Brian Wilson, Singer and Co-Founder of the Beach Boys, Dies at 82
It’s a sad day for fans of the Beach Boys. Brian Wilson, the iconic singer who helped found the group back in 1961, has died at the age of 82.
Photo: ABC / Walt Disney Company
The musician’s family shared news of his death through a heartfelt Instagram post on June 11, asking fans to respect their privacy as they grieve.
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Wilson is survived by his four daughters, Carnie, Wendy, Daria, and Delanie.
Celebrating Brian Wilson
Born on June 20, 1942, Brian Wilson was just 19 years old when he formed the now-iconic Beach Boys, along with his brothers, Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine.
Photo: The Beach Boys
The group released their debut single, “Surfin’ Safari” in 1962, and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with “I Get Around” in 1964.
In the following years, the Beach Boys enjoyed wild success with a series of popular albums and hit singles including “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “California Girls,” “Barbara Ann,” and more.
Photo: Disney+
Of course, Wilson endured plenty of ups and downs over the years, famously battling drug addiction and mental health disorders. He was also diagnosed with dementia in 2024.
Still, Wilson’s talent was unparalleled. The musician released a string of successful solo albums, including 2011’s In The Key of Disney, which Disney called “the album that marries the vision of two men who shaped the image of modern California – Brian Wilson & Walt Disney.”
Photo: Disney
Disney also honored Wilson through its recent Disney+ documentary entitled simply The Beach Boys, which debuted last year and is still available to stream on the platform.
Photo: Disney
In the documentary, Wilson reunites with Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Bruce Johnston, who joined the group in 1965. It’s a poignant image that Beach Boys fans can always hold close to their hearts.
Photo: People
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