The death of the poet laureate of adolescent heartbreak was announced by his family on Wednesday: “We are at a loss for words right now.”

A hitmaker elevated and burdened by the label of genius, he transcended the breezy surf genre to create complex harmonies and intricate soundscapes in the studio.

The Beach Boys' co-founder talks to The Times about his longtime former bandmate who helped shape the culture of SoCal music.