Glen Campbell
Country music icon Glen Campbell has died aged 81, Getintothis’ Peter Guy reflect on his legacy.
Glen Campbell, the country music icon, has died aged 81.
Campbell, who had hits in the 1960s and 1970s, had been battling Alzheimer’s disease which he made public in 2011 before embarking on a final tour in 2012.
Campbell started out as a guitarist in Los Angeles as a session musician with the Wrecking Crew (alongside artists including Leon Russell and Dr. John) before becoming a touring member of the Beach Boys, filling in on bass and vocals for Brian Wilson. He appeared on Pet Sounds.
“I took Brian’s place and that was just … I was in heaven then – hog heaven!” Campbell remarked.
Making the transition from session musician to solo artist, Campbell had hits including Wichita Lineman, Rhinestone Cowboy and Galveston before hosting his own musical variety show from 1969 to 1972 called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.
In 1967, Campbell won Grammys in both the country and pop categories.
He went on to launch an acting career appearing in the 1969 John Wayne film True Grit.
Campbell was married four times, and has five sons and three daughters. Despite his career successes, he struggled with alcoholism and cocaine addiction.
In the early Eighties, he had a tempestuous, high-profile relationship with country singer Tanya Tucker, who was 22 years his junior. In 1981 he became a born-again Christian and in 1982 he married Kimberly Woollen, a Radio City Music Hall Rockette, who helped Campbell clean up his life.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Glen Travis Campbell, at the age of 81 https://t.co/zSv4RqjK4H
— Glen Campbell (@GlenCampbell) August 8, 2017
Meet Glen Campbell, released in 2008, featured the country legend covering the Replacements, the Velvet Underground, Jackson Browne’s These Days (made famous by Nico), the Foo Fighters, and more.
His 2011 album Ghost on the Canvas featured contributions from Robert Pollard, Paul Westerberg, Billy Corgan and many others.
In 2013, Campbell released See You There, an album featuring stripped down versions of his hits. His final record, Adiós, came out earlier this year.
Social media reaction following the death of Glen Campbell
I'm very broken up to hear about my friend Glen Campbell. An incredible musician and an even better person. I'm at a loss. Love & Mercy.
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/CMT/status/895022385895813121
.@GlenCampbell has forever left a mark on Country Music’s history. Our hearts go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/rP63oHPm1b
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) August 8, 2017
The great Glen Campbell has passed away at 81. His facility with the guitar had no https://t.co/7hT1ACkjMv ⭐ pic.twitter.com/UpFz4ZbY9g
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) August 8, 2017
RIP The great Glen Campbell
Amazingly talented singer and guitarist RS— Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) August 8, 2017
RIP Glen Campbell. His version of Jimmy Webb's " Wichita Lineman " Is one of the emotional strings of my musical heart.
— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) August 8, 2017
Thank you Glen Campbell for sharing your talent with us for so many years
May you rest in peace my friend
You will never be forgotten— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) August 8, 2017
Extremely sad to hear that Glen Campbell has passed away. My prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) August 8, 2017
Sadden by the passing of Glen Campbell, a great entertainer & a great man – thanks for the memories!
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) August 8, 2017
There is a strong argument that Wichita Lineman is among the greatest 10 pieces of popular music ever recorded. #GlenCampbell
— John Harris (@johnharris1969) August 8, 2017
