Melinda Wilson has died.
Melinda Wilson was born in post-war Colorado, a music fan from an early age. A tenacious sales woman, she was initially involved in the auto industry, before a chance meeting with Brian Wilson.
The two struck up a relationship at a pivotal point in the songwriter’s life – the Beach Boys legend was enrolled in Eugene Landy’s 24-hour therapy program, something that would become a controversial point of contention.
As the two became serious Brian Wilson yearned for freedom; the two married in 1995, with Melinda going on to become his manager.
Working intimately with Brian Wilson for 26 years she played a key role in the songwriter resuming full music duties. The highs are almost too many to list – countless world tours, the completion of his ambitious 60s project ‘Smile’, and beyond.
A statement from the Wilson family confirmed her passing. Melinda Wilson died peacefully at home on January 29th.
In a note on social media, Brian Wilson mourned the passing of a woman he described not only as his wife, but his “savior”. He writes:
My heart is broken. Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career.
She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her. Love and Mercy Brian
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Related: Sailing An Unsettled Ocean – Brian Wilson Interviewed
