Brian Wilson, the groundbreaking musical genius and co-founder behind the Beach Boys, has died at 82.
His family announced his passing on Wednesday, June 11, in a heartfelt Instagram post accompanied by a recent photo showing Wilson.
“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. 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.”
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Brian Wilson: Composer and Creative Force Behind The Beach Boys
Brian Wilson was the driving force behind The Beach Boys, shaping their sound and leading them to major success. Under his direction, the band earned four No. 1 singles and 15 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, along with two No. 1 albums and 13 top 10s on the Billboard 200.
In 1966, Wilson pushed the band in a bold new direction with Pet Sounds. The album’s experimental production and emotional depth marked a turning point — not just for The Beach Boys, but for pop music as a whole. Though it wasn’t an immediate commercial smash, Pet Sounds is now considered one of the most influential albums ever made.
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Although Brian Wilson eventually stepped away from The Beach Boys following the 1983 death of his younger brother and the band’s drummer, Dennis Wilson, the surviving members came together once more in 2012 for a special 50th anniversary world tour, offering fans a rare reunion and a tribute to the group’s enduring legacy.
Wilson is survived by his seven children. He shared two daughters, Carnie and Wendy—both musicians in their own right—with his first wife, Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford. He also adopted five children with his late wife, Melinda Ledbetter, who played a pivotal role in his later life and career.
