Remembering Beach Boys' Brian Wilson

By Taylor Fields
Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds

Photo: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images

Music icon and Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson has passed away at the age of 82.

While a cause of death has not been revealed, Brian was suffering from a neurocognitive disorder akin to dementia. Wilson's family made the heartbreaking announcement in a statement posted social media, explaining, "We are heartbroken to announce 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 is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world."

Wilson co-founded the legendary group Beach Boys whose groundbreaking harmonies and introspective songwriting reshaped American pop music. Known for crafting classics like "God Only Knows," "Good Vibrations," and the seminal album Pet Sounds, Brian's genius blended sun-soaked surf rock with orchsestral ambition and emotional depth — his influence spans generations. A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, Wilson leaves behind a legacy as one of music's most innovative, heartfelt and beloved creators.

To honor Wilson iHeart60s Radio on iHeartRadio is celebrating his imprint in music with Beach Boys music at the top and bottom of every hour all day today (June 11th) and tomorrow (June 12th). Listen on the free iHeartRadio app.

Keep scrolling to remember the life and legacy of Brian Wilson below.

  • 1 of 30
    The Beach Boys

    Clockwise from left, the Beach Boys are Al Jardine, Mike Love, Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Carl Wilson.Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images

  • 2 of 30
    Beach Boys Surfin' Safari Shoot

    American Rock and roll band The Beach Boys walk along a beach holding a surfboard during a photoshoot for their debut album, 'Surfin' Safari', Los Angeles, California, August 1962. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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    Beach Boys Portrait

    The Beach Boys in 1965 Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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    Recording "Pet Sounds"

    1966: Singer and mastermind Brian Wilson of the rock and roll band "The Beach Boys" directs from the control room while recording the album "Pet Sounds" in 1966 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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    Brian Wilson Portrait

    Brian Wilson in 1968 Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

  • 6 of 30
    The Beach Boys Live At Candlestick Park

    The Beach Boys perform at Candlestick Park on September 18, 1982 after the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants game.Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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    Brian Wilson

    1985, Los Angeles, CaliforniaPhoto: Archive Photos/Getty Images

  • 8 of 30
    Beach Boys Portrait Session

    The Beach Boys, 1987Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images

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    CAST WITH MEMBERS OF THE BEACH BOYS (L-R: AL JARDINE;CARL WILSON;MIKE LOVE;BRIAN WILSON;BRUCE JOHNSTON;DAVE COULIER;JOHN STAMOS;MARY-KATE/ASHLEY OLSEN;BOB SAGET;CANDACE CAMERON;JODIE SWEETIN)

    The Beach Boys guest star on an episode of Full House titled “Beach Boy Bingo,” which aired on November 18, 1988. Photo: Disney/Getty Images

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    Brian Wilson, Ringo Starr And John Densmore

    Brian Wilson, Ringo Starr and John DensmorePhoto: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

  • 11 of 30
    Paul Natkin Archive

    Brian Wilson in Chicago, Il.Photo: WireImage/Getty Images

  • 12 of 30
    Brian Wilson Portrait

    Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys poses on the beach in Los Angeles while filming the band’s guest appearance on Baywatch Season 6, Episode 4 (“Surf’s Up”), in 1995.Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images

  • 13 of 30
    Photo of BEACH BOYS and Van Dyke PARKS and Brian WILSON

    Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks, longtime collaborators on the legendary Smile projectPhoto: Redferns/Getty Images

  • 14 of 30
    Brian Wilson Portrait Session

    1998Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images

  • 15 of 30
    Performers Onstage During The Bridge School Benefit Concert

    From left, Brian Wilson, Jeff Foskett, Nick Walusko, Eddie Vedder, and Neil Young as they perform onstage during the Bridge School benefit concert.Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images

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    TNT All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson

    Elton John and Brian Wilson during TNT All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson.Photo: Getty Images

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    Yamaha Presents the 2003 NAMM Concert Featuring Sir Elton John: A Benefit for Music Education - Show and Portrait Gallery

    Brian Wilson with Sir Elton John in 2003.Photo: Getty Images

  • 18 of 30
    The Hollywood Bowl Fifth Annual Hall Of Fame Concert-Backstage

    Wendy Wilson, Brian Wilson, Carnie Wilson and Chynna Phillips Photo: FilmMagic/Getty Images

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    Brian Wilson Portrait Session

    Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images

  • 20 of 30
    The 30th Kennedy Center Honors

    Brian and Melinda arriving at The 30th Kennedy Center Honors.Photo: FilmMagic/Getty Images

  • 21 of 30
    The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Show

    The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2012 Photo: Getty Images

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    Dodger Stadium And The Beach Boys Celebrate 50th Anniversaries Beginning Opening Day

    The Beach Boys sing the national anthem during Los Angeles Dodgers opening day in 2012.Photo: WireImage/Getty Images

  • 23 of 30
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - Season 4

    Brian Wilson, Mike Love with Jimmy FallonPhoto: NBCUniversal/Getty Images

  • 24 of 30
    Brian Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of Brian Wilson

    Wendy Wilson, Brian Wilson and Carnie Wilson performs onstage at Brian Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of Brian WilsonPhoto: FilmMagic, Inc/Getty Images

  • 25 of 30
    "Love & Mercy" - Los Angeles Premiere

    Brian Wilson and wife Melinda LedbetterPhoto: FilmMagic/Getty Images

  • 26 of 30
    ABC's "The View" - Season 18

    Photo: Disney/Getty Images

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    Brian Wilson In Concert Featuring Al Jardine & Blondie Chaplin - Los Angeles, CA

    Brian Wilson gets a hug from his granddaughter Lola Sofia Bonfiglio as he celebrates his 73rd birthday with daughter Carnie Wilson (L) and guests at The Greek Theatre.Photo: Getty Images

  • 28 of 30
    73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals

    Brian Wilson and Melinda arrive at the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2016Photo: Getty Images

  • 29 of 30
    Brian Wilson Celebrates Paperback Release Of "I Am Brian Wilson"

    Brian attends his book signing for "I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir" Photo: Getty Images

  • 30 of 30
    Reel To Reel: Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

    Brian onstage at Reel To Reel: Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road at The GRAMMY Museum in 2021Photo: Getty Images

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