The musical world lost a giant with news Wednesday that Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ visionary and fragile leader, had died. He was 82. Attempting to distill Wilson's talent and influence in a few short songs is an impossibility;

Brian Wilson, leader, songwriter and producer of the Beach Boys, has passed away at age 82. He leaves behind a legacy of beautiful, joyous, bittersweet and enduring music, crafted over a career spanning six decades.