Billy Hinsche (1951–2021), longtime Beach Boys collaborator

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Billy Hinsche was a musician who recorded and toured with the Beach Boys for many years.

• Died: Saturday, November 20, 2021. (Who else died on November 20?)
• Details of death: Died at the age of 70 from cancer, according to an Instagram post by Lucie Arnaz.
• We invite you to share condolences for Billy Hinsche in our Guest Book.

Beach Boys touring member

Billy Hinsche was a guitarist and vocalist who recorded and toured with the Beach Boys. He formed the pop band Dino, Desi, & Billy in the 1960’s with Desi Arnaz, Jr., and Dean Paul Martin. The group had a top 20 hit in 1965 with the song “I’m a Fool” and opened for the Beach Boys and Paul Revere & the Raiders. Hinsche’s sister Annie was married to the late Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys and he collaborated with the band for decades. He also worked with Elton John, Joan Jett, and Warren Zevon.

Tributes to Billy Hinsche

Love & Mercy Billy Hinsche pic.twitter.com/dyuYOwFutp

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) November 21, 2021

We lost a great friend, family member, and forever member of The Beach Boys band on Saturday. We’ll miss him greatly, especially his family members will feel his loss most deeply. pic.twitter.com/yR6OF2ber4

— Mike Love (@MikeLoveOFCL) November 21, 2021

RIP Billy Hinsche, we love you and will miss you dearly 😢 pic.twitter.com/1wSVegeked

— Al Jardine (@ALANJARDINE) November 21, 2021

I am in total shock right now. RIP Billy Hinsche, Dino, Desi, and Billy. He was a friend of mine, and we had just spoken a few months ago. Condolences to his family 💔 pic.twitter.com/rOa7r8nOo6

— Stephen Bishop (@BishSongs) November 21, 2021

Another sad loss this week.. Sorry to hear about the passing of our friend Billy Hinsche.
Formerly of Dino, Desi and Billy and the backing band for The Beach Boys.#RIPBillyHinsche pic.twitter.com/dmuFaQQ1UU

— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) November 21, 2021

Full Obituary: Rolling Stone