide and scored three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, making the trio the best-selling female group at the time.

In 1990, the group won the Billboard Music Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year for "Hold On," and in addition was nominated for four Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards.

In June 1992, Wilson Phillips released their second album, Shadows and Light. The album was deeply personal and adopted a more serious tone, with tracks exploring issues such as child abuse ("Where Are You") and their estrangement from their fathers ("Flesh and Blood,” "All the Way From New York"). The first single, "You Won't See Me Cry" peaked at #20 in the US and #18 in the UK.

Shortly after the release of Shadows and Light, Chynna Phillips announced plans for a solo career, and the group decided to disband.

Wendy and Carnie released a Christmas album together in 1993 and an album called The Wilsons in 1997 with their formerly estranged father, Brian. In 2004, Wendy reunited with Carnie and Phillips for a third Wilson Phillips album entitled California. In 2007, Wendy released “Wendy Dance Album.”

In 2012, the reunited Wilson Phillips released the album, Dedicated, which comprised covers of songs by The Beach Boys and The Mamas and Papas. In 2012 the Wilsons and Phillips created a reality television show called "Wilson Phillips Still Holding On.” The show premiered on the TV Guide network.

In June 2012 Wendy joined her sister Carnie and other members of The Beach Boys' families to form the vocal group, California Saga, which performed at the intermission during the homecoming Hollywood Bowl show of The Beach Boys' 50th anniversary tour.

Wilson married record producer/sound engineer Daniel Knutson on May 24, 2002. They have four sons.

------

For more about Wendy and Wilson Phillips visit their Website at -

http://www.wilsonphillipsmusic.com

####