Brian Wilson, the co-founder of The Beach Boys and one of the most influential figures in popular music history, has passed away at the age of 82. His family announced his death on June 11, 2025, in a heartfelt statement shared online. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the statement read. “We are at a loss for words right now.”
Wilson’s unparalleled talent as a songwriter, producer, and musician helped shape the sound of an era, with timeless hits like Good Vibrations , California Girls , and God Only Knows . As the creative force behind The Beach Boys, he crafted intricate harmonies and lush arrangements that defined the California dream while pushing the boundaries of studio production.
A Legacy of Innovation
Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, Wilson formed The Beach Boys with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine in 1961. Their early surf-rock anthems captured the carefree spirit of youth, but it was Wilson’s ambition to create something deeper that elevated the band to legendary status.
In 1966, Wilson released Pet Sounds , widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. Inspired by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul , Wilson poured his soul into the project, experimenting with unconventional instruments, layered harmonies, and introspective lyrics. Paul McCartney famously cited Pet Sounds as a major influence on The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band .
Despite his extraordinary success, Wilson’s life was fraught with challenges. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and mild manic depression, he battled mental health issues throughout his career. These struggles were compounded by substance abuse and the pressures of fame, leading to periods of isolation during the late 1960s and beyond.
Even so, Wilson continued to inspire countless musicians across genres. Artists such as Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Mick Fleetwood, and Sean Ono Lennon paid tribute to his genius following news of his passing. “Our American Mozart,” Lennon wrote, while Fleetwood described him as “a one-of-a-kind genius from another world.”
Tributes Pour In
Mike Love, Wilson’s longtime bandmate, expressed gratitude for their shared journey. “Through it all, we never stopped loving each other,” Love said. Fellow Beach Boy Al Jardine added, “You were a humble giant who always made me laugh, and we will celebrate your music forever.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom also honored Wilson’s impact, stating, “He captured the mystique and magic of California, carrying it around the globe and across generations.”
Wilson is survived by his daughters Carnie and Wendy from his first marriage, as well as five adopted children from his second marriage to Melinda Ledbetter, whom he met when she sold him a car. His daughter Carnie found fame in the 1990s as part of the group Wilson Phillips.
Challenges and Resilience
Throughout his life, Wilson faced numerous hardships, including an abusive upbringing and years of self-doubt fueled by auditory hallucinations. Yet, through therapy and medication, he persevered, continuing to perform and record music well into the 21st century.
In recent years, Wilson had been open about his diagnosis of dementia, which led to a conservatorship being established in 2024. Despite these challenges, his contributions to music remained unmatched. His final concert took place in 2022 during a joint tour with Chicago.
An Enduring Influence
Brian Wilson’s work transcends generations, blending wistfulness and euphoria into some of the most beautiful compositions ever created. From surf-rock classics to experimental masterpieces, his catalog reflects both joy and vulnerability.
As tributes pour in from around the world, fans and fellow artists alike remember Wilson not only for his musical achievements but also for his resilience and humanity. Nancy Sinatra perhaps summed it up best: “His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the universe and beyond.”
Though Brian Wilson may be gone, his melodies continue to echo—a testament to a life dedicated to creating beauty amidst chaos.
Brian Wilson’s innovative compositions and production techniques revolutionized pop music, earning him comparisons to Mozart and leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations.