Brian Wilson, the creative force behind The Beach Boys died today at the age of 82. With his innovative songwriting, production techniques, and harmonic sophistication, Wilson’s influence is widespread in all facets of popular music.
In 1966, Wilson created Pet Sounds, often considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Inspired by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul, he aimed to make an album that pushed emotional and sonic boundaries. Using layered harmonies, orchestral instruments, and groundbreaking production, Wilson crafted songs like “God Only Knows” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” — deeply emotional and melodically rich.
Wilson’s genius came at a personal cost. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, he suffered from mental illness, drug abuse, and overbearing management, including from his father Murry Wilson and later, therapist Eugene Landy. For years, he withdrew from the public eye, becoming a reclusive and tragic figure in pop mythology.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Wilson slowly reemerged, releasing solo albums and eventually completing Smile in 2004 to critical acclaim. The release of the film Love & Mercy (2014), which portrayed his life and struggles with haunting accuracy, introduced a new generation to his story.
We will provide more updates on Wilson’s passing as we hear…
