Wilson is considered one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th century
Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82. His family shared the news on social media on Wednesday (June 11th).
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now,” they write. “Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”
Wilson was best known as a co-founder, primary songwriter, producer, co-lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for The Beach Boys. He is widely considered one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th century.
Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, Wilson grew up in a musical household, with his mother playing piano and his father being an aspiring songwriter. He showed an early aptitude for music, teaching himself how to overdub with a reel-to-reel tape recorder.
In 1961, he formed a band called The Pendletones with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and high school friend Al Jardine. They later became known as The Beach Boys. Wilson was the main creative force behind many of The Beach Boys’ iconic hits, including “Good Vibrations,” “God Only Knows,” “I Get Around,” “Surfer Girl,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and “California Girls.” He was instrumental in evolving their sound from early surf and car themes to more complex and introspective music. He was known for his unorthodox approaches to pop composition, mastery of recording techniques, complex harmonies, symphonic structures, and vocal layering. He often employed session musicians to achieve his intricate arrangements. He masterminded groundbreaking albums like 1966’s Pet Sounds, widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time, and the ambitious, though initially unfinished, Smile project.
“The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure. Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys—he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever. His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own. Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom—music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities,” The Beach Boys share in a statement. “We are heartbroken by his passing. We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades. And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
“Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were. I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you…still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight,” adds co-founder Al Jardine.
“Brian Wilson was one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the history of recorded music. Not only did his songs capture the spirit of youth, joy and longing in ways that still inspire millions of fans around the world, his innovative work in the studio transformed the way musicians record even to this day. Brian made an indelible mark, and our thoughts are with his family in this time of loss,” says Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Wilson’s longtime label, Universal Music Group.
Wilson has battled lifelong mental illness, including schizoaffective disorder, depression, and auditory hallucinations. He suffered a nervous breakdown in 1964, leading him to stop touring with the band to focus on studio work.
He also struggled with substance abuse (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, LSD) throughout his career, which contributed to periods of reclusion, overeating, and self-destructive behavior in the 1970s and 80s.
He was under the care of controversial psychologist Eugene Landy for many years, which helped him curb his addictions but also drew criticism for Landy’s alleged exploitation and control over Wilson’s life.
After separating from Landy’s care and receiving more traditional medical treatment, Wilson experienced a creative resurgence in the mid-1990s, releasing well-received solo albums. He eventually completed and released Brian Wilson Presents Smile in 2004, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy Award.
In recent years, it has been publicly disclosed that Wilson is suffering from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia)” and has been placed under a conservatorship to ensure his personal needs are met.
Brian Wilson’s influence on popular music is immense, and he continues to be recognized for his genius and his enduring musical legacy.
