I’m here from Rick Beato’s channel. He mentioned this acoustic version. Glen was such an amazing talent. God rest his soul. The world is a bit less without him
Do search for the version Keith Urban did during a lunchtime concert at the World Trade Centre when he was first coming up… acoustic only, but well worth a listen.
I am a wire infrastructure lineman, working out in the heat, working out in the cold, working solo by myself on long lines, does this song bring back some memories? I can't tell you how this song takes me places where I have been my entire life, this is the epitome of my life, and this man does it justice
Pure, God given talent, devinly destined to collaborate. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎶🎵🎶❤❤❤ Thank you for some of the best music, ever, on the planet! Wow! I love this man! ❤❤😊
Greatest live performance I've ever seen on youtube. Mr Campbell play this song with no backup instruments or singers. He plays the rhythm and melody himself. He hits every vocal and instrument note. The performance is just as good live as in the studio. Legendary song and Legendary performance. What an amazing gift. I'm a black man in my 60s. I never appreciated how great he was until I started paying attention. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. We all miss you out here Glenn.
& i will continue to love Gregory Isaac's- & I'm a white cat 71 yrs / not to mention Teddy P & all the REAL talent from our youth - music today is somewhat questionable
I remember the song when it first came out and loved to sing along with it. It was really awesome on the radio back in the 60s. I think I was about 16 at that time.
Playing when you got a band behind you is one thing but solo guitar like this is on another level. It really shows how great his fundamental skills were.
I would add David Lindley to your versatile guitarist list. But NOBODY could take a tune/song and make it theirs better than Glen, not Elvis, not Sinatra.
I believe Glen has recording credit on about 600 songs, Strangers in the Night, Johnny Angel, Good Vibrations and a ton of others. Glen, Hal Blaine, Leon Russell, Earl Palmer were just some of the musicians on most of the records from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Watch the Wrecking Crew dvd by Tommy Tedesco’s son. It’s amazing to see who actually played the music on most recordings.
You're very perceptive, which is a talent most important to talented people like Glen Campbell. He's one in many, many millions and someone to make us proud of our unique American culture.
@@ratcathotsauce32 I know you're joking, but I did actually experience my best friend in high school becoming Hendrix/Page/Clapton level in technique. He even wrote incredibly difficult pieces. I'm on the side of music that touches peoples souls. Doesn't have to be in 13/8 at machine gun speed
Babe Ruth once said "it aint bragging if you can do it" and Glenn sure could do it. Wonderful man, wonderful entertainer and one the greatest guitar players of all time!
Every time I watch Glen Campbell I feel like burning all my guitars! He accompanied himself with stylish chords and flowed through that solo phrasing as easy as stirring a cup of coffee. It knocks me out.
Love it when an audience gets so quiet you can hear a pin drop - that's when you absolutely know you're in the presence of a very special talent. RIP, Glen Campbell.
There are tons of ways to download and store an MP3 file from this video. I don't know about "for all time" because of the ashes to ashes thing. Everything physical goes away.
@@orange_cat touché. I mean the recording should at the very least be preserved in the Library of Congress for its historical, cultural and aesthetic contributions to humanity.
As far as this song goes, I can hear it as if it's fresh from my mom's nice radio-turntable-cabinet, circa 1970. Like every day.for the whole decade. I know my dad loved it, he has later than early dementia. ...Unless it was elevator-music day, psycho killer's mom's played that, I'm certain. 😵💫😊
Hats off to anyone who is or has been a session musician. It's a tough gig and not for the faint at heart. You have to produce on the spot. Glen was one of the best.
Dear God, thank you for Glen Campbell. An American treasure. This epi brings tears to my eyes, knowing now what Glen was experiencing with his life journey with memory loss and dementia. What a Legend.
I grew up during Glens Goodtime Hour and so enjoyed all the music…i was inspired to play and sing then and 54 years later I’m still doing it! RIP Mr. Campbell you are so missed!
Merle Haggard, the greatest singer/song writer to ever walk this planet, has been quoted "Glen Campbell is the greatest musician to ever pick up a guitar"....that tells you just how special Glen Campbell was...
When Glen plays this acoustic version of "Wichita Lineman" you can see and feel that "touch" that made Glen one of the finest studio guitarists and live performers of his generation. The way he teases out the vibrato during the solo is like heaven.
I'm a grown man and this song makes me cry. the simplicity of the lyrics, I drive the main road. I know I need a small vacation. the Wichita lineman was truly a humble simple man with extraordinary thoughts.
Glen was one of the greatest musicians ever to live. The vast majority of folks have no idea about the early days of recording, or the huge role played by The Wrecking Crew.
I got to see him on his farewell tour when he came to Arkansas , though I was broke I knew I wouldn’t get another chance to see him... money well spent , still get goosebumps remembering that concert
Glen Campbell was without doubt phenomenal, but let us not forget the compositional brilliance of Jimmy Webb, who created some of the most beautiful melodies. The chord voicings in this song are superb.
Outstanding! This man was the inspiration for me to start playing guitar when I was 7 1967…… I’m now 60. Ive been in 25 or 30 bands , played countless stages , decided being paid to play ruins it for me, and Glenn almost outlasted me ! Was 10x better than me, and is considered by me to be more than a guitarist, he was an entertainer, he had what it took to reach people’s hearts with his sincerity and talent. A rare thing.
He came through as a wonderful person. You might like not this but I feel he and Elvis were both very sincere. I love that Glen played on session recordings with Elvis. I have no doubt Elvis considered Glen a great guitarist.
I have always loved that song. Use to love watching his tv show when I was a kid. He played for ELVIS as a session guitarist. He and Elvis were friends. Such great talents gone but neither forgotten.
My childhood was blessed by Glen Campbell….my little feet on top of my daddy’s shoes , Glen Campbell blasting and us blissfully dancing away ! PURE MAGIC ✨I’m now 51 and both my father and Glen have passed- but such wonderful, happy times . Thankyou x
I close my eyes at 9:09 "Searching in the sun for another overload." Such emotion in Glen's voice (RIP) and in Jimmy Webb's simple music, I see the once previously forgotten repair man; there he is high up on some iniquitous barren electrical pole enjoying his hard work, yet, who really understands what, or more important, who he's all about. Cords and lyrics connect the dots for us. Again in 10:57 when Glen goes "yah" during his acoustic solo where you feel he's reached a point where the music "breathes back at yah" not afraid to pause the cord flow like 9:51 and 11:09 letting meaningful lyrics take over. Young musicians can study this, one of the best, if not the best version of "Wichita Lineman" I've heard despite an imperfect host and so-so video quality. Given those two minor glitches, Glen's spirit comes through strong and clear! He's not afraid to pause--letting the music speak, pause--letting words creep into your heart, and pause--letting us see the lineman up there with his tools on a sweltering day making our lives a little bit better. Isn't that what songs are supposed to do, give us an insight into the soul?
Craig kilborn was the original host of The daily show second host of The late late show after David Letterman brought it back with Tom Snyder as the host, I read somewhere that Craig kilborn will not work more than three years on any thing
Wichita Lineman, the album, was a Christmas gift for me back when it first came out. The arrangement of the title song was entrancing. Seeing this now, with him taking on, and meeting, the challenge of performing it completely solo just deepens my respect for him as a musician and showman.
Testimony to his soulful, soothing guitar and Jimmy Webbs lyrics.. when my son was small, in his car seat I’d take him on long drives in my truck, apparently I listened to Glen Campbell often, I realized what an influence music had recently while my son was driving me in his truck… he was playing Glen Campbell songs. I felt like we were right where we were both supposed to be.
One of the most amazing performances I've ever seen. Vocals, rhythm and lead guitar all on his own with no backup. No other instruments just him. You got to be real good and real confident to pull that off. I knew he could sing but I didn't realize how amazing he was on the guitar. RIP Glenn Campbell. We miss you brother..
+Stars and Stripes In the interview portion he says his guitar is mainly built for rhythm playing , then proceeds to play amzing and beautiful lead work . incredible.
He was one of...IF NOT THE most talented guitarist EVER !!! ...I've played guitar all of my life...I'm 57 years old and Glen was my first guitar idol....Well on second thought not only a guitar idol.....The dude could sing as well....truly one of the best performers of the 20th century... One lucky guy....You don't see talent like this everyday !
Such a masterful musician... even more than his fretboard dexterity - his understanding and feel for chord structure, his choice of the perfect and yet minimal notes needed to be played to convey an emotion, he's just the best I've ever heard. It's another thing to see how he does it, and he makes it look so easy. Just so special.
I don't know much about music. But no matter how intricate or fast he plays, Glen Campbell never seems to leave the orbit of a song. At some point you'll hear pieces of the original melody that explain where he's going or what he's just done, and it's like a magic act.
Hells bells!!!... there's a lot of us left wanting... Wichita lineman is -in my ear - one of God's greatest gifts forwarded through the one and only... Glen Campbell... thanks again Glen!...
My young lad asked who was singing the song when I had Rhinestone Cowboy playing on the car stereo. I told him all about Glen Campbell and how great he was at singing and playing the guitar. I told him he was a lovely man and that he was adored by many. Glen died that night. We all knew he wasn't well, but I was pleased my son heard his music and learned about him while he was still alive. RIP Glen.
The GOAT Merle Haggard once said that “Glen Campbell had more talent in his little finger than any man deserved”. From one GOAT to another GOAT. His talent is sorely missed and thank God for YT, young people can go back and see just how talented GC was. His ‘live’ is better than anyone’s auto-tune, today.
As a kid in the 70s, I hated country music. Nobody I knew listened to country music. And then I heard "Galveston". And I thought, "I don't know why, but there's something about this guy." And I bought an album. And I've liked and admired Glen Campbell ever since. Some of his songs to this day are still my favorite songs to listen to and to play. I love the way he has the courage and skill to just drop the rhythm chords and play those amazing lead solos here, all by himself, but still holding the beat and the chord pattern together right through them so he can come out and continue singing.
It's really classy that even after all of those years, Mr Campbell was still giving props to Mr. Jimmy Webb, the man who wrote the song. I heard Mr. Webb perform this song about this same time (about 2000ish) and he was still giving props to Mr. Campbell too, saying how it was Mr. Campbell who had made the song into something special.
I was able to meet and speak with Webb about Wichita Lineman in a small church in Port Jefferson, New York, and will never forget having the opportunity to shake hands with our greatest living songwriter. He was especially kind and gracious.
First time I heard this I can feel the emotions in his voice and I don't even speak English 😂 don't know what the lyrics are but i can feel the longingness of the song
Proof of a brilliant musician. This song never needed any backup. Glen Campbell and his guitar did the beautiful melodies and lyrics justice perfectly.
To suggest *Glen* ***Campbell*** is "underrated" made my jaw drop, lol. Underrated by WHOM? Do you never read anything about guitar players, never look at rankings, never talk to people who are competent at playing guitar?!
Let’s not be disingenuous…Glen Campbell was seen as an amazingly professional and proficient performer who was known for songs like “Wichita Lineman”…but let’s just admit that very few people who loved his music would have ever thought of him as a world class guitarist comparable to the top performers in this area. But we know now!
Lost? He has probably forgotten one-hundred times more than most guitar players know. We have truly been blessed to have witnessed talent at Glen's level.
I am not into country music, but Mr. Campbell died yesterday, and I heard this song, and I knew I had to learn to play it on my guitar. I started today. It is so hauntingly beautiful.
@@VendettaAllan I have learned that song. I have been neglecting my guitar during the pandemic, but today I am back at it. I am going to learn, "Ring of Fire," today, by Johnny Cash.
Brought me to tears. I remember listening to him growing up. He was one of my Dad's favorites. Sadly my dad passed away last year at 93. Time marches on. RIP Glen and my dad.
Can´t leave without a comment, Glen has a unique way of interpreting every song with an aching in his voice when is needed, and to add to this perfection, he´ll modify the same song and make it diferent from the last show but everyone would applaud
Probably the best version of this track I have ever heard - beautiful. I have watched a lot of Glen Campbell's live performances on TH-cam and he always mentions and thanks Jimmy Webb - the man was in a class of his own - so sadly missed x
Watched his TV show every week as a young teenager. He also had John Hartford on banjo as a regular on the show. Always a treat for the music. Most of the top music artists of the day were on his show with many great duets of Glen backing them on guitar and sharing vocals. Nothing like it on TV anymore. Variety shows are lost treasures. Glen left a big imprint on classic TV.
My late brother's favorite vocalist and he head many. Remember watching Glen's television show years ago. Some of the most beautiful songs ever written by Jimmy Webb and sung by Glen. R.I.P.
He doesn’t read music- has a phenomenal ear and talent. Carol Kaye took him under her wing during some of the recording sessions-she said he was so nice.
The epitome of " you don't what you've got till it's gone." I first learned of Glenn in True Grit, but it will always be his music that stays with me. I'm sure my kids are sick of hearing, but I damn sure won't stop playing it. RIP Glenn.
I agree with you 100%, it is a powerful lyric. But just another indicator changing times, I read a comment somewhere from someone claiming to be young but still appreciated the song. Yet he picked out that line in particular to say it's the one thing that bothered him about the song, that it struck him as creepy, from a stalking, obsessed angle. What he said really struck me as very sad, that the younger generation has no appreciation for true commitment in a loving relationship, the beauty of it, that husband and wife do in fact need, rely on, depend upon one another in that oh-so- vulnerable, extremely intimate and beautiful relationship. The notion of needing the woman he loves is creepy to this guy. Sad.
@@johnboehmer6683 That's actually very sad. I was just pondering that line all day, makes me tear up when I hear it, then "... and I want you for all time..." always sends me over the edge. Pure emotion, so beautiful.
@@jamesmackes4531 So true, what it says to me is that the love felt for this woman has gone beyond the physical desire, the superficial advantages of knowing her, that seems to me to be what's in the "want". He's moved into needing her, being so deeply in love, committed, and attached to her that he is now vulnerable in needing her. And the way it's expressed is just pure beauty, and like you say, pure emotion. I always appreciate talking music, powerful stuff! Have a good day buddy.
I always loved him for his golden voice, but his guitar playing is magical. For you young people, yes, there were once human beings that could mesmerize you with their voice and an instrument. No studio tricks, no pitch correction, no synth or computerized loops, just plain human emotion put to a great song.
@@im1who84u every pro musician is the real deal and dont worry he wouldve loved autotune back in his studio musician days, there is no one who doesnt use autotune, Im sure he used it if he released any later albums after itd come out. When you have a line of recorded music and it's perfect except for one or two notes, you of course just use the computer and quickly fix it rather than do it over again, it saves money and time and when used as intended no one will ever know autotune was used, even the musician wont be able to tell afterward.
As a studio musician he was part of “the wrecking crew,” truly worthy of researching and learning about! Top musicians were members of the wrecking crew!
Don't say "wrecking crew" in front of Carol Kaye as she hates it. The terms wasn't used at the time, but for an autobiography written some 40 years later
I used sit on the floor of my mom and dads apartment in Newark Nj i'd sit and sing it over and over. One of my first exposure to music. That was 1968 I was 7yrs old,seems like yesterday. Glenn was one of my favorites. Miss u Glen RIP
Steve Howe once said that playing with a band is easy, but playing by yourself is when the pressure comes on. Glen is such a natural, he makes it look effortless.
I agree. I've played guitar for 50 years and doing a solo gig is a bitch. Not only trying to keep the attention but your playing must fill the voids left from only one instrument. Playing with a good tight band is such great fun.
For his sideman work with the incredible "Wrecking Crew" alone! Glen Campbell, Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye, and countless others provided Group Instrumentation for Sinatra and Elvis. True badge of honor right there.🤔😡🎼🎸🎹🥁🎷B.W.
This choked me up durring lunch. Absolutely one of the greatest songs of all time. Thankyou Jimmy and for Glen thankyou for all the songs especially this one. RIP you beautifully gifted man.
A very humble Super Star. I remember when his songs started to storm the charts, it confused everyone. Was he country, was he pop? Well I'll tell you...he was damn great! We all miss you Glen.
Stoked to find this gem. There's never been a more perfect voice to fit the perfect song period. It is so hauntingly beautiful. Immortal. God rest your soul, Mr Campbell.
A lot of younger people don’t or can’t appreciate how good he was, or how people of completely diverse musical backgrounds all truly admired his musical craftsmanship.
@@jimferris9447 those people should search for Glen Campbell best guitar solos on TH-cam, cuz there’s some pure magic clips of him absolutely shredding
@@jimferris9447 "younger people" can appreciate him just fine. Sure, fewer of them know who he is than people of my (your?) age, but that doesn't say anything. Should I cast shade on you because you "don't or can't appreciate" how good Bix Biederbeck was, or how diverse people of that time appreciated him? Comments like this are the reason "OK boomer!" gained traction five years ago lol. As a boomer myself ... please, just STOP, you are embarrassing me.
Glen Campbell was a national treasure. He had it all and was so humble. Beautiful person.
I’m here from Rick Beato’s channel. He mentioned this acoustic version. Glen was such an amazing talent. God rest his soul. The world is a bit less without him
Me too
Me as well. I always wondered what there is about this song that kept loving it all these years. Ricks break down helped me understand.
Me as well…as usual Rick B gave me a whole new appreciation for this song and Glen Campbell
Do search for the version Keith Urban did during a lunchtime concert at the World Trade Centre when he was first coming up… acoustic only, but well worth a listen.
Same here. Watching Rick Beato right now.
I am a wire infrastructure lineman, working out in the heat, working out in the cold, working solo by myself on long lines, does this song bring back some memories? I can't tell you how this song takes me places where I have been my entire life, this is the epitome of my life, and this man does it justice
Thank you.
Thank you Glenn.
Pure goosebumps and tears.
His voice will carry on forever..
Glen
We also have to give Jimmy Webb props for composing such a fantastic song!!👍♥️
Jimmy web...not John heartford ?
@@tomg3290 J.H. wrote " Gentle on My Mind"
Yea a Jimmy Webb song ....
He mentioned Webb before he started the song ... 😉
Yes.
The world is a better place because Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell were part of it. Thank you gentlemen.
Amen
Amen 🙏
Pure, God given talent, devinly destined to collaborate. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎶🎵🎶❤❤❤ Thank you for some of the best music, ever, on the planet! Wow! I love this man! ❤❤😊
Glen was universally revered by ALL artists from all genres. His talent was immense.
Yes, great singer as well as guitar player...Jimmy Webb did most of the lyrics and chord progressions.
Man I miss him!
The slower he played, the more you heard. The more you heard, the more you felt ... memories, hopes, hours passing during lonely days. Just magical.
Beautifully said!❤
Slow is an art indeed...
Beautiful.
GC was to the guitar what Sandy Koufax was to the baseball.. Magical artistry combined with phenomenal athleticism.
Greatest live performance I've ever seen on youtube. Mr Campbell play this song with no backup instruments or singers. He plays the rhythm and melody himself. He hits every vocal and instrument note. The performance is just as good live as in the studio. Legendary song and Legendary performance. What an amazing gift. I'm a black man in my 60s. I never appreciated how great he was until I started paying attention. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. We all miss you out here Glenn.
& i will continue to love Gregory Isaac's- & I'm a white cat 71 yrs / not to mention Teddy P & all the REAL talent from our youth - music today is somewhat questionable
yeah, I’m 65, I grew up with a Glen Campbell goodtime hour, and I am really just understanding the level of his musicianship
A guitar well played is an orchestra.
Wichita Lineman is one of those rare songs that gives me the chills.
Me too!
Gentle on my Mind does it for me. It will go down in History as an American classic. Thank you Johny Hartman!
@@helenrohl1113 Me three!
I remember the song when it first came out and loved to sing along with it. It was really awesome on the radio back in the 60s. I think I was about 16 at that time.
Me four
Playing when you got a band behind you is one thing but solo guitar like this is on another level. It really shows how great his fundamental skills were.
his time is impeccable. tap along to his solo. beautifully done
yep
he shows his brilliance and his braveness and his limitations here
@@jgunther3398 Your comment shows limitations.
And how brave and gutsy.
I miss this era of music and life. Such a peaceful time.
Ok
Truly missed!
When Glen Campbell said he was the most versatile guitarist he wasn't kidding. To me he was the best. R.I.P. Mr. Campbell , you truly will be missed
and Roy Clark
@@roncampbell6377 Ron you beat me to it, Roy was way up there too, an amazing talent and likeable guy.
I would add David Lindley to your versatile guitarist list. But NOBODY could take a tune/song and make it theirs better than Glen, not Elvis, not Sinatra.
I believe Glen has recording credit on about 600 songs, Strangers in the Night, Johnny Angel, Good Vibrations and a ton of others. Glen, Hal Blaine, Leon Russell, Earl Palmer were just some of the musicians on most of the records from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Watch the Wrecking Crew dvd by Tommy Tedesco’s son. It’s amazing to see who actually played the music on most recordings.
@@ljgsuper That made keeps popping up, and I am only vaguely familiar. Looks like I have some listening to do:)
There will never be another Glen Campbell. What a humble dude. What a talent.
I have a cousin named Glen Campbell. And he's way better at guitar. So.....
You're very perceptive, which is a talent most important to talented people like Glen Campbell. He's one in many, many millions and someone to make us proud of our unique American culture.
Not sure humble is the word I’d use, but he sure was talented.
Yes, it sure does show.
@@ratcathotsauce32 I know you're joking, but I did actually experience my best friend in high school becoming Hendrix/Page/Clapton level in technique. He even wrote incredibly difficult pieces.
I'm on the side of music that touches peoples souls. Doesn't have to be in 13/8 at machine gun speed
Babe Ruth once said "it aint bragging if you can do it" and Glenn sure could do it. Wonderful man, wonderful entertainer and one the greatest guitar players of all time!
Amen !
Glen "brought the wood."
Dizzy Dean said it, or so Google tells me...
I saw the quote attributed to Muhammad Ali years ago. Hmm
It ain't cocky if you can back it up... Kid Rock
Just the man alone with his guitar. What a great version. Thanks for posting.
Every time I watch Glen Campbell I feel like burning all my guitars! He accompanied himself with stylish chords and flowed through that solo phrasing as easy as stirring a cup of coffee. It knocks me out.
Love it when an audience gets so quiet you can hear a pin drop - that's when you absolutely know you're in the presence of a very special talent. RIP, Glen Campbell.
That was well said!
God gave Glenn Campbell very special talent and he used it well.
The clean audio from this performance should be safeguarded in a vault for all time.... what a treasure for humanity
There are tons of ways to download and store an MP3 file from this video. I don't know about "for all time" because of the ashes to ashes thing. Everything physical goes away.
@@orange_cat touché. I mean the recording should at the very least be preserved in the Library of Congress for its historical, cultural and aesthetic contributions to humanity.
As far as this song goes, I can hear it as if it's fresh from my mom's nice radio-turntable-cabinet, circa 1970. Like every day.for the whole decade. I know my dad loved it, he has later than early dementia. ...Unless it was elevator-music day, psycho killer's mom's played that, I'm certain. 😵💫😊
Simple and beautiful...simply beautiful!
Glen touches your soul when he plays. RIP Big Man.
Who doesn't love,
WITCHITA LINEMAN? And we get to hear GLEN CAMPBELL playing it live, acoustic solo. Hot stuff!!!
You got turned on? Weirdo.
Hats off to anyone who is or has been a session musician. It's a tough gig and not for the faint at heart. You have to produce on the spot. Glen was one of the best.
I've done session work in my city. You speak the truth.
Dear God, thank you for Glen Campbell. An American treasure. This epi brings tears to my eyes, knowing now what Glen was experiencing with his life journey with memory loss and dementia. What a Legend.
You could see and hear that he was not operating on all four cylinders, sadly. Nasty disease that.
@@marymagdalene3004But I could still hear what he wanted to sound like
The world was a much better place when Glenn was in it. WE MISS HIM DEARLY.
I totally agree- I play myself, grew up in a family of players, all different styles and tastes. He rises above all
AMEN!!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
You got that right, what a talent.....
2010 seen him in Ft Worth with my mom, dad and wife. What a great night!
“Every time I sing it, I’m inspired.” Never sings it or plays it the same twice but could if he had to! What a master and a humble guy.
I'm a huge Glen Campbell fan. The more you hear and see him play the more you appreciate his talent. See you in Heaven Glen!
@@kennethhoneycutt2481 a bit presumptuous
This guy was insanely talented . Thank you sir for sharing it with us. RIP Mr. Campbell.
One of the Best Ever!
I grew up during Glens Goodtime Hour and so enjoyed all the music…i was inspired to play and sing then and 54 years later I’m still doing it! RIP Mr. Campbell you are so missed!
I don't play and sing but I love the show. I love good music. Glen was fabulous.
The simplicity and beauty of this song is breathtaking. There will never be another Glenn Campbell.
This song in anything but simple.
Merle Haggard, the greatest singer/song writer to ever walk this planet, has been quoted "Glen Campbell is the greatest musician to ever pick up a guitar"....that tells you just how special Glen Campbell was...
And he Is.
Merle the greatest? Not by a long shot
Calm down Skippy, breathe…
He's not. You NEVER see Tommy Emmanuel/chet Atkins/Doyle Dykes use a capo.
Merle Haggard? Lol
Glen ALWAYS blew me away. This is one of my all-time favorite songs.
When Glen plays this acoustic version of "Wichita Lineman" you can see and feel that "touch" that made Glen one of the finest studio guitarists and live performers of his generation. The way he teases out the vibrato during the solo is like heaven.
I'm a grown man and this song makes me cry. the simplicity of the lyrics, I drive the main road. I know I need a small vacation. the Wichita lineman was truly a humble simple man with extraordinary thoughts.
Jeffrey me too
Me too.
Yep, me too!
bunch of crybabies! ... me too.
😩👈🏼me
One guitar, one voice. Not afraid of intervals of silence. What a treasure.
Exactly! No back up musicians, just an Extremely Talented man and his guitar. I love Glen Cambell and I love this song!!
Yes. Just stopped and held the tension. And the audience stayed with him
Brilliant
Glen was one of the greatest musicians ever to live. The vast majority of folks have no idea about the early days of recording, or the huge role played by The Wrecking Crew.
I'm so glad that I was alive when Glen Campbell was, what a blessing.
I agree.
You and me both brother! Such a treasure for our country and me, very personally.
jumo004 Me too..
I got to see him on his farewell tour when he came to Arkansas , though I was broke I knew I wouldn’t get another chance to see him... money well spent , still get goosebumps remembering that concert
Me too also haha.
One of the world's best over all entertainers.
We all are bettered by great musicians like Glen and the wonderful entertainment he brought to us.
Glen Campbell was without doubt phenomenal, but let us not forget the compositional brilliance of Jimmy Webb, who created some of the most beautiful melodies. The chord voicings in this song are superb.
Great arrangement and production. The instrumental break is sublime.
In this case, the old cliche is absolutely true: "They don't write 'em like that anymore."
Glen Campbell almost always, if not always gave props to Jimmy Webb before he did Jimmy's song's.
Says a lot about Glenn
Outstanding! This man was the inspiration for me to start playing guitar when I was 7 1967…… I’m now 60. Ive been in 25 or 30 bands , played countless stages , decided being paid to play ruins it for me, and Glenn almost outlasted me ! Was 10x better than me, and is considered by me to be more than a guitarist, he was an entertainer, he had what it took to reach people’s hearts with his sincerity and talent. A rare thing.
Yes
He came through as a wonderful person. You might like not this but I feel he and Elvis were both very sincere. I love that Glen played on session recordings with Elvis. I have no doubt Elvis considered Glen a great guitarist.
I have always loved that song. Use to love watching his tv show when I was a kid. He played for ELVIS as a session guitarist. He and Elvis were friends. Such great talents gone but neither forgotten.
Never has a singer made me cry like Glen rest in peace Glen.we love you
He made me smile.
I agree!
Let me sing to you. I'll make you cry!
So much talent for one man to have. There is never going to be another like him.
GD100
Glen was one of if not the greatest
Show a little kindness, lead me to bigger things " talk horse"
I alway rec Glen when someone talks about Hendrix.
Saw Glen in concert in Hershey PA 1970
My childhood was blessed by Glen Campbell….my little feet on top of my daddy’s shoes , Glen Campbell blasting and us blissfully dancing away ! PURE MAGIC ✨I’m now 51 and both my father and Glen have passed- but such wonderful, happy times . Thankyou x
I close my eyes at 9:09 "Searching in the sun for another overload." Such emotion in Glen's voice (RIP) and in Jimmy Webb's simple music, I see the once previously forgotten repair man; there he is high up on some iniquitous barren electrical pole enjoying his hard work, yet, who really understands what, or more important, who he's all about. Cords and lyrics connect the dots for us. Again in 10:57 when Glen goes "yah" during his acoustic solo where you feel he's reached a point where the music "breathes back at yah" not afraid to pause the cord flow like 9:51 and 11:09 letting meaningful lyrics take over. Young musicians can study this, one of the best, if not the best version of "Wichita Lineman" I've heard despite an imperfect host and so-so video quality. Given those two minor glitches, Glen's spirit comes through strong and clear! He's not afraid to pause--letting the music speak, pause--letting words creep into your heart, and pause--letting us see the lineman up there with his tools on a sweltering day making our lives a little bit better. Isn't that what songs are supposed to do, give us an insight into the soul?
Well said, thank you for your insight.
Excellent analysis..this is advanced class..my level of thinking as well..
Your comment needs to be pinned!!
Yeah this interviewer fucking sucked, buddy was annoying.
Glen is a legend though
So much heart in your words
In 2020 nobody knows who Craig Kilborn is, but everyone is still in awe of Glen Campbell.
Craig kilborn was the original host of The daily show second host of The late late show after David Letterman brought it back with Tom Snyder as the host, I read somewhere that Craig kilborn will not work more than three years on any thing
Not nobody. I know who he is
He seems alot better and mor competent
I was wondering who the interviewer was. Remember the name but not him.
Yes I don’t ever remember seeing him. What year was he on
Every time I hear Glenn Campbell play this song it brings tears to my eyes is so amazing, What a song writer player one of a kind
Me too. It is a beautiful, heartbreaking song. I love to hear him sing and play it. His guitar playing is so beautiful.
A truly under-rated guitarist by the public, but a man greatly appreciated and respected by his peers.
Wichita Lineman, the album, was a Christmas gift for me back when it first came out. The arrangement of the title song was entrancing. Seeing this now, with him taking on, and meeting, the challenge of performing it completely solo just deepens my respect for him as a musician and showman.
Testimony to his soulful, soothing guitar and Jimmy Webbs lyrics.. when my son was small, in his car seat I’d take him on long drives in my truck, apparently I listened to Glen Campbell often, I realized what an influence music had recently while my son was driving me in his truck… he was playing Glen Campbell songs. I felt like we were right where we were both supposed to be.
What a beautiful memory you two share. Very touching.
One of the most amazing performances I've ever seen. Vocals, rhythm and lead guitar all on his own with no backup. No other instruments just him. You got to be real good and real confident to pull that off. I knew he could sing but I didn't realize how amazing he was on the guitar. RIP Glenn Campbell. We miss you brother..
Agree with you 100 %
One off don't many Glen's about all round entertainer and musician
This is one of the most beautiful versions that I have seen Glen do of Wichita Lineman --pure and haunting. Thanks so much for sharing!
I agree top notch!!
+Stars and Stripes I totally agree .
+Stars and Stripes In the interview portion he says his guitar is mainly built for rhythm playing , then proceeds to play amzing and beautiful lead work . incredible.
He was one of...IF NOT THE most talented guitarist EVER !!! ...I've played guitar all of my life...I'm 57 years old and Glen was my first guitar idol....Well on second thought not only a guitar idol.....The dude could sing as well....truly one of the best performers of the 20th century... One lucky guy....You don't see talent like this everyday !
Buck Sellers
I had the privilege of seeing him in concert. One of the best entertainers I have ever seen yet! Phenomenal! Thank you for your talent.
Such a masterful musician... even more than his fretboard dexterity - his understanding and feel for chord structure, his choice of the perfect and yet minimal notes needed to be played to convey an emotion, he's just the best I've ever heard. It's another thing to see how he does it, and he makes it look so easy. Just so special.
Great observation!
Cole McLeod 9
I don't know much about music. But no matter how intricate or fast he plays, Glen Campbell never seems to leave the orbit of a song. At some point you'll hear pieces of the original melody that explain where he's going or what he's just done, and it's like a magic act.
You're exactly right!
DaveConleyPortfolio you know more than you think to recognize that😉
Truly one of the greatest live performances ever...imo
Hells bells!!!... there's a lot of us left wanting... Wichita lineman is -in my ear - one of God's greatest gifts forwarded through the one and only... Glen Campbell... thanks again Glen!...
I can't believe I didn't discover Glen Campbell until a few days ago. What I would give to see him play in person. This song is life.
Look up many show clips of “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour ” (late 1960’s early 1970’s era) here on TH-cam… They will be a real treat for you…
How can one man have this much talent?
My young lad asked who was singing the song when I had Rhinestone Cowboy playing on the car stereo. I told him all about Glen Campbell and how great he was at singing and playing the guitar. I told him he was a lovely man and that he was adored by many.
Glen died that night. We all knew he wasn't well, but I was pleased my son heard his music and learned about him while he was still alive.
RIP Glen.
I first heard him sing this when I was a kid back in 1970 and felt like that.
Watch him play William Tell Overture behind his back at the age of 72. It's on YT.
Wow... The unplugged version of Wichita is absolutely wonderful. What an incredible talent.
The GOAT Merle Haggard once said that “Glen Campbell had more talent in his little finger than any man deserved”. From one GOAT to another GOAT. His talent is sorely missed and thank God for YT, young people can go back and see just how talented GC was. His ‘live’ is better than anyone’s auto-tune, today.
"... His ‘live’ is better than anyone’s auto-tune, today."
Amen.
If you practice enough, there is less fixing it in the Mix!
As a kid in the 70s, I hated country music. Nobody I knew listened to country music. And then I heard "Galveston". And I thought, "I don't know why, but there's something about this guy." And I bought an album. And I've liked and admired Glen Campbell ever since. Some of his songs to this day are still my favorite songs to listen to and to play.
I love the way he has the courage and skill to just drop the rhythm chords and play those amazing lead solos here, all by himself, but still holding the beat and the chord pattern together right through them so he can come out and continue singing.
It's really classy that even after all of those years, Mr Campbell was still giving props to Mr. Jimmy Webb, the man who wrote the song. I heard Mr. Webb perform this song about this same time (about 2000ish) and he was still giving props to Mr. Campbell too, saying how it was Mr. Campbell who had made the song into something special.
I was able to meet and speak with Webb about Wichita Lineman in a small church in Port Jefferson, New York, and will never forget having the opportunity to shake hands with our greatest living songwriter. He was especially kind and gracious.
Huh?
First time I heard this I can feel the emotions in his voice and I don't even speak English 😂 don't know what the lyrics are but i can feel the longingness of the song
Proof of a brilliant musician. This song never needed any backup. Glen Campbell and his guitar did the beautiful melodies and lyrics justice perfectly.
one of the most underrated guitar players of all time, he was a genius
He was so highly regarded!
To suggest *Glen* ***Campbell*** is "underrated" made my jaw drop, lol. Underrated by WHOM? Do you never read anything about guitar players, never look at rankings, never talk to people who are competent at playing guitar?!
Until I saw him Live in 2001, had no idea about his guitar virtuosity! I was a fan when I saw him jam 'Surfin USA' WOW!
Let’s not be disingenuous…Glen Campbell was seen as an amazingly professional and proficient performer who was known for songs like “Wichita Lineman”…but let’s just admit that very few people who loved his music would have ever thought of him as a world class guitarist comparable to the top performers in this area. But we know now!
He was NOT underrated. You couldn't be more wrong.
Lost? He has probably forgotten one-hundred times more than most guitar players know. We have truly been blessed to have witnessed talent at Glen's level.
Wasn’t lost at all
One of the, if not the, greatest guitar player in history. Not to mention singing. What a amazing man he was.
I am not into country music, but Mr. Campbell died yesterday, and I heard this song, and I knew I had to learn to play it on my guitar. I started today. It is so hauntingly beautiful.
Hey, how's that playing going?
VA - guitar now safely back in case.
@@VendettaAllan I have learned that song. I have been neglecting my guitar during the pandemic, but today I am back at it. I am going to learn, "Ring of Fire," today, by Johnny Cash.
The way he falls into the intro lyric....Is sublime. Gifted, loved, and perhaps most of all....Forever remembered. Thank you Sir.
As his memory lapses he was able to play his music and demonstrate his amazing guitar skills. Another reason to appreciate the power of music ❤
Brought me to tears. I remember listening to him growing up. He was one of my Dad's favorites. Sadly my dad passed away last year at 93. Time marches on. RIP Glen and my dad.
Can´t leave without a comment, Glen has a unique way of interpreting every song with an aching in his voice when is needed, and to add to this perfection, he´ll modify the same song and make it diferent from the last show but everyone would applaud
Amazing, he did that number with just the guitar. One of the best ever. RIP, Glen.
Aug 9 2019
Im 60 years old now
as a young kid loved you , and will always enjoy the works you gave us , Love U Forever !
Guy was a legend
Wichita Lineman - producing chills all these years later . . . rest in peace, Mr. Campbell.
Love that Glenn still shouts out "...and thank you Jimmy Webb for this song!"
Probably the best version of this track I have ever heard - beautiful. I have watched a lot of Glen Campbell's live performances on TH-cam and he always mentions and thanks Jimmy Webb - the man was in a class of his own - so sadly missed x
This man is a gift from GOD. Humble as a man can get. Thanks for the great Memories Mr Glen.
Watched his TV show every week as a young teenager. He also had John Hartford on banjo as a regular on the show. Always a treat for the music. Most of the top music artists of the day were on his show with many great duets of Glen backing them on guitar and sharing vocals. Nothing like it on TV anymore. Variety shows are lost treasures. Glen left a big imprint on classic TV.
John Hartford wrote Gentle on my Mind.
@@VidarLund-k5q Thanks for mentioning what I forgot to.
Glenn was a gift to all of us!!! RIP!! How many babies were conceived while listening to Wichita Lineman!!
Probably not many. I get lost in my head listening to this song
My god, what a natural singer/player. that was beautiful beyond belief.
My late brother's favorite vocalist and he head many. Remember watching Glen's television show years ago. Some of the most beautiful songs ever written by Jimmy Webb and sung by Glen. R.I.P.
as a member of the famed Wrecking Crew, Glen Campbell played lead guitar on hundreds of Records for many artists!
He doesn’t read music- has a phenomenal ear and talent. Carol Kaye took him under her wing during some of the recording sessions-she said he was so nice.
hale yes he did, he did some beach boys stuff as well..
@@deandee8082 pretty much all beach boys stuff
@@deandee8082 And he spent a summer touring as a member when Brian was out ill!
These amazing classics can still touch me in a way that brings a tear. Thank you Glen. Rest In Peace.
This is one of my favorite tunes. Glen Campbell can do any song justice.
I love this song so much. And it breaks my heart that he had Alzheimer's, a horrible disease. Glen rocks!!!!
@Cantabidebiden I heard that even near the end of his life, if you put a guitar in his hands, he would break out some nice riffs.
@@jchavez53 yes, his muscle memory for music was there until the end, when he could remember no one,the music was still there.
To sing that song with just a rhythm guitar with such moving musicality is just amazing.
Never a more gifted talented was born! Miss you Glen. I'll never forget the feelings your songs invoked in me.
The epitome of " you don't what you've got till it's gone." I first learned of Glenn in True Grit, but it will always be his music that stays with me. I'm sure my kids are sick of hearing, but I damn sure won't stop playing it. RIP Glenn.
Still can't listen to this song without shedding a tear. I need you more than want you, powerful lyrics.
I agree with you 100%, it is a powerful lyric. But just another indicator changing times, I read a comment somewhere from someone claiming to be young but still appreciated the song. Yet he picked out that line in particular to say it's the one thing that bothered him about the song, that it struck him as creepy, from a stalking, obsessed angle. What he said really struck me as very sad, that the younger generation has no appreciation for true commitment in a loving relationship, the beauty of it, that husband and wife do in fact need, rely on, depend upon one another in that oh-so- vulnerable, extremely intimate and beautiful relationship. The notion of needing the woman he loves is creepy to this guy. Sad.
I think you get that feeling because when you listen to him, you realize they don't grow entertainers like that any more. A real loss.
Jimmy Webb
@@johnboehmer6683 That's actually very sad. I was just pondering that line all day, makes me tear up when I hear it, then "... and I want you for all time..." always sends me over the edge. Pure emotion, so beautiful.
@@jamesmackes4531 So true, what it says to me is that the love felt for this woman has gone beyond the physical desire, the superficial advantages of knowing her, that seems to me to be what's in the "want". He's moved into needing her, being so deeply in love, committed, and attached to her that he is now vulnerable in needing her. And the way it's expressed is just pure beauty, and like you say, pure emotion. I always appreciate talking music, powerful stuff! Have a good day buddy.
I always loved him for his golden voice, but his guitar playing is magical. For you young people, yes, there were once human beings that could mesmerize you with their voice and an instrument. No studio tricks, no pitch correction, no synth or computerized loops, just plain human emotion put to a great song.
good grief.
True, but there are many talented people in every generation, different but talented!
No "autotune" for this guy.
He's the real deal.
@@im1who84u every pro musician is the real deal and dont worry he wouldve loved autotune back in his studio musician days, there is no one who doesnt use autotune, Im sure he used it if he released any later albums after itd come out. When you have a line of recorded music and it's perfect except for one or two notes, you of course just use the computer and quickly fix it rather than do it over again, it saves money and time and when used as intended no one will ever know autotune was used, even the musician wont be able to tell afterward.
Correct 👍
Just...wow. Even 22 years later- this is still a moving song by a truly legendary musician. Seems like such as nice guy as well.
As a studio musician he was part of “the wrecking crew,” truly worthy of researching and learning about! Top musicians were members of the wrecking crew!
Don't say "wrecking crew" in front of Carol Kaye as she hates it. The terms wasn't used at the time, but for an autobiography written some 40 years later
I used sit on the floor of my mom and dads apartment in Newark Nj i'd sit and sing it over and over. One of my first exposure to music. That was 1968 I was 7yrs old,seems like yesterday. Glenn was one of my favorites. Miss u Glen RIP
Glen solos over thin air - no band behind him. Genius.
nowhere to hide
Steve Howe once said that playing with a band is easy, but playing by yourself is when the pressure comes on. Glen is such a natural, he makes it look effortless.
And when Steve says it, he knows what hes talkimg about, because he also is a Bad Ass like Glenn. The host is an Idiot..He will not STFU.
I agree. I've played guitar for 50 years and doing a solo gig is a bitch. Not only trying to keep the attention but your playing must fill the voids left from only one instrument. Playing with a good tight band is such great fun.
No kidding! Ballsy move, you rarely see anyone ever do this and he pulls it off!
How this man is not in the rock and Roll hall of fame is incomprehensible
For his sideman work with the incredible "Wrecking Crew" alone! Glen Campbell, Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye, and countless others provided Group Instrumentation for Sinatra and Elvis. True badge of honor right there.🤔😡🎼🎸🎹🥁🎷B.W.
Who cares about the Rock and Roll hall of fame....he is so beyond that....
He's not a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer because he's not a rock and roller.
@@livingroompickersclub6358 they are inducing Dolly. There are all forms of musicians in the hall!
The R&R Hall of Shame is a sham, couldn't care less about it....@@worthtech3249
This choked me up durring lunch.
Absolutely one of the greatest songs of all time.
Thankyou Jimmy and for Glen thankyou for all the songs especially this one.
RIP you beautifully gifted man.
A very humble Super Star. I remember when his songs started to storm the charts, it confused everyone. Was he country, was he pop? Well I'll tell you...he was damn great! We all miss you Glen.
He left us with his magic forever. I’m always amazed by his super talent. We all want to be as good as that. God bless him and thank you.
Stoked to find this gem. There's never been a more perfect voice to fit the perfect song period. It is so hauntingly beautiful. Immortal. God rest your soul, Mr Campbell.
Anyone...ANYONE who hears Glen Campbell play understands why Van Halen wanted to learn how to play from Glen! One of the greatest! RIP
A lot of younger people don’t or can’t appreciate how good he was, or how people of completely diverse musical backgrounds all truly admired his musical craftsmanship.
@@jimferris9447 those people should search for Glen Campbell best guitar solos on TH-cam, cuz there’s some pure magic clips of him absolutely shredding
@@jimferris9447 "younger people" can appreciate him just fine. Sure, fewer of them know who he is than people of my (your?) age, but that doesn't say anything. Should I cast shade on you because you "don't or can't appreciate" how good Bix Biederbeck was, or how diverse people of that time appreciated him? Comments like this are the reason "OK boomer!" gained traction five years ago lol. As a boomer myself ... please, just STOP, you are embarrassing me.
What a phenomenal artist! RIP Glen
Soundtrack from my childhood.. absolutely beautiful version of it and bonus talk with Glen. Nice guy.
This song pulls at my heart. All him. All his voice. And he said that was a rhythm guitar. So much better than anyone live on tv today.