- Fought being drafted as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War in 1967. In fact, he had a hearing scheduled the week of the Monterey Pop Festival, which was one of the contributing factors to The Beach Boys canceling their appearance. Wilson was ultimately allowed to perform "alternative service" by playing for free at prisons and hospitals.
- Assumed many of the music production and vocal duties, once held by brother Brian Wilson, through Brian's "lost years" battling mental illness and drug abuse.
- Became so excited when he heard the first Beach Boys record played on the radio, he threw up.
- Was chubby growing up; brother Dennis Wilson used to joke that the two "worked out" together - Dennis by lifting weights, and Carl by bingeing on snacks while he watched Dennis.
- Inducted by Elton John into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Beach Boys on 20 January 1988.
- Had two children. First son, Jonah was born in 1969 and second son, Justyn Wilson in 1971.
- Interred at Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Younger brother of Brian Wilson and Dennis Wilson.
- Cousin of Mike Love
- His first wife was Annie Hinsche, sister of Billy Hinsche of Dino Desi & Billy fame.
- Son of Murry Wilson and Audree Wilson.
- He and The Beach Boys were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
- Brother-in-law of Dean Paul Martin and Ricci Martin.
- Sang lead vocals on "God Only Knows" from The Beach Boys' 1966 "Pet Sounds" album.
- Guitarist with The Beach Boys.
- He quit smoking in 1984, but was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 1997.
- Is portrayed by Bo Foxworth in Summer Dreams: The Story of the Beach Boys (1990)
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