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Brian Wilson, Co-Founder of The Beach Boys, Dead at 82

Charlie Kirk Staff

06/11/2025

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Brian Wilson, Co-Founder of The Beach Boys, Dead at 82

Brian Wilson, the legendary co-founder of the Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82.

Wilson wrote and produced many of the band’s most famous hits, including Surfin’ USA, California Girls, I Get Around, Good Vibrations, and God Only Knows. These songs became defining tracks of the 1960s.

Known for his creative approach to music, Wilson helped push pop beyond simple love songs, using complex melodies, rich harmonies, and experimental ideas that changed the sound of popular music.

However, the pressures of fame and a growing struggle with drug use took a serious toll on his mental health, leading to long periods away from the spotlight.

Wilson’s most famous work was the 1966 album Pet Sounds. He led the recording sessions, combining rock music with classical instruments and unusual sounds, including the Electro-Theremin

Despite these challenges, Wilson made a comeback in the 2000s, connecting with longtime fans and winning over a new audience.

Last year, it was reported that Wilson had been diagnosed with a major neurocognitive disorder.

In February 2024, his family requested a conservatorship to help care for him, a month after his wife and healthcare proxy, Melinda Ledbetter, died at age 77.

The Wilson family posted a message on X on Wednesday June 11:

“We are heartbroken to announced that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy”

He was born Brian Douglas Wilson on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California.

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Charlie Kirk is the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government.

Charlie is also the host of “The Charlie Kirk Show” podcast, which regularly ranks among the top-10 news shows on Apple podcast news charts, and is the host of the nationally syndicated daily radio show on the Salem Radio Network live from 12 - 3 PM ET.
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