Brian Wilson, the pioneering co-founder of The Beach Boys and one of the most influential figures in American music, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82. His family announced his death via social media, expressing their profound grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, Wilson was the eldest of three brothers. Despite a tumultuous childhood marked by emotional and physical abuse from his father, Murry Wilson, which resulted in partial deafness in his right ear, Brian’s prodigious musical talent emerged early. He was deeply influenced by artists like George Gershwin, the Four Freshmen, and Phil Spector, shaping his unique approach to composition and production.
In 1961, Wilson formed The Beach Boys with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Initially named The Pendletones, the group quickly rose to fame with their harmonious vocals and songs celebrating the Southern California lifestyle. Hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “California Girls,” and “I Get Around” became anthems of a generation, with Wilson serving as the band’s primary songwriter and producer.
Wilson’s innovative use of the recording studio as an instrument culminated in the 1966 release of “Pet Sounds,” widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in popular music history. The album’s complex harmonies and introspective lyrics showcased Wilson’s genius and had a profound influence on contemporaries, including The Beatles. The single “Good Vibrations,” released later that year, further cemented his reputation as a musical innovator.
However, Wilson’s creative brilliance was often overshadowed by his struggles with mental health. In 1964, he experienced a nervous breakdown and ceased touring with the band to focus on studio work. He was later diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and battled depression and substance abuse, leading to periods of reclusion and erratic behavior. His relationship with controversial therapist Eugene Landy in the 1980s, who exerted significant control over Wilson’s life and career, was a particularly dark chapter.
Despite these challenges, Wilson made several comebacks. He released his first solo album in 1988 and continued to produce music and tour sporadically. In 2012, he reunited with The Beach Boys for their 50th-anniversary tour, delighting fans worldwide.
Wilson’s personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He married Marilyn Rovell in 1964, with whom he had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy. The couple divorced in 1979. In 1995, he married Melinda Ledbetter, who became a stabilizing force in his life. Together, they adopted five children. Melinda’s death in January 2024 deeply affected Wilson, and later that year, his family established a conservatorship due to his declining mental health, including a diagnosis of a major neurocognitive disorder resembling dementia.
Tributes poured in following Wilson’s death. Fellow musicians, including Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Carole King, lauded his contributions to music. Actor John Cusack, who portrayed Wilson in the 2014 biopic “Love & Mercy,” described him as “the maestro” and praised his unparalleled musical ear.
Wilson’s legacy is immeasurable. His innovative techniques and emotive songwriting have left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing countless artists across genres. As the last surviving Wilson brother—Dennis died in 1983 and Carl in 1998—Brian’s passing marks the end of an era for The Beach Boys and their fans.
He is survived by his seven children and six grandchildren. Plans for memorial services have not been publicly announced.
