Glen Campbell turns 77 today. I have always thought Glen Campbell was terribly underrated and unappreciated. I think a lot of people remember him/think of him for all the wrong reasons-the alcohol and drug problems, the destructive relationship with Miss Tanya Tucker, the mugshots etc. Sure, Glen Campbell made his share of mistakes in his life but what I think of first is the great songs he recorded. The three great songs he did covering Jimmy Webb songs in the late 1960’s “Wichita Lineman” [one of my ten favourite songs of all-times, I can listen to that song all day}, “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” and “Galveston” classics. Glen Campbell had a fascinating career. He was a great guitar player. He was a member of “The Wrecking Crew” of studio musicans back in the early 1960’s who were much in demand. He played on records for a wide range of artists- Elvis, Frank, Dean, Phil Spector, Merle Haggard, The Monkees, Bobby Darin..the list goes on. He replaced Brian Wilson on The Beach Boys tours in the mid-60’s.

When he went solo he was an immediate success. He made history in 1967 by winning four Grammy’s in both the country and pop categories. Over the years Glen Campbell has released 70 albums and has had sales of 45 million records. He had 74 country music hits with 27 reaching the Top 10. He had 2 #1 hits on the pop charts- “Rhinestone Cowboy” his signature song and “Southern Nights”

According to The Guardian- “In their heyday, Glen Campbell, Ronald Reagan and Charlton Heston-three proud Republicans-were close friends.”

Glen Cambell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011. The same year he released his brilliant final album ” Ghosts On The Canvas” which was a wonderful way to end a career. The album is highly recommended.