Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys and one of the most influential songwriters in pop history, has died at 82. His family
announced the news Thursday. Earlier in 2024, they revealed Wilson had been living with a neurocognitive disorder similar to dementia.Videos by Wide Open Country
"We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away," his family
wrote on Facebook. "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."
Although health struggles marked his final years, Wilson's contributions to music remained unmatched. Fans will tell you that he revolutionized the idea of what pop could be, layering melodies, emotions, and studio wizardry in ways that still ripple through music today.
Wilson Starts Early
Born in Inglewood, California, Wilson started the band as a teenager. He teamed up with brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They first called themselves the Pendletones, but the record label Candix changed the name to the Beach Boys without asking.
Their debut single, "Surfin'," hit in 1961. A year later, Capitol Records signed the band and released their debut album, Surfin' Safari. By 1963, they had three more albums out -- Surfin' U.S.A., Surfer Girl, and Little Deuce Coupe. That same year, Wilson began producing for other acts, including Jan and Dean, Donna Loren, and Sharon Marie.
In 1964, the band's grueling schedule reportedly pushed Wilson to his limit. He suffered a panic attack on a flight and chose to stop touring. Instead, he poured himself into songwriting and studio work. What followed would become a landmark moment in music history.
Wilson produced Pet Sounds in 1966, working with the famed Wrecking Crew musicians. Although critics and fans didn't immediately embrace the album, its impact grew over time.
Today, Pet Sounds is widely considered one of the greatest albums ever recorded. In 2004, the Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry, citing its cultural and artistic significance.
Fading Into Background
Wilson aimed even higher with Smile, calling it a "teenage symphony to God." However, the project collapsed under pressure, conflict, and delays. After shelving it in 1967, Wilson began to fade into the background of the band.
In 1968, he entered a psychiatric hospital for treatment. Around that time, he also opened a quirky health food store called the Radiant Radish. Through the '70s, Wilson continued to write and record but battled drug addiction, depression, and periods of withdrawal.
By the 1980s, Wilson's health had deteriorated. His family turned to psychologist Eugene Landy, who soon took over nearly every aspect of his life. Landy oversaw Wilson's finances, career, and daily routine. In 1988, Wilson released his first solo album under Landy's supervision. That same year, the Beach Boys entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Wilson's family eventually fought back. In 1992, Carl Wilson and others sued to cut ties with Landy. The court revoked Landy's psychology license and issued a restraining order. After years of manipulation, Wilson finally regained control of his own life.
Return to Composing
With help from bandmate Darian Sahanaja, Wilson revisited the lost Smile sessions. In 2004, he released Brian Wilson Presents Smile to critical acclaim. It marked one of music's greatest what-ifs brought to life.
Wilson continued to create in the following years. He released No Pier Pressure in 2015, featuring Kacey Musgraves and Zooey Deschanel. He also published a memoir in 2016 and released previously unheard tracks like "Some Sweet Day" and "Run James Run."
