Carl Wilson (December 21, 1946 - February 6, 1998) was the youngest of the three brothers who made up the core of The Beach Boys. He was the band's lead guitarist (composing many of the familar licks on their early songs) as well as a vocalist (notably, on "God Only Knows" from Pet Sounds, "Good Vibrations," "Darlin'," and "This Whole World.") When his brother Brian Wilson quit touring with the band, Carl replaced many of Brian's vocals. He remained with the group long after Brian had retreated into solitude, and in fact produced some of the band's post-1966 recordings. He composed some of the group's songs in the early '70s, including "Long Promised Road," "Feel Flows," and "Trader" with lyricist Jack Reiley.

Wilson released two solo albums, 1981's Carl Wilson and 1984's Youngblood. He left the Beach Boys for a solo tour at the time, but soon returned.

He died from lung cancer on February 6, 1998. Two years after his death, his final album project, Like A Brother, was released. It was a collaboration with Robert Lamm of Chicago and Gerry Beckley of America. His voice is also featured on a song from Brian Wilson's 2004 album Gettin' In Over My Head.