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·18d

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

Brian Wilson, the iconic co-founder and creative force behind The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82, leaving behind a profound musical legacy.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

  • Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, passed away at 82 on June 11, 2025, after a long battle with dementia and health issues.
  • Known for his groundbreaking album 'Pet Sounds,' Wilson's music transcended genres and influenced countless artists, including The Beatles.
  • The Beach Boys, famous for their harmonious sound and surf culture hits, sold over 100 million records worldwide, solidifying their place in music history.
  • Tributes poured in from celebrities and musicians, including Elton John and Paul McCartney, who praised Wilson's genius and impact on songwriting.
  • Wilson's family confirmed his passing on social media, requesting privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved musical icon.

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Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Emphasizes Brian Wilson's significant impact on music and his legacy following his passing.

Wilson was born on June 20, 1942 in the suburbs of Hawthorne, California, where he was raised and witnessed the post-war boom of the area.

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Reason logo
3 articles
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He was known for his innovative use of the recording studio, particularly on his landmark album 'Pet Sounds' released in 1966.

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2 articles
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He was diagnosed with depression and later with schizoaffective disorder, characterized by hallucinations, depression, and paranoia.

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The Beach Boys dominated the American airwaves in the early 1960s for a period of four years.

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McCartney praised Wilson as a musical genius with a mysterious and special sense of talent.

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Wilson formed The Beach Boys in 1961 with his brothers and friends.

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Sean Ono Lennon described Wilson as a kind and generous influence, comparing him to Mozart.

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Wilson has been under a court conservatorship since May 2024 to oversee his personal and medical affairs.

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John Stamos shared heartfelt and emotional tributes to Wilson, describing him as a gentle, soulful, funny, complex, and beautiful musical genius who had a significant impact on his life and music.

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Wilson's death has prompted a flood of heartfelt tributes from musicians and public figures, emphasizing his impact and legacy.

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Articles (59)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

Center (19)

"…Even after more than a half century, the best work of Brian Wilson retains the power to surprise and delight."

Brian Wilson, R.I.P.
The BulwarkThe Bulwark·18d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson—who died on June 11th, aged 82—was one of three brothers in the group and wrote most of their songs."

Brian Wilson and the bliss of bubble-gum pop
The EconomistThe Economist·19d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson didn’t just soundtrack my life…he filled it with color, with wonder, with some of the most unforgettable, emotional, joyful moments I’ve ever known."

Paul McCartney Remembers “Musical Genius” Brian Wilson: “I Loved Him”
DeadlineDeadline·19d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson, the lead singer, composer and front man of the Beach Boys, has died aged 82, his family have announced."

Brian Wilson: iconic images of a Beach Boy's life
BBC NewsBBC News·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson's ears and musical mind launched a saga that seemed to contain the whole American experience."

Brian Wilson was an exemplary American
ReasonReason·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson, the singer, songwriter and creative mastermind behind the influential pop and rock band the Beach Boys, has died, his family announced."

Brian Wilson, legendary Beach Boys singer-songwriter, dies at 82
ABC NewsABC News·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The song is a sunshine-y good time — and would later inspire Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” among countless others."

10 songs to celebrate the life and legacy of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson
Associated PressAssociated Press·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82, leaving behind a storied legacy as one of pop music's greatest songwriters and producers."

Brian Wilson: 's interviews, concerts and appreciations
NPRNPR·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys' visionary and fragile leader whose genius for melody, arrangements and wide-eyed self-expression inspired "Good Vibrations," "California Girls" and other summertime anthems and made him one of the world's most influential recording artists, has died, his family said in a statement posted to his website and social media."

Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys visionary leader, dies at age 82
CBS NewsCBS News·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson, the legendary frontman and co-founder of The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82, his family has announced."

Brian Wilson, co-creator of iconic 1960s band The Beach Boys, dies aged 82
BBC NewsBBC News·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ visionary and fragile leader whose genius for melody, arrangements and wide-eyed self-expression inspired “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls” and other summertime anthems and made him one of the world’s most influential recording artists, has died at 82."

Brian Wilson, visionary leader of The Beach Boys, dies at 82
Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-Times·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Despite decades away from the musical mainstream in the 1970s and '80s, when his psychological torments were most aggressive, Wilson's towering impact was never in question."

Brian Wilson, Beach Boys cofounder and 'God Only Knows' genius, dies at 82
USA TODAYUSA TODAY·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Wilson enjoyed the renown his history-changing music offered him and continued to share the message that beauty and love can help heal even the most broken people."

Brian Wilson, the troubled genius behind The Beach Boys, has died at age 82
NPRNPR·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Despite facing numerous personal challenges, Brian Wilson's creativity and resilience allowed him to make a remarkable comeback, inspiring a new generation of music lovers."

Brian Wilson obituary: Genius behind many of The Beach Boys' hits
BBC NewsBBC News·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson, the musical visionary who captured the optimism of early 1960s youth culture as leader of the Beach Boys and crafted some of the most stylistically adventurous pop music of the era with the seminal album "Pet Sounds," has died, his family confirmed Wednesday."

Brian Wilson, influential pop pioneer and leader of the Beach Boys, dies at 82
NBC NewsNBC News·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ visionary and fragile leader whose genius for melody, arrangements and wide-eyed self-expression inspired “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls” and other summertime anthems and made him one of the world’s most influential recording artists, has died at 82."

Brian Wilson, Beach Boys visionary leader and summer's poet laureate, dies at 82
Associated PressAssociated Press·20d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

Brian Wilson's album 'Pet Sounds,' released in 1966, was a groundbreaking work that significantly influenced the progression of pop and rock music. It is often cited as one of the most influential albums in history, known for its complex harmonies and innovative production techniques.

Brian Wilson contributed to the 'California Sound' by creating songs that depicted warm beaches and endless summers, which became iconic representations of California culture through The Beach Boys' music.

Although Brian Wilson's work was primarily in pop and rock, his influence extended to other genres, such as country, where his harmonies and arrangements have been subtly integrated into Americana and roots music.

History

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