Glen Campbell is a man that has stood the test of time. One of Country music’s longest established artists, this performer and exquisite guitar player with a back catalogue and trophy cabinet to match, passed away on Tuesday morning in a Nashville facility for Alzheimer’s patients according to a source close to his family.
Over his six decades in music, Campbell released more than seventy albums, the latest of which was titled “Adios” and hit shelves just a mere nine weeks ago. He had many hit songs including “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” “Gentle on My Mind,” and “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
He rose from a poor rural country family upbringing to sell over 45 million records, and no doubt this will increase as the months progress, paving the way for the likes of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers, by becoming Country Music’s first Crossover star.
Before his solo career he performed on tracks recorded by Frank Sinatra, The Monkeys and as well as playing guitar on Beach Boy tracks, he also filled in as a band member with them for six months.
His musical talent stayed with him to the end, so much to the fact that he could perform seamless guitar solos during Galveston but not remember the names of his family in the band behind him at the end of his touring career.
His departure undoubtedly will leave a void in Country Music and the genre has been outpouring of its tributes, kind words and well wishes for the Campbell family circle.
Just last night John Mayer was playing in Nashville and covered Campbell’s 1967 hit “Gentle on MY mind” during his acoustic set.
One source quoted Mayer as saying, “I’m going to play this song with more love than precision and I play it because it’s my favourite song in the world. Whether I play it right or wrong, I’d rather of played it.”
Kelsea Ballerini, who was in attendance at the concert tweeted during the cover….
In Nashville. @JohnMayer is paying tribute to @GlenCampbell singing Gentle On My Mind. I'm a musical emotional mess. So tender and beautiful
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) August 9, 2017
Very sad news this evening #Adiós #GlenCampbell #Legend #RIP https://t.co/PaS4jlZA0I
— Kirstie McMurray (@kirstieradio) August 8, 2017
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
God bless and peace and love to Glen Campbell thanks for the music The real rhinestone cowboy and love to all his family ?✌️?????☮️
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 9, 2017
Brad Paisley was quoted as saying that his first live public performance aged 10, at Glen Dale Methodist Church, singing two songs. One of them was “Try a Little Kindness. He said “I’m certain I wouldn’t be here without his influence…we’ll do the remembering now Glen”. (Instagram)
Thank you @GlenCampbell for the artistry, grace & class you brought to country music. You were a shining light in so many ways.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) August 8, 2017
Country music and the world lost a legend today…Rest in the arms of angels #RhinestoneCowboy https://t.co/JnXiAs6GWx
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) August 9, 2017
Wow… just heard Glen Campbell passed… sad day for music
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) August 8, 2017
Songs, songs, songs… Man, in a world of good stuff, his was great, in a world of great stuff, his was special! @GlenCampbell pic.twitter.com/9qexor9jX0
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) August 8, 2017
Keith Urban took to Facebook to say the following
As always the country community rallies together in times of grief and we’ll be excited to see what’s in the pipeline regarding Glen Campbell and the legacy he has left behind.
Tune in to Downtown Country over the incoming days to hear more on Glen Campbell, his music and the reaction of Country music to the passing of Glen Campbell.
Glen Campbell
1936 – 2017