LOS ANGELES — Brian Wilson, the legendary musician, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82, his family announced.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the family said in a statement. “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 in 1942 in Hawthorne, California, Wilson formed The Beach Boys in 1961 with his younger brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. The band became one of the most influential and commercially successful acts in music history, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
Wilson was the creative force behind the group’s distinctive harmonies and groundbreaking studio sound. His 1966 album Pet Sounds is regarded as a masterpiece that reshaped the boundaries of pop music production.
Among The Beach Boys’ many hits, Wilson co-wrote and produced I Get Around, Help Me, Rhonda, and Good Vibrations. Rolling Stone ranked The Beach Boys 12th on its list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”
Tributes poured in following news of his death. Nancy Sinatra shared a photo with Wilson on Instagram, writing, “His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the Universe and beyond. God bless you, sweet Brian.”
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Sean Ono Lennon called Wilson the “American Mozart” and a “one of a kind genius from another world,” adding: “Anyone who really knows me knows how heartbroken I am about Brian Wilson passing. Not many people influenced me as much as he did. I feel very lucky that I was able to meet him and spend some time with him. He was always very kind and generous.”
Throughout his life, Wilson faced significant personal struggles. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1984, his condition was linked by doctors to earlier psychedelic drug use. In early 2024, his family revealed he had developed dementia.
Wilson’s wife, Melinda, with whom he shared 24 years of marriage and five adopted children, died earlier in 2024. He also had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy, from his first marriage.
Despite his health battles, Wilson’s legacy remains unparalleled. His influence on songwriting, vocal harmony, and studio innovation continues to inspire generations of musicians.
