Brian Wilson, the leader and chief songwriter of the Beach Boys and one of the world’s most influential recording artists, has died at 82. Wilson’s family posted news of his death to his website and social media accounts on Wednesday: “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.

The family of Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the Beach Boys, announced on June 11 that he passed away at the age of 82. Wilson shaped the Beach Boys’ timeless sound as the band’s songwriter and co-lead vocalist,

"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,

Wilson's fellow founding Beach Boys members also paid tribute. Al Jardine, best known as the band's rhythm guitarist and occasionally singing lead vocals, calls Wilson "my friend, my classmate, my football teammate,