Brian Douglas Wilson, the co‑founder and musical genius of The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82, his family announced today. The official statement read,
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
Born June 20, 1942 in Inglewood, California, Wilson rose to prominence in 1961, forming The Beach Boys in Hawthorne alongside his brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. As the band’s chief songwriter, arranger, and producer, he became the architect of timeless hits such as “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, “I Get Around”, “Help Me, Rhonda”, and the masterpieces “Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows” .
In 1966, Wilson ushered in a new era of pop with Pet Sounds, a symphonic, introspective album that initially struggled commercially in the U.S. but later gained acclaim as one of the greatest rock records ever—so influential that Paul McCartney called it essential to any musical education.
Wilson’s brilliance was counterbalanced by profound personal struggles. He battled drug addiction, suffered from auditory hallucinations, and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder as he retreated from public life. His early experiences with an abusive father and his later enmeshment with controversial psychologist Eugene Landy, who once held near-total control over his life, deepened his challenges.
He endured years of seclusion, mental breakdowns, and bizarre behaviors before re-emerging periodically. His 2004 solo album Brian Wilson Presents Smile, long abandoned by The Beach Boys in 1967, was hailed by critics and earned him a Grammy. Despite his frail health, he continued performing live until 2022.
Wilson’s health declined significantly after the 2024 death of his second wife, Melinda Ledbetter. Diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder akin to dementia, he was placed under court conservatorship in May 2024.
With The Beach Boys, Wilson sold over 100 million records and logged more than 30 Top‑40 hits . The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and Wilson earned two Grammy Awards, including one for Smile Sessions. Beyond awards, his innovation in vocal harmonies and studio techniques set new artistic standards, and his influence rippled across generations of musicians, from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen.
Wilson was twice married—first to Marilyn, with whom he had two daughters (Carnie and Wendy of Wilson Phillips fame), and later to Melinda, with whom he had five children. He is survived by his seven children and a global legion of fans and fellow musicians who mourn his loss.
Elton John posted a moving tribute to the icon:
