The fragile genius behind "Good Vibrations," "California Girls," and the revolutionary "Pet Sounds" album has passed away, his family confirmed. Wilson's intricate arrangements and poignant melodies made him one of the most influential recording artists in history.
Brian Wilson, the celebrated and tormented creative leader of the Beach Boys, died on Wednesday at the age of 82. His family announced his death on his official website and social media platforms, though further details were not immediately provided.
As the principal songwriter and producer, Wilson was the architect of the Beach Boys' sound. He, along with his brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine, catapulted from a local California band to international ambassadors of surf and sun in the 1960s. Wilson himself was a figure of both immense talent and deep personal struggle, a romantic visionary on an unrelenting quest for the perfect sound.
The Beach Boys became one of the most popular groups of the rock era, boasting over 100 million in worldwide sales and more than 30 Top 40 singles. Their iconic 1966 album, Pet Sounds, is widely regarded as a masterpiece and was ranked No. 2 on Rolling Stone's 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
While Wilson had a contentious relationship with his cousin and bandmate Mike Love, often feuding over songwriting credits, he was adored by his peers. Musical legends from Elton John and Bruce Springsteen to Smokey Robinson and Carole King revered his work. Paul McCartney famously cited Pet Sounds as a direct influence on The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and has often said the ballad “God Only Knows” brings him to tears.
Long after his hit-making peak, Wilson continued to fascinate and move audiences. In his later years, he returned to the stage, performing Pet Sounds and his restored opus, Smile, to worshipful crowds. His pioneering approach to pop music—both in its masterful construction and its innovative deconstruction—has left an indelible mark on generations of artists, including The Go-Go’s, Lindsey Buckingham, Animal Collective, and Janelle Monáe.
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