Brian Wilson, Beach Boys Singer and Master Composer of Seminal Albums Like ‘Pet Sounds' and ‘Smile,' Dies at 82
Brian Wilson, the driving force behind the Beach Boys whose sprawling compositions and studio prowess influenced rock musicians from the Beatles to Radiohead and points between, has died, his family announced Wednesday. He was 82.
'We are heartbroken to announced that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,' the family wrote on his X account, Instagram and website. 'We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.'
A cause of death was not immediately given.
Wilson's imaginative use of the recording studio shifted the paradigm of pop music, as his novel use of effects, string sections, complex harmonies and expansive themes justified the word by which he was universally described: genius. All of it was predicated on Wilson's wizard-level songwriting, which propelled the Beach Boys to worldwide superstardom and cemented their surf- and car-themed songs into enduring history.
But beyond sweet high harmonies and summer anthems, Wilson was a pop-culture figure whose influence spanned decades. He credited his well-documented struggles with mental illness as a creative ally, describing how he could hear songs develop in his head as clearly as one might hear them come through the speakers.
We are heartbroken to announced that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.We are at a loss for words right now.Please respect our privacy at this time as our family grieving.We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.Love & Mercy pic.twitter.com/sIe7TUUdOm
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) June 11, 2025
Wilson launched the Beach Boys in 1961 – as the band's songwriter, co-lead vocalist, bassist, keyboardist and producer – and within a few years had written more than two dozen Top 40 hits including 'Surf City,' 'I Get Around,' 'Help Me Rhonda' and 'Good Vibrations.' He suffered a nervous breakdown in 1964 and was forced to drop out of regular concert touring – a turn of events that would give birth to some of the most influential recorded music in history.
Turning his full attention to songwriting and studio production, Wilson produced 'Pet Sounds,' among the most celebrated albums in any genre of music history. Desiring to transcend the surf- and car-themed songs that made The Beach Boys famous, Wilson sought to create a cohesive complete work, packing his 1966 vision with unforgettable hits 'Wouldn't it be nice,' 'God Only Knows,' 'Sloop John B' and 'Caroline, No.'
The 'concept album' was born, giving inspiration to the Beatles to create 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' and dozens of similar efforts in the decades to come.
More to come …
The post Brian Wilson, Beach Boys Singer and Master Composer of Seminal Albums Like 'Pet Sounds' and 'Smile,' Dies at 82 appeared first on TheWrap.
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