Brian Wilson, iconic Beach Boys co-founder, passes away at 82
Brian Wilson, the genius behind The Beach Boys, has died at 82. His family made the announcement through social media, but no cause of death has yet been revealed.Since May 2024, Wilson has been under a court-appointed conservatorship, managed by publicist Jean Sievers and manager LeeAnn Hard.Born in 1942, Wilson assisted in shaping The Beach Boys in California with brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Their sun-kissed anthems such as Good Vibrations and California Girls launched them to global stardom.advertisement
Wilson, virtually deaf in one ear from childhood abuse, became famous for his melodic brilliance and complex arrangements. The 1966 album Pet Sounds remains widely acclaimed as a pop masterpiece.Though his songs were as upbeat as sunshine, Wilson's life was filled with private and public anguish.As reported by AP, throughout the 1990s, his autobiography, which was reputed to be ghostwritten by embattled therapist Eugene Landy, spawned several lawsuits, including from his relatives and bandmate Mike Love, who ultimately gained rights to the band's name.CAREER AND RECOGNITIONWilson had a solo career, issuing albums such as Brian Wilson and Gettin' In Over My Head, working with celebrities like Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton. He then finished Smile, his years-long abandoned album, and was awarded several honors, including two Grammys and a Kennedy Center tribute.advertisementLEGACY BEYOND MUSICWilson's struggles with mental illness, familial estrangement, and addiction were well-chronicled. Yet he remained a beloved pop music icon, an inspiration to generations of musicians.(With inputs from Associated Press)
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