Brian Wilson: Beach Boys Co-Founder and Genius Behind Pet Sounds Dies at

Brian Wilson was an American singer, songwriter and producer best known as the co-founder and creative genius of the Beach Boys, the band that defined the sound of California. Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, he wrote and produced a string of hits that became the soundtrack of American summers.

Between 1963 and 1966 Wilson wrote or co-wrote more than two dozen U.S. Top 40 hits, including the No. 1 singles "Surf City," "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda" and "Good Vibrations." In 1966 he produced Pet Sounds, widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever made. In 2004 he completed his long-unfinished Smile. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000.

Wilson married Marilyn Rovell in 1964, and they had daughters Carnie and Wendy, who later formed Wilson Phillips. He married Melinda Ledbetter in 1995, and she died in 2024. He died of respiratory arrest in Beverly Hills on June 11, 2025, at age 82. Remembered as a musical visionary, he gave the world songs of joy and heartbreak.

Achievements: Wrote or co-wrote more than two dozen Top 40 hits including four No. 1 singles (1963-1966), produced Pet Sounds (1966), completed Smile (2004), inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1988).

Birth: June 20, 1942 - Inglewood, California.

Profession: Singer, songwriter, musician and record producer.

Interesting Facts: Wilson showed signs of perfect pitch at around age two. After a nervous breakdown on a 1964 flight, he stopped touring with the band, and Glen Campbell filled in for him.