Brian Wilson, the troubled genius behind The Beach Boys' iconic sound, dies at 82

Brian Wilson, the creative force behind The Beach Boys and one of pop music's most influential figures, has died at the age of 82. Renowned for his groundbreaking compositions and technical innovation, Wilson’s work defined an era and reshaped the boundaries of popular music.

A prodigious beginning

Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, Brian Douglas Wilson displayed an extraordinary musical talent from an early age. Despite growing up under the shadow of an abusive father, Wilson mastered the piano by age eight and nurtured his passion for harmonies through local choir performances. Encouraging his younger brothers, Carl and Dennis, to sing along with his intricate arrangements, Wilson began crafting the signature sound that would later propel The Beach Boys to stardom.

At 19, Wilson discovered the art of overdubbing with a tape recorder, laying the foundation for the lush, layered harmonies that would become synonymous with the band. In 1961, while their parents were away, Brian, his brothers, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine formed The Beach Boys, using their father’s $250 grocery money to rent equipment and record their first hit, Surfin’.

The rise of The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys quickly became a cultural phenomenon, channeling the teenage dreams of California’s surf scene into a string of hits, including Surfin’ USA, California Girls, Fun, Fun, Fun, and Help Me, Rhonda. Their infectious melodies, coupled with Wilson’s introspective ballads like In My Room, solidified their status as America’s answer to The Beatles.

However, the relentless pressures of touring and recording began to take their toll on Wilson. In 1964, he suffered a mental breakdown during a flight, prompting his decision to retire from live performances at just 22 years old. Freed from the demands of the road, Wilson turned his focus to the studio, where his creativity flourished.

Pet Sounds and artistic brilliance

Inspired by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul, Wilson created Pet Sounds in 1966—a masterpiece that redefined pop music. Featuring tracks like God Only Knows and Wouldn’t It Be Nice, the album showcased Wilson’s genius for complex melodies, unconventional instrumentation, and deeply emotional themes. Though critically acclaimed, the album’s experimental nature puzzled some fans and strained relations within the band.

Wilson’s next project, Smile, aimed to push boundaries even further. Collaborating with lyricist Van Dyke Parks, Wilson envisioned the album as a “teenage symphony to God.” However, the chaotic recording sessions—complete with sandpits, fire buckets, and musicians chewing vegetables—reflected Wilson’s deteriorating mental health. The album was shelved in 1967, and Wilson retreated into isolation, battling paranoia, depression, and drug addiction.

A troubled decline

By the 1970s, Wilson had largely withdrawn from public life, leaving The Beach Boys to navigate their career without his guiding hand. Attempts by his family to address his struggles included hiring controversial psychotherapist Dr. Eugene Landy, whose methods initially showed promise but later led to accusations of exploitation.

Despite these challenges, Wilson made sporadic contributions to music, including a brief reunion with The Beach Boys in the late 1970s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that he began reclaiming his legacy, aided by a supportive second marriage and the encouragement of younger musicians like The Wondermints.

A triumphant comeback

Wilson’s resurgence culminated in the 2004 release of Smile, reimagined as a solo project. Performing the album live for the first time at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Wilson delighted fans with his renewed passion and creativity. In subsequent years, he revisited Pet Sounds, collaborated with guest artists, and explored new musical territories with works like his Gershwin-inspired That Lucky Old Sun.

In 2012, Wilson reunited with surviving members of The Beach Boys for a tour and the release of That’s Why God Made the Radio. The same year, The Smile Sessions—a long-awaited compilation of recordings from the original Smile sessions—earned critical acclaim and a Grammy Award.

Enduring influence

Though his later years were marked by personal struggles, including the loss of his wife Melinda in 2024 and placement under a conservatorship, Wilson remained a towering figure in music. His innovative studio techniques and emotionally resonant songwriting inspired generations of artists, cementing his place among the greats of 20th-century popular music.

Brian Wilson’s legacy endures in the timeless beauty of his songs, which continue to evoke the joy, longing, and complexity of the human experience.