Legendary American songwriter, producer, arranger, singer, and musician Brian Wilson has died, aged 82.
Wilson’s family confirmed the news on Wednesday (June 11).
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” reads a statement posted to Instagram.
Their statement adds: “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.”
Born June 20, 1942, Wilson was the iconic creative force behind The Beach Boys, taking on multiple roles as composer, producer, vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.”
Statement published by wilson family on June 11
Wilson’s innovative studio work and melodic sensibilities transformed pop music, arguably establishing him as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music history.
The Beach Boys formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California, consisting of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine.
Following the release and early success of singles Surfin and Surfin’ Safari, the band went on to sign to Capitol Records and achieved remarkable commercial success, with over 100 million records sold worldwide.
Between the 1960s and today, the group had over 80 songs chart worldwide, 36 of them in the US Top 40, and four topping the Billboard Hot 100.
Wilson originated the classic California pop sound through classic hits like Surfin’ U.S.A., Surfer Girl, I Get Around, and California Girls.
Pet Sounds, widely considered one of Wilson’s best creative works, featured mega hits like Wouldn’t It Be Nice and God Only Knows.
It was released in 1966 and ranked No.2 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Wilson’s next project, Smile, remained incomplete due to creative challenges and personal difficulties, though Wilson eventually finished it and released it as a solo work in 2004.
Wilson’s honors include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Beach Boys) the Songwriters Hall of Fame, two Grammy Awards (as a solo artist) and an Ivor Novello.
It was widely reported in early 2024 that Wilson was living with a ‘neurocognitive disorder’.Music Business Worldwide
