Jelly Roll Mourns Music Legend Brian Wilson: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Timeless Influence

In a devastating blow to the music world, country and rap star Jelly Roll has shared heartbreaking news about the passing of Brian Wilson, the legendary co-founder of The Beach Boys, who died at the age of 82. Wilson, a musical genius behind iconic hits like “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls,” and the seminal album Pet Sounds, passed away on June 11, 2025, as confirmed by his family via social media. While no official cause of death was disclosed, Wilson had been battling a neurocognitive disorder akin to dementia, which led to his placement under a legal conservatorship in 2024. His death has left fans, peers, and artists like Jelly Roll reeling, as tributes pour in from across the globe.

Jelly Roll, known for his raw emotional lyricism and genre-blending sound, took to social media to express his grief, describing Wilson as a beacon of inspiration during his darkest moments. “Brian Wilson’s music was a lifeline for me,” Jelly Roll wrote. “When I was lost in my own struggles, his songs about love, freedom, and the California dream gave me hope. His genius shaped not just music but the way I see life. Rest in peace, legend.” This heartfelt tribute underscores the profound impact Wilson had on artists across genres, from rock to country to hip-hop.

Wilson’s legacy as the creative force behind The Beach Boys is unparalleled. Born in Inglewood, California, in 1942, he crafted a sound that defined the 1960s with sun-soaked harmonies and innovative studio techniques. Songs like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “I Get Around” captured the carefree spirit of youth, while Pet Sounds (1966) pushed the boundaries of pop music, earning its place as the No. 2 album on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums list. Wilson’s ambition to create “the greatest rock album ever made” revolutionized music production, influencing everyone from The Beatles to modern artists like Jelly Roll.

Despite his brilliance, Wilson’s life was marked by personal struggles, including mental health issues and substance abuse, exacerbated after the shelving of his ambitious project Smile in 1967. His battles with depression and isolation were well-documented, yet his resilience shone through in later years as he completed Smile and performed Pet Sounds live to adoring audiences. His family, including daughters Carnie and Wendy from his first marriage and five adopted children with his late wife Melinda Ledbetter, who passed in 2024, remained a source of strength.

The outpouring of tributes from music icons reflects Wilson’s universal influence. Elton John called him a “musical genius” whose work “shaped music forever,” while Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood mourned the loss of Wilson and Sly Stone in the same week, saying, “My world is in mourning.” Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine shared a touching message, imagining Wilson reunited with his brothers Carl and Dennis, “singing those beautiful harmonies again.”

Jelly Roll’s tribute highlights how Wilson’s music transcended generations, offering solace and inspiration. “His songs were like a warm hug when I needed it most,” he added. Wilson’s ability to weave vulnerability and optimism into his melodies resonated deeply, making his loss a profound one for the music community. As fans lay sunflowers on The Beach Boys’ Hollywood Walk of Fame star, Wilson’s legacy endures through his timeless songs and the artists, like Jelly Roll, who carry his influence forward.