Happy Birthday Glen Campbell

I cannot let this month pass by without paying tribute to one

 of the greatest American country/pop artists of all time!

Happy Birthday (one day late) to the legendary

Glen Campbell!

Image courtesy/Grammy

Glen Travis Campbell was born on April 22, 1936

 in Billstown, Arkansas. As a young boy, Glen's

developed a natural talent by learning how to
play the guitar without the ability to read music.

He gave the credit, however, to his Uncle Boo 
 for teaching him how to play guitar.

In 1954, Glen moved to New Mexico where he joined his

uncle's band called, Dick Bills and the Sandia Mountain Boys.

 While living in Albuquerque,Glen appeared on his uncle's

 radio show. He also performed on K Circle B Time
 a local children's program on KOB Television.

 In 1958, he formed his own group, the Western Wranglers.

In 1960, Glen moved to Los Angeles where he was part 

of the group,The Champs.But Glen was also in great 

 demand as a session musician,and during this early 
period in his career he played on the recordings of 
such legendary singers as Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra,
 Dean Martin, Bobby Darrin, Nancy Sinatra, and for an

  up and coming bubblegum pop band, The Monkees!

In 1967, he recorded the song,"Gentle On My Mind".

Not only was this beautiful ballad an overnight success,
 but I tend to think of it as Glen Campbell's signature song!

"Gentle On My Mind"
(1967)
Glen Campbell

 

This  was followed by another big hit, the

 heartbreaking, "By The Time I Get To Phoenix"

This song always makes me tear up!

By The Time I Get To Phoenix
(1967)
Glen Campbell

I was first introduced to the golden voice

 of Glen Campbell as a little girl growing

 up in the late 1960's and early 1970's.

 

A very different time in America... 

Dreams Of The Every Day Housewife
(1968)
Glen Campbell

Along with his contemporaries- Petula Clark,
The Beatles, The 5th Dimension, Jerry Vale, Tom Jones,
Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass, and The Carpenters,

I use to listen to Glen's record albums playing
 on my parents' big RCA television/stereo

console in our living room.

 

In 1969, Glen starred as Ranger La Boeuf in the classic
 American western drama,"True Grit" with the great John Wayne
 as US Marshall Rooster Cogburn  and actress Kim Darby
in a breakout role as innocent heroine Mattie Ross.

 

 

"True Grit" Movie Poster
(1969)
Image courtesy/Film Art Gallery

In 2005, Glen Campbell was inducted into 
the Country Music Hall of Fame.
An Honor Well Deserved!

"My times are in Your hands."
(Psalm 31:15)

Only several years after being inducted into

the Country Music Hall of Fame,Glen Campbell 

 was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

 In April 2014,  Glen was placed in a 
long-term care and treatment facility.

 

What A Friend We Have In Jesus
(1998)
Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell's Greatest Hymns
(Uploaded March 1, 2018)
 

Postscript:  After a three year battle with Alzheimer's Disease, Glen Travis Campbell 
was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 8, 2017.

May he rest in eternal peace.