Brian Wilson, Visionary Beach Boys Co‑Founder, Dies at 82

June 11, 2025 — Brian Douglas Wilson, the creative force and co-founder of The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed his passing in a statement shared across social media:

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now… We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”

A California Sound Pioneer

Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, Brian was the eldest of the three Wilson brothers. With siblings Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine, he formed a group that would come to define American pop music. Originally called The Pendletones, they rebranded as The Beach Boys in 1961.

Early hits like “Surfin’ USA,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” and “California Girls” captured the optimism and energy of California youth, all driven by Wilson’s lush harmonies and unique production vision.

Artistic Heights and “Pet Sounds”

Brian Wilson was more than a songwriter—he was a sonic innovator. His 1966 magnum opus “Pet Sounds” broke pop conventions with its orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics. The album is often cited as one of the greatest of all time and directly influenced The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

He later attempted to complete an ambitious follow-up called Smile, which was shelved in the late 1960s but finally released in completed form in 2004 to critical acclaim.

Personal Struggles and Redemption

Wilson’s battles with mental health—including diagnoses of schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder—were highly publicized. He withdrew from the spotlight in the 1970s, with increasing dependence on drugs and an exploitative relationship with therapist Eugene Landy, which ended through legal action in the 1990s.

In the 2000s, he re-emerged with solo albums and live performances, including full renditions of Pet Sounds and Smile, reaffirming his genius before new generations of fans.

Conservatorship and Final Years

Following the death of his wife Melinda Ledbetter in early 2024, Wilson was placed under a conservatorship due to a decline in his cognitive health. Despite this, he remained at home surrounded by family and professional caregivers until his death on June 11, 2025.

An Enduring Musical Legacy

Wilson’s influence on modern music is immeasurable:

• Over 36 Top 40 hits with The Beach Boys

• Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1988)

• Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2000)

• Kennedy Center Honors recipient (2007)

• “Pet Sounds” preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress

His work has inspired countless artists from Paul McCartney to Radiohead, and his emotionally honest songwriting set a new standard for vulnerability in pop music.

Survived By

Wilson is survived by his children, including daughters Carnie and Wendy of Wilson Phillips, and five adopted children. Mike Love, now the last surviving original member of The Beach Boys, continues to tour under the band’s name.

🕊️ Rest in Harmony

Brian Wilson's melodies are woven into the fabric of American music history. Though he has left the physical world, his spirit lives on in every soaring vocal harmony and sun-drenched chorus he ever created

Sources: Reporting compiled from Los40, Journal Courier, and Page Six.