Brian Wilson, a unique American music voice, dies at 82
He led the Beach Boys to decades of pop music success
Updated:

Key Insights
- Brian Wilson, Beach Boys founder and a pioneering figure in pop music, died June 11, 2025, at age 82.
- His groundbreaking 1966 album Pet Sounds redefined the possibilities of studio production and deeply influenced The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, cementing his status as a musical visionary.
- Despite lifelong struggles with mental health, Wilson continued creating influential music, including his Grammy-winning Brian Wilson Presents Smile in 2004, leaving a lasting legacy celebrated by peers and fans worldwide
The soundtrack of teenage lives in the 1960s included multiple hits by the California band, the Beach Boys. Over the years, the group’s music evolved from songs like “Fun, Fun, Fun” to “God Only Knows.” The man behind those changes, Brian Wilson, the co-founder and creative force behind The Beach Boys, died June 11, 2025, at the age of 82. His family announced his death in a heartfelt statement on social media, requesting privacy as they mourn the loss of their father.
Brian Douglas Wilson was born in Inglewood, California, and exhibited musical talent from an early age, possessing perfect pitch and a deep appreciation for harmony. In 1961, he formed The Beach Boys with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. The group quickly rose to fame with hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “California Girls,” capturing the spirit of California youth.
The music takes a turn
But in 1965, Wilson was weary of touring. While the band was in Australia, Wilson was in the studio, and his innovative approach to songwriting and production culminated in the 1966 album Pet Sounds, widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in pop music history. His experimentation with complex harmonies and unconventional instruments pushed the boundaries of the genre.
The album so impressed Paul McCartney and John Lennon that it sparked fierce competition between the Beatles and the Beach Boys and was said to inspire the Beatles’ 1967 release Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Despite his professional success, Wilson faced personal challenges, including struggles with mental health and substance abuse. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and mild manic depression, he spent periods in psychiatric care but continued to create music that resonated with fans worldwide.
In 2004, Wilson revisited his long-shelved project Smile, releasing Brian Wilson Presents Smile, which earned him his first Grammy Award. He continued to perform and record, releasing solo albums and reuniting with The Beach Boys for tours, including a 50th-anniversary tour in 2012.
Wilson’s later years were marked by health challenges. Following the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter, in January 2024, he was diagnosed with a major neurocognitive disorder, leading to a court-appointed conservatorship. He spent his final months under the care of his family and medical team.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Nancy Sinatra remembered Wilson as a generous and kind friend, stating, “His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the universe and beyond.”
Brian Wilson’s legacy as a musical innovator and visionary endures, his work continuing to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.