Glen Campbell, Dead at 81

Glen Campbell, Dead at 81

Rhinestone Cowboy

Glen Campbell was one of the biggest names in music back in the 60s and 70s. An Arkansas native, Campbell was a guitarist in the L.A. session collective, The Wrecking Crew. He played alongside Leon Russel and Dr. John. For a short time, he was a touring member with the Beach Boys, filling in on bass and vocals for Brian Wilson. He appeared on Pet Sounds.

When Campbell went solo, he hit his peak. Hits like “Wichita Lineman”, “Rhinestone Cowboy”, and “Galveston” made him a superstar.  He bridged the gap between country and mainstream pop. From 1969 to 1972, Campbell hosted a musical variety show called “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.”

I’ll Be Me

Campbell fought a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He let his fans know about the battle in 2011. He then went on his final tour, which ended in 2012. The tour was documented in the 2014 music-doc Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me (which I coincidentally watched over the weekend for the second time.) The film featured the last song Campbell recorded, “I’m Not Going to Miss You”, which was about his struggle with Alzheimer’s.

 

 

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