Brian Wilson, one of the founders of the Beach Boys, has died. He was 82.
Wilson’s family announced his death on X as well as other social media accounts on 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,” the post read. “Please respect our privacy at this time as our family grieving. “We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
Wilson was responsible for such summer anthems as “Good Vibrations” and “California Girls” which propelled him as one of the most influential recording artists, the Associated Press reported.
The Beach Boys rose to fame in the 1960s and were voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
The original lineup was Wilson as songwriter, co-lead vocalist, keyboardist and bass guitarist; brothers, Dennis and Carl Wilson; cousin Mike Love; and friend Al Jardine, per People.
Wilson eventually was forced to deal with mental issues, including depression, being on tour and a rivalry with the Beatles.
“I’ve been through a great deal of mental anguish,” Wilson told People. “I felt like a fat slob. It was very embarrassing. I used to go onstage and it was scary. Now I’m getting used to it. I feel a little more confidence in myself.”
He said through therapy, “I had to learn to get off a lot of bad stuff.”
Wilson had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy, with his first wife, Marilyn Rovell. The siblings formed the group, Wilson Phillips, with Chynna Phillips, the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas.
He and his second wife — Melinda Kae Ledbetter —adopted five children: Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota Rose.
