Melinda Wilson was a talent manager and the second wife of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, helping Wilson sever ties with his controversial psychologist and business partner, Eugene Landy.
- Died: January 30, 2024 (Who else died on January 30?)
- Details of death: Died in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 77.
- We invite you to share condolences for Melinda Wilson in our Guest Book.
Melinda Wilson’s legacy
Born Melinda Kae Ledbetter, Wilson grew up in Whittier, California. She spent 16 years as a model, working with such fashion designers as Bob Mackie and Anne Klein, before becoming a sales representative at a Los Angeles auto dealer. She met Brian Wilson, one of the founding members of the Beach Boys and the chief architect of their sound, while working at the dealership. At the time, Brian was a patient of celebrity psychologist Eugene Landy, an arrangement that stirred controversy due to Landy’s insistence on taking a portion of Brian’s copyrights and royalties. Landy was even credited as a co-writer on Brian’s new work, despite having little to no involvement in the writing.
Wilson reported the situation to the state attorney general’s office, but nothing happened. By 1989, Melinda and Brian had begun to form a relationship. Landy ordered Brian to cut ties with her. However, a 1991 court order barred Landy from contacting Brian and the pair rekindled their connection the following year. Brian and Wilson married in 1995, eventually adopting five children together.
Wilson is credited with helping Brian get the care he needed and re-starting his musical career, including writing new music and touring. Her intervention between Brian and Landy was not without controversy either – Brian’s daughter, Carnie Wilson, was critical of Wilson’s role in his life, and Beach Boy Mike Love claimed she interfered in the band’s efforts to have a full reunion. However, Brian credited her with getting his life back together. Wilson was portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the 2014 film “Love & Mercy.”
Tributes to Melinda Wilson
Full obituary: The New York Times
