Brian Wilson made “The Beach Boys Love You” emerging from mental illness. It was a major flop, ending his relationship with the band, but a thrilling work of art.

The death of the poet laureate of adolescent heartbreak was announced by his family on Wednesday: “We are at a loss for words right now.”

The Beach Boys' co-founder talks to The Times about his longtime former bandmate who helped shape the culture of SoCal music.

It's not rare to see Wilson's bright, sunny Southern California music with The Beach Boys used to contrast dark moments on film. Nowhere is this better exemplified than in the opening of Roger & Me, Michael Moore's breakout documentary showing the crumbling of Flint, Michigan in the 1980s.

I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again,” founding member Al Jardine said.

"We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away," the statement read. "We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.

The Beach Boys' founding member never seemed to encounter a genre, instrument or movement he didn’t want to incorporate into his soundscape. That’s why it’s equally surprising and totally believable that at the very start of the '90s he recorded a rap song,