15 Facts About Melinda Ledbetter

Melinda Kae Ledbetter was an American talent manager who was the second wife and longtime manager of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

Melinda Kae Ledbetter was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on October 3,1946, to Rosemary and Leonard Ledbetter, an Air Force pilot who had been stationed there.

Melinda Ledbetter grew up in Whittier, California, and was of German and Irish descent.

Melinda Ledbetter had a 16-year career as a commercial model for designers including Bob Mackie and Anne Klein, after which she became a sales representative for a Cadillac dealership in Los Angeles.

In 1986, while working at the car dealership, Melinda Ledbetter met Brian Wilson.

Melinda Ledbetter didn't have that before with his family, his old band, his doctor, his first wife.

Melinda Ledbetter was credited with leading Wilson to proper medical care, to tour regularly, and to complete his unfinished album Smile.

However, numerous reports surrounding Wilson's comeback alleged that his close associates, including Melinda Ledbetter, had been exploiting Wilson and applying undue pressure on him to maintain an active music career.

Thomas reciprocated with a suit citing that Melinda Ledbetter "schemed against and manipulated" him and Wilson.

Melinda Ledbetter expressed disappointment that he was never allowed to collaborate with Wilson for the album That's Why God Made the Radio, as had been promised, and that during the performances, she attempted to install an autotune unit on each of the band members' microphones.

In 2015, Wilson credited Melinda Ledbetter with assisting with some of the production of his album No Pier Pressure.

Melinda Ledbetter gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career.

Melinda Ledbetter encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart.

Melinda Ledbetter died at her home in Beverly Hills, California, on January 30,2024, at the age of 77.

Melinda Ledbetter's death was announced by Wilson via his Twitter account.