Brian Wilson, the legendary musician and creative force behind the Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82. His family announced his passing on social media, asking for privacy during their time of grief. Wilson, born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, was celebrated as one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. He was known for crafting hits like “I Get Around,” “Good Vibrations,” and “Surf City.”
Wilson’s innovative approach to music production, particularly with the 1966 album “Pet Sounds,” revolutionized rock music. The album, which included complex orchestral arrangements, inspired the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Despite its initial lukewarm reception in the United States, “Pet Sounds” became a classic, praised for its emotional depth and musical sophistication.
The Beach Boys, formed in 1961 by Wilson and his brothers Dennis and Carl, along with cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, became synonymous with the California lifestyle. Their music, filled with harmonies and themes of youth and freedom, captured the essence of the 1960s. However, Wilson’s personal life was often tumultuous. He struggled with mental health issues, substance abuse, and conflicts within the band, leading to his withdrawal from live performances in the late 1960s.
Despite these challenges, Wilson experienced a resurgence in his career in the 1980s and beyond, releasing solo albums and performing live. In 2004, he completed “Smile,” a project he had started decades earlier, which was met with critical acclaim.
Wilson’s contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000. According to Rolling Stone, Wilson was battling dementia in his final years, and his family sought a conservatorship to ensure his care.
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