Brian Wilson, the co-founder of Beach Boys and one of the most impactful pop music visionaries, producers and songwriters, died at 82. His Family confirmed the date of death on June 11, 2025, although the specific cause was not mentioned. Wilson suffered from dementia for a long time and had declining health after the death of his wife in early 2024, which led to his family seeking conservatorship for him.
Brian Wilson’s Career and Legacy
Early Years and The Rise of The Beach Boys
On the 20th of June 1942, Wilson was born in Hawthorne, California, and showcased his musical talent from a young age by teaching his siblings to harmonize and playing the piano. In 1961, he formed the beach boys which included his younger brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine. Together they formed one of the first rock groups and also gave life to the California sound with their bright, surf infused, harmony-rich hits.
Musical Innovation and Pet Sounds
The extraordinary talents that Brian possessed for melody and arrangements pushed the Beach Boys to success. He was the main author and producer for such hits as “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, “California Girls”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, and “Help Me, Rhonda”. The band also reached 36 Top 40 hits and sold over 100 million records globally. In 1966, Wilson spearheaded the creation of Pet Sounds, the first album in rock history to use lavish orchestration along with deep, emotional music. It is almost always considered one of the best albums of all time, with Paul McCartney saying that “God Only Knows” is one of his favorite songs.
Life Struggles and After
Most of his life, alongside his professional success, was marked by mental health issues and substance abuse. After having a breakdown in the mid-60s, he stopped performing and started living a more hermit-like life, although he did continue to write and produce music for the Beach Boys and later on as a solo artist. The 70s and 80s were extremely hard for him, but he did recover a little through solo projects and some reunions with the Beach Boys.
In his later years he received renewed recognition for his work. He finished his long-uncompleted project Smile in 2004, which was praised by critics. He kept on touring and performing Pet Sounds and other classics to his most devoted fans.
Achievements and Impact
Wilson received multiple accolades throughout his life, including Grammy and Lifetime Achievement Awards, and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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As reported by Wilson’s family, he passed away at the age of eighty-two.
It is also reported that Wilson has suffered from dementia for some time. His well-being and self-care deteriorated in the years following his wife’s passing. The family statement highlighted great sorrow and emphasized the need for privacy at this time.
The results of numerous surveys show that Brian Wilson‘s life was a baffling mixture of creativity and the desire to create music which was constantly at odds with personal challenges. His very presence in America is considered a shining star on the flag of numerous generations. While he forever will be remembered as a great musician, his challenges with mental health will always be a hallmark of his life.
Writer : Pranjal Bapna