The Beach Boys creator and artistic genius Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82. This has been confirmed today by his family through Instagram, and with his passing, it signals the end of an era of the so-called California sound that he helped to shape. A lyrics genius and a studio wizard, he is considered by many to be above generations.
/*A Surf-Infused Musical Innovator*/
Brian Wilson was born in 1942, in Inglewood, California, and in 1961, he and brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine created The Beach Boys. Whether it was the early surf anthems such as, “Surfin, Surfin USA, and California Girls, Wilson took simple happy youth music and turned it into an art form, with the grand pop symphony of Pet Sounds. Pet Sounds (1966) is a seminal album to this day - deemed one of the best albums of all time and the one that influenced The Beatles significantly.
/*Inner Battles, Public Triumphs*/
Wilson did not struggle in vain in his career. He struggled with schizoaffective disorder, drug addiction and a complicated relationship with his father and his controversial therapist, Eugene Landy. These problems caused him to retire from touring in 1964 and periodical reclusion. Nevertheless, Wilson staged successful returns, most especially with Brian Wilson Presents Smile (2004) and performing on the road frequently until 2022.
/*Later Years & Conservatorship*/
In 2024, after the passing of his wife Melinda, Wilson started experiencing poor health attributable to dementia-like symptoms. In May 2024, he was conservatorship-placed under the care of close representatives Jean Sievers and LeeAnn Hard. His influence never waned even as visibility declined and fans kept appreciating his mark on music.
/*Global Mourning & Lasting Influence*/
The confirmation of the death of Wilson by his family on Instagram has elicited crowds of fans and other artists across the world. He has sold more than 100 million records and had hits that described a generation, his contribution is beyond measure. Songwriters and musicians including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Keith Richards, Questlove, and others, have named Wilson as an influence on modern music, with numerous performers often pointing to Pet Sounds and Wilson-led songs like “Good Vibrations” as formative influences. He was the surviving Wilson brother of the original lineup- a bitter sweet milestone.