| American country singer and guitarist. Date of Birth: 22.04.1936 Country: USA |
Glen Campbell was an American country singer and guitarist who blurred the lines between country music and traditional pop. He was awarded a Grammy for Best Album of 1968. In the mid-1960s, Campbell was one of the most sought-after session guitarists in California and the world of American pop music as a whole. His guitar can be heard on renowned recordings such as Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night," The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," and The Monkees' "I'm a Believer." He also worked with Elvis Presley and the folk-rock group The Mamas & the Papas, and in 1965, he toured with The Beach Boys as a full-fledged member of the band.
With his beautiful and memorable voice, Campbell began to consider a career as a vocalist. His early singles did not garner much attention, despite one of them being written by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. His breakthrough came in 1967 with the recording of "Gentle On My Mind," a deep, optimistic song in the style of Bob Dylan that became a country music classic. This marked the beginning of Campbell's collaboration with popular songwriter Jimmy Webb, who wrote exceptional hits for him such as "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" (1967), "Wichita Lineman" (1968), and "Galveston" (1969). These songs seamlessly blended traditional country motifs and imagery with the luxurious orchestration characteristic of American pop music of that era. Webb and Campbell's collaborations can still be found on many lists of the most significant songs of the 20th century. In the 1960s, they made a lasting impression on the bosses of the US music industry and were seen as a new trend in popular music. In 1967, the American Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded Campbell Grammy Awards in both country and pop categories, indicating a trend towards convergence between these two genres.
By 1969, Glen Campbell had reached the peak of his popularity. He had his own television show, and legendary actor John Wayne invited him to play a role in one of his western films and write a song for him, which was later nominated for an Oscar. In 1975, his upbeat single "Rhinestone Cowboy" reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over two million copies in the United States alone. Two years later, Campbell released his final major hit, "Southern Nights." In 1976, the artist turned forty and felt that the brightest period of his life was in the past. His new songs were less likely to make it onto the charts. He began heavily drinking and developed a drug addiction.
In the early 1990s, Campbell underwent treatment, released an autobiography, and opened a music theater in Missouri. Despite his personal struggles, Glen Campbell left behind a remarkable musical legacy, having influenced both country and pop music. His unique blend of genres and remarkable vocal talent continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.