R.I.P Brian Wilson, a genius who gave the world enduring music and beauty

Brian Wilson, the legendary musician, songwriter, and producer behind some of the most iconic music of the 20th century, has passed away at the age of 82. 

Known for his role as the visionary leader of the Beach Boys, Wilson created some of history’s most beautiful and influential pop music, including the groundbreaking 1966 album Pet Sounds, widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

His death was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt Instagram post, which read, “We are heartbroken to announce 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 is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”

Brian Wilson’s contributions to music cannot be overstated. As the creative force behind the Beach Boys, he shaped the sound of the band, blending upbeat, youthful energy with introspective and often melancholic themes.

His music captured the essence of mid-century California—surfers, cars, and girls—and evolved into more complex and reflective material, influencing generations of musicians to come.

Wilson’s Pet Sounds was not only a commercial and critical success but also a transformative album that pushed the boundaries of what pop music could achieve.

Born in 1942 in Inglewood, California, Wilson’s musical talents were evident from an early age. He had perfect pitch and could easily reproduce melodies he heard.

As he and his younger brothers Carl and Dennis became enamored with R&B, rock 'n' roll, doo-wop, and pop, Wilson began developing his musical skills, eventually learning to play the piano. 

Wilson’s relationship with his father, Murry, was complicated, as Murry was often abusive, but he pushed Brian to pursue music. Despite going partly deaf in one ear, a condition that was possibly caused by an attack from a local boy, Brian's passion for music remained strong, and he went on to form the group Carl and the Passions with Carl and his cousin Mike Love, which later became the Beach Boys.

Wilson’s early work with the band produced massive hits like “Surfin’ Safari,” “Surfer Girl,” and “Surfin’ USA,” the latter reaching number three on the US charts and cementing the band’s place in pop culture history.

But Wilson’s ambition was not limited to just surfing anthems. He began to experiment with more complex musical ideas, and his desire to create something beyond the typical pop song led to the creation of Pet Sounds.

Written and produced almost entirely by Wilson, Pet Sounds became a landmark in the history of popular music. It featured intricate arrangements, including orchestral instruments and unconventional sounds like Coca-Cola bottles being used as percussion.

As the 1960s progressed, Wilson became increasingly ambitious in his approach to music. His desire to push the boundaries of what could be done in a pop song led him to experiment with LSD and cannabis, which he said helped him connect with his creativity.

However, these substances, combined with the intense pressures of his workload, exacerbated Wilson’s mental health struggles, which had begun in his teenage years.

He began to hear voices in his head and spent time in psychiatric hospitals during the late 1960s. Eventually diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and mild manic depression, Wilson faced immense personal struggles that affected both his mental health and his relationships with his bandmates.

Despite his difficulties, Wilson continued to create groundbreaking music. The follow-up to Pet Sounds, an album called Smile, was never completed due to his mental health issues, though it was later revisited and released as a solo album in 2004.

The Smile Sessions were released in 2011, giving fans a glimpse into the album that could have been, showcasing Wilson’s brilliance even during his most challenging years.

As the Beach Boys’ commercial fortunes waned, Wilson’s songwriting contributions became less frequent, though his compositions were still an integral part of the band’s later albums, including Sunflower and Surf’s Up, the latter featuring a psychedelic return to the themes Wilson had previously explored on Pet Sounds.

The early 1970s marked a low period for Wilson. His drug use increased, and his personal isolation grew. The death of his father and his struggles with his mental health contributed to this period of decline. 

However, Wilson made a comeback with the release of the Beach Boys’ 1976 album 15 Big Ones. Unfortunately, his struggles continued, and by the end of the decade, he was battling alcoholism, drug abuse, and overeating.

The death of his brother Dennis in 1983 further compounded his troubles, but in the 1980s, Wilson’s equilibrium was restored after being placed under the care of psychologist Eugene Landy.

Wilson released his self-titled debut solo album in 1988, marking a new chapter in his life and career. In the 1990s, Wilson experienced more personal turmoil, including his legal battles with his former psychologist Landy, who had taken control of his affairs.

Despite this, Wilson continued to release music and tour, maintaining his status as a major influence in the music world. In 2011, Wilson reunited with the surviving members of the Beach Boys for a tour and the album That’s Why God Made the Radio. The reunion was bittersweet, as Wilson’s brother Carl had passed away in 1998.

Brian Wilson’s legacy as a musician and a visionary is undeniable. His ability to fuse complex musical elements with pop sensibilities revolutionized the music industry. His struggles with mental health and his personal battles only add to the depth of his character and artistry.

Over the years, Wilson continued to share his music with the world, selling his publishing rights to Universal for $50 million in 2021 and performing his final concert in 2022, as part of a joint tour with Chicago.

In the years leading up to his death, Wilson was diagnosed with dementia, and in 2024, a judge placed him under conservatorship. This marked the end of his active touring, but his music continued to be a source of inspiration for new generations of artists and fans alike.

Wilson’s personal life was also marked by two marriages. He first married Marilyn Rovell in 1964, with whom he had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy. Carnie and Wendy later formed the vocal group Wilson Phillips, which scored three US No. 1 singles.

Wilson and Rovell divorced in 1979. In 1995, Wilson married Melinda Kae Ledbetter, who became his manager. The couple adopted five children together. Melinda passed away in January 2024, just months before Wilson’s own death.

Brian Wilson’s influence on music cannot be overstated. His ability to turn inexpressible sadness into art was praised by many, including musician Questlove, who wrote, “If there was a human being who made art out of inexpressible sadness… damn it was Brian Wilson.” Other musicians, such as Ronnie Wood, Mick Fleetwood, and Sean Lennon, also shared their tributes to Wilson, recognizing his genius and the lasting impact of his music.

Wilson’s death has left a void in the world of music, but his contributions will live on through his iconic albums, his unique sound, and his deeply emotional songwriting. His music will continue to inspire, and his legacy will endure.

As Nancy Sinatra wrote in her tribute, “His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the universe and beyond.” Rest in peace, Brian Wilson, the American Mozart.