Glen Campbell

Who Was Glen Campbell?

Glen Campbell was a renowned American musician whose career spanned several decades and bridged both country and pop music. He began as a talented songwriter and session musician in the 1960s, collaborating with major stars of the era. Campbell’s breakout hits, including “Gentle on My Mind,” positioned him as a versatile artist with broad appeal, leading to major success on both the country and pop charts. By the 1970s, his career flourished further with iconic songs like “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Southern Nights,” solidifying his place as a crossover sensation. Acknowledged for his contributions to the music industry, Campbell was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. After a public battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the celebrated country music icon passed away on August 8, 2017, at the age of 81.

Early Life

Glen Travis Campbell was born on April 22, 1936, on a family farm located between Billstown and Delight, Arkansas. He was one of 12 children of Wesley, a sharecropper, and Carrie Dell Campbell. Despite facing financial hardships, the Campbell family had a deep love for music, and it was evident early on that Glen had a natural talent. At the age of 4, his father purchased a $5 guitar from Sears, igniting Glen’s passion for music. By his early teens, Campbell was already performing as a paid act and appearing on local radio stations. At the age of 14, Campbell made the decision to leave school and pursue a full-time career in music, joining his uncle Dick Bills’ band, the Sandia Mountain Boys, which found success in New Mexico. By 1958, Campbell formed his own band, the Western Wranglers.

Session Guitarist

Campbell’s move to Los Angeles in the early 1960s marked the beginning of his career as a session guitarist. He worked for the American Music Company, a small publishing house, where his talents caught the attention of Capitol Records. In 1961, at just 24 years old, Campbell released his single “Turn Around, Look at Me,” which led to his signing with Capitol. As a session musician, Campbell quickly gained a reputation for his exceptional guitar skills, particularly his finger-picking style. He played on records for some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Merle Haggard, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, the Righteous Brothers, and the Monkees. His versatility and skill also led him to collaborate with famed producers like Phil Spector and Jimmy Bowen. In 1964, Campbell joined the Beach Boys on tour after Brian Wilson stepped away from the spotlight, further expanding his influence in the music world.

“Gentle on My Mind” & Other Early Hits

By 1967, Glen Campbell had earned widespread recognition for his musical talents. His breakout hit, Gentle on My Mind, achieved chart success in both country and pop music, marking a significant milestone in his career. Following that success, his single By the Time I Get to Phoenix also reached the Top 40, further solidifying his place in the music world. Campbell’s stellar performances on both tracks earned him Grammy Awards early the next year, cementing his status as an influential artist.

Campbell continued to make waves on the charts with his 1968 hit Wichita Lineman, a song that led to his recognition as both Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association. Later that year, the release of Galveston further bridged the gap between country and pop music, expanding Campbell’s reach beyond traditional country audiences.

TV, Film & More Crossover Success

In 1968, Campbell made a memorable guest appearance on The Joey Bishop Show, which caught the attention of the Smothers Brothers comedy duo. Impressed by his performance, they invited him to co-host The Summer Smothers Brothers Show. Campbell’s charisma, humor, and musical prowess quickly won over audiences and CBS executives, leading to the debut of The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour in 1969.

The variety show, which featured musical performances, comedy sketches, and high-profile guest stars, became an instant success, reaching No. 1 in both the U.S. and U.K. This success helped Campbell rise to international stardom. Additionally, his acting career flourished with a Golden Globe-nominated performance alongside John Wayne in the 1969 film True Grit.

Although his film career slowed after True Grit, and his variety show was canceled in 1972, Campbell reestablished himself as a dominant figure in music with Rhinestone Cowboy in 1975. The song topped both the U.S. country and pop charts, and Campbell repeated this success in 1977 with Southern Nights, further affirming his crossover appeal.

Substance Abuse and Recovery

The late 1970s saw Campbell’s personal life and career take a downturn as he struggled with substance abuse, fueled in part by his tumultuous relationship with singer Tanya Tucker. The couple’s volatile romance, combined with declining record sales, thrust Campbell into the tabloid spotlight. However, after several years of touring in the 1980s, Campbell left Los Angeles, sought treatment, and successfully overcame his addiction.

Embracing his newfound faith, Campbell became a born-again Christian. In 1994, he published his autobiography, Rhinestone Cowboy, offering a candid look into his life and struggles. His contributions to country music were further recognized in 2005 with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Campbell remained active, performing in Branson, Missouri, and in 2008, he released Meet Glen Campbell, an album of cover songs that showcased his enduring talent.

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Final Works

In 2011, Glen Campbell publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Campbell made the decision to record more music and embark on a farewell tour before his memory deteriorated further. Reflecting on his experiences with the disease, Campbell shared with People magazine, “I’m going to be right in the middle of a sentence, man—and it just goes.”

In 2011, Campbell released Ghost on the Canvas, which garnered positive reviews, and he received immense support from his fans during his farewell tour. At the 2012 Grammy Awards, Campbell was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. He also participated in a tribute to his career, performing his iconic song “Rhinestone Cowboy” alongside Blake Shelton and The Band Perry. The performance left the audience in awe, standing and singing along in recognition of Campbell’s unparalleled influence on country music.

By April 2013, Campbell made the difficult decision to retire from touring, citing the progression of his Alzheimer’s disease. Around this time, he also visited Washington, D.C., to advocate for Alzheimer’s research.

Campbell’s next album, See You There, which featured reimagined versions of his classic hits, was released in August 2013. In 2014, the documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me was released, showcasing his journey with Alzheimer’s. The documentary’s song, “I’m Not Gonna Miss You,” earned an Oscar nomination and a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.

In June 2017, Campbell released Adiós, his final album, which included contributions from notable artists such as Willie Nelson and his children, Ashley, Shannon, and Cal Campbell. This album, recorded after his farewell tour, served as a poignant farewell from one of country music’s greatest legends.

Death

Glen Campbell passed away on August 8, 2017, at the age of 81. His family issued a statement, which read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and legendary singer and guitarist, Glen Travis Campbell, at the age of 81, following his long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.”

The news of his death prompted tributes from across the music world. Country music star Keith Urban shared his admiration for Campbell’s influence, stating, “Universal music, universal stories, universal spirit. No wonder he was a global superstar. I love Glen for so many reasons—but above all, for his humanity. My thoughts and prayers are with Kim and all of his extended family today. May peace be with you all. Go rest high on that mountain, Glen.”