Wichita Lineman: Talking with Tunesmith Jimmy Webb
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- In today’s episode I sit down with legendary GRAMMY award-winning songwriter Jimmy Webb.
He is widely recognized for writing numerous hit songs performed by various artists, with some of his most famous works including "MacArthur Park," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman," and "Galveston." Webb is one of the most influential songwriters of his generation.
Recorded at BerkleeNYC: nyc.berklee.edu/
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This might be one of Rick's greatest videos. There is no greater musical education than being educated by Jimmy Webb.
I'm only a third of the way through and can't wait to watch it again.
@@mroche1088 Have you read Tunesmith by Jimmy? Been meaning to for years.
!00% Absolutely incredible.
100%
@@geraldfriend256 I'm going to now - I've heard it's amazing!. What a gem he is! (and so is Rick!)
What a rare privilege to be able to witness this interview with the incomparable Jimmy Webb. You're performing such a service for the community of musicians and music-lovers everywhere, Rick. So appreciated.
Of all the interviews Rick has done - and they're all great - this is by far my absolute favorite. And it wasn't just because it is Jimmy Webb (Jimmy Webb!!!) but to hear Jimmy then talk about meeting Satchmo ("Stick with it, kid!") and reminiscing about drunk singing with Richard Harris and then switching to plunking out Carol Kaye's bass on the keyboard or demonstrating how a song in F never actually hits F . . . It is not an exaggeration to say that this interview could have gone for several hours and I'd have sat, transfixed, for every minute of them. Thank you both, Jimmy and Rick. This was absolutely marvelous.
Jools Holland's interview on his Later with.... programme in the UK is great as well. What is great about both is they are both musicians and know what interesting questions to ask.
@@stephenbrown4211 Glen's rendition of 'Wichita' on Jools' show--with Glen's son Shannon on the Danelectro 6-string--is one of the most stirring performances I've ever seen bar none.
So agree
Soooo agree .. this was amazing … it easily could have been a 3 hour one … and then I would want it to go for 5 … I’m sure ! … thank you so much Rick ! Fantastic work !
Wichita Lineman remains one of the greatest examples of songcraft ever created
Agreed, a stunning song that always stayed with me after hearing it on the radio as a kid.
And I think Jimmy Webb was only 21 when he wrote it. It's SUCH a mature song.
‘You can’t underestimate Burt Bacharach’. Never a truer phrase uttered.
This magnificent interview with the genius, Jimmy, is one of Rick’s best ever.
I've always loved Bacharach - the soundtrack of my childhood 💖 Jimmy Webb is so humble amd unassuming for someone who has achieved what he has.
@@cooldebt We've been fortunate to come up in those musical times.
Really. I was very surprised (and saddened) that Rick didn’t make a video to remember and celebrate Bacharach when he passed away some months ago
Underestimating Burt Bacharach would be easy. It's overestimasting him that would be difficult.
@@Palimbacchius indeed...
He says to Rick, "It's been an honor to be here." That must be stunning to hear coming from Jimmy Webb.
"And I need you more than want you." Wow! One of the greatest line ever written.
The next line makes that line all the more better…
“and I want you for all time”
First line is empty without the next, of course. Sheesh.
"And I need you more than want you. And I want you for all time." WOW. Those are AMAZING lyrics.
This song never fails to make the hairs on my neck standup whenever I hear Glen Campbell sing it. Absolutely beautiful.
I hear you. I saw Bela Fleck play it shortly after Glen died. It was tough and beautiful
Eew, you have hairs on your neck??
@gradygordon453 yeah, I am like a shaggy carpet.
Me too. This song could not be more beautiful!
“I need you more than want you and I want you for all time”. Has to be one of the greatest lines in music.
I would "like" every positive comment that has been posted but that would fall far short of saying what an amazing interview, what amazing men, and what an amazing privilege it has been to listen to Jimmy and to watch Rick treat this conversation with such respect, with such joy and awe. Bless you both.
I can't... I just... No words. Rick Beato is today's Alan Lomax. What he's documenting is the lore, the beauty, the process, all of it. It's clear that many of the most important people in music of the last 60 years are seeing Rick Beato as an opportunity to relive and describe their work and histories. I think we always knew that it was this complex and beautiful. In this one, Jimmy Webb had so much to say that he was stumbling all over himself, shortcutting the shortcuts. He needed three hours or three days, like Daniel Lanois needed.
Well, thank you, Rick Beato. Keep on pounding away, man, because this is the best.
beautiful comment
you said it all
Thank you Rick, a privilege to hear this.
Love your comment 🌹
Rick and Jimmy,
What a pleasure to listen to you both during this interview. Your combined music talent, knowledge and history is facinating. Thankyou both for producing such great content.
Rick, you really outdid yourself on this one. I almost cried at the end, Jimmy Webb really gets what's important in life. He has aged with so much class and grace. What an amazing talent he is.. What an amazing interview that was.
I almost cried tool So well put. Jimmy Webb is a treasure -- and so are you Rick.
@@steelydad5863I cried in the middle. What a great interview. Rick did a great job of just getting out of the way. What a great way to get to know this amazing song writer. Brilliant guy as well as a musical genius. Wow.
Rick, you out did yourself. And everything you do is great.
I cried watching them listening to lineman
I teared up several times, and at one point I think Jimmy was about to as well. There was a special magic in this one, Rick.
I’m almost crying now, so grateful for such gifts.
This is one of the best interviews I have seen. The genius of Jimmy Webb is allowed to shine through without annoying interruptions
That's because Rick is there to listen to Jimmy as a true fan himself. He's clearly in awe and enjoying listening to Jimmy. It's not about him.
Fully agree!!!
I really like how the studio group Revelation does his "Paper Chase". I think he had a hand in doing that arrangement.
That's because Rick Beato isn't a high Bill Mahar, the champ of interrupters
UNFREAKIN BELIEVABLE interview. I'm a 66 year old engineer and listening to you geek out was a kick. The stories were utterly fantastic and epic. Jimmy is a wonderful and articulate person. This interview belongs in the Smithsonian and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fantastic job Rick. Thank you so much for this journey.
Bravissimo
This
I started to listen to jazz in the late 50's and then the 60's. So lucky to have been around during the 60's and 70's so lucky.
Jann Wenner won't hear of it.
Oh thank you, Mr. Beato for allowing Mr. Webb to talk without being interrupted!!! You are a great listener!
What a concept! An interviewer who actually LISTENS and let's the person TALK....!!!! :)
A good listener is a rarity. Mr. Beato, thank you for being an accomplished listener and therefore the best interviewer I have seen in my 69 years. Well done! I cannot say enough good things about your interview of the landmark song writer, Jimmy Webb. He had great stories and you listened rather than talked and so we all got to hear those stories. So many emotions bubbled up inside of me listening with you to the remarkable, Jimmy Webb. Thank you!
Witching Lineman has to be the finest pop song ever written, next century people will still be appreciating it. Just class!
Sorry typed Witchita, but my stupid tablet changed it to Witching!
All good interviews let the subject speak
Jesus Rick, it must just be surreal to sit in a session like this almost in the third person. You get the rare privilege of being there, yet watching it again as you edit. I’m stunned at these different yet historic interviews you are taking part of. We NEED this history recorded and remembered. The genius you are capturing is fast passing us over. This could never be done by corporate media outlets. Cheers you TH-cam and creatives like yourself. We all benefit.
Couldn’t have said it any better brother!
I am thankful for my Mom who played trumpet in the Marine Corps band. She composed amazing undiscovered gems like "Marine on Leave". I hope God Above will bring some gifted musician to find her hand penned sheet music in my saved treasures when I die.
So right, soo great😢
Bravo. That’s a remarkable interview. Thank you for sharing this treasure.
Man, I started to tear when he started playing the chords to Witchita. I work on those lines and poles for a living. And that song eternally hits me. Oddly I worked as an assistant engineer on a session Jimmy did in NYC in the late 80’s. I guess it was destiny.
Rick..as a lifelong musician and writer I completely agree with you that Wichita Lineman is one of the finest song ever recorded!
Agree wholeheartedly
@@bayshorepark1231239Great changes, great melody, great lyric
@@TJauernigElectronics and like many great songs...it is relatable
As a fellow lifelong musician / composer.....Yes, yes, yes, yes. I fell in love with this song when it came out.
indeed. If you can find copies of it done without all the syrup - it's haunting and heartbreaking.
This explains to me why the music today is lacking. He is a musician not a mechanic. This is FANTASTIC!!!!!
Today's digital music lacks soul.
Yes, the music today does not even compare to 60s and 70s Music.
Correct ... He is a Human with human emotions not a computer
The Campbell mix was so clean and soulful. 8 tracks of greatness.
The English Literature comment when mentioning Simon & Garfunkel explains some of it.
I didn't want this to end... What an absolute master of his craft and music, in general. There's no one else like Jimmy. He is truly a Legend.
But as the song goes, there's always someone else.
@@michellemonet4358 ❤❤❤
Trust me I get it. When you see Jimmy live it’s exactly the same way, you never want the show to end. The stories of how he wrote the stories are amazing.
@@JAGoldenberg
There is a video on YT where he talks about writing "MacArthur Park".
It is so good that you won't want it to end.
@@charlie-obrien live he often tells the story of how he came to write the song with Richard Harris and how he slept in this old castle is Richard Harris’s parents marital bed. His stories of how he wrote the stories are incredible especially when he veers off as he often does.
Plain and simply, this was a JOY to watch. I do not believe I've ever seen Jimmy so passionate about revealing the heart and soul of his music as he does here. he was feeding off of your passion Rick, and I thank you for it.
I have a fishing boat here in Alaska,, I might drive my boat out into the ocean many hours and miles from shore. When I get to my fishing grounds, where ever they may be.. I turn on my radio and bluetooth my music. and the first song on my song list is Wichita Lineman... Everyone loves it. And over the years, when my guests come back to fish with me again, they ask if I am going to play THAT SONG!!!.. its the best, thank you for going deep with this story.. Thank you Rick and Jimmy..
Great story, reminded me seven years ago at buddy house. All sudden he cranks on ‘Witchia lineman’ (I hadn’t heard that since I was kid, I remember the song way way back I was little. Born in 66, I knew it was Glen Campbell. But it made me LAUGH hard. The vocals killed me! I never laughed so hard. I laughed on and off three days. Because of 70s the sound the feel reminded me things like STP, Mohawk gas station, kids down street. Pictures in school year book the kids looked like (chip’ from old block). Embarrassing for them. I was laughing at them Not in good way either, mocking laugh.
I hope these interviews will be conserved in the Smithsonian museum as national treasures. Historic conversations. I feel so privileged to be able to witness these.
Agreed. As music history goes, these all will be the studies in generations to come.
@@BlaydrnnnrI agree with your thought, however, we are near the end. We are in the end times and Jesus is coming back. There's about to be a great endtime harvest and then Jesus'return. Those who are left may study them. However it all plays out.
For anyone reading this, make sure you KNOW Jesus. Not just ABOUT Him but a relationship WITH Him.
The tandem Jimmy Web and Glenn Campbell, it's almost impossible to overestimate their talents and chemistry together. What a fantastic interview!
Almost 😂
i am 58 YO. No one here can know where listening to Lineman takes me right now, or how it makes my heart swell. But i am sure you can all agree that it can and does.
Don't be so cocky, I am 75 years young, and when I was dancing with my girl to the Beatles, "I'll Get You In The End"
you weren't even a gleam in your fathers eye, just saying 🍷
I can"t believe how humble Jimmy Webb is, what a great person, and one of the best song writers of all time.
Agree. In this interview he has spent more time celebrating other musicians than talking about himself. Awesome...
I bet that’s because he’s still a Oklahoma church boy at heart
Listening to Jimmy wistfully reminisce about the 60s was as touching as listening to Glen's Wichita Lineman. He was able to evoke such transcendental emotions within me that it felt not unlike listening to the passing of life itself - it was a complete mix of melancholy and euphoria. A legend among legends, for sure. You've done it again, Rick : ). thank you.
Explaining one musician's contribution to the song as "watercoloring" and giving him "a feeling of driving on the desert" was so incredibly satisfying and new brain/thought territory for me. Wonderful.
Well said . I felt exactly the same as you when i listened to Jimmy . I only wish this Interview was much , much longer .
@@dbrew2u Yeah, it was a bit on the short side, but Rick must have had his reasons. I guess that Jimmy's shakes may have had something to do with it. That's why I loved it, because it gave us at least a comprehensive insight to some of Jimmy's gems before he joins Glen for a heavenly rendition of Wichita!
Whenever I listen to any of Jimmy Webb’s songs, I get teary eyed……they’re so beautiful. I’m teary eyed right now listening to Jimmy play the piano here………..
Jimmy Webb is such a fantastic songwriter. Great interview. Weird fact: I baked the wedding cake for Jimmy Webb and Patricia Sullivan in 1974 held at Jim Messina's ranch in Ojai. I could have attended the wedding but I was 18 and really shy. I still regret not going to this day since it was one hell of a party and I could have met some great musicians.
Sorry,but I have ask, did it have green icing ?
@@danmeadows3859 As I recall it was white cream frosting. It was 49 years ago so I'm not 100% sure.
Stunning. Speechless. The single most cathartic experience I have had so far on TH-cam. That says it all, right? Grateful, Rick, that you are documenting this late period of great music by our heroes. A musician for musicians, you are in deed, my friend, a link between the age.
So well said my friend, wow!
@SuperNostalgia. Of course, but did you watch Ricks video with Jimmy Webb? See... Above. God was all over it. Hope you didnt miss that
Yup. Totally touched me.
What an utterly fabulous interview, Jimmy Webb is so relaxed and Rick stays out of his way. Thank you!
I am not a C+W fan, but I have always thought Wichita Linesman was, and still is, one of the best songs ever recorded.
Beautifully written and composed by Jimmy Webb, and immortalised by a wonderful singer and musician, who we will not see or hear the likes of again.
Missing you lots GC.....
nothing jimmy webb ever wrote could be deemed C+ W...the fact is he is ne of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century.
I can't hear the Country in this Hippy era folk tune. It's only at the Spaghetti Western Solo where the fingers start to point towards that direction. But the Tune itself is about as County as Framptons Sundown, or the Ballad of the Ella Fitzgerald.
In my head, I've long drawn a distinction between 'Country' and 'Country and Western'.
The former is, essentially, folk music and folk music is a broad church: I hear so many different, later, styles of music within folk.
'Country and Western' is, to me,...ersatz. Formulaic, marketable product for, appropriately enough, all the rhinestone cowboys (he knew whom he was writing about in that one).
"Wichita Lineman" is such a beautiful song.
“They love Liberace in church.” What a great quote from Jimmy Webb! This is an amazing interview of one of music’s most talented and influential composers. Thank you for bringing it to us, Rick!
yep, just among the other throw-away lines that say so much. my grandmother was a huge liberace fan apparently despite being a very straight-laced congregationalist. I wonder if it ever occurred to her that she was enamored of a very gay and very talented pianist and performer
😊
He got me on that one! My hand was already up in the air, head bowed, yeah, we do love it. LOL
did you hear the one about Liberace's dentist?
My mother used to watch Liberace’s tv show with his brother George.
Wichita Lineman is like a pocket symphony, a lush melodic landscape packed into 3 minutes.
Jimmy Webb is such an incredibly talented song writer and musician. He handles the piano as easily as I handle a pen. Jimmy is also so humble. He cites and credits so many other musical artists, and does not dwell at all on his own composing genius. He also talks quite a bit about the Beatles, and George Martin, which endears him to me, as a life long Beatles lover. I really appreciate being able to watch this video.
Ditto from Missouri.
Rick, maybe your best interview yet. You seem to be able to get your guests to talk about things they've never talked about before in an interview. WELL DONE MAN!
Unlike many interviewers Rick lets them speak, no barging in or talking over. This is how you do an interview. Andy UK
I met Jimmy at a TAXI convention in L.A. 20 yrs ago. Standing in the back of the hall and listening to Lamont Dossier talk about song writing. I just looked to my right and recognized him. My hero standing before me. I asked him if he enjoyed the talk and then thanked him for the great music that he created. He , very humbly looked at me with those eyes and said that Lamont was so great and thank you for your kind words. Thank you Rick for this great interview! It unlocked the door to questions about Jimmy that really help in the creative process!
You hear the genius of Jimmy Webb flowing through the riffs he is doing on the piano throughout this interview. You see Jimmy improvising on the spot, changing directions, stopping and starting, all I can say is what a superb interview of a very open and honest Jimmy Webb! Jimmy is unstinting in spreading credits to others, what a humble person.
I know I'm just echoing the sentiments others have expressed here, but MAN, this interview fills my mind, heart and soul with so much JOY! I was so lucky to be born in 1957 and grow up in the BEST era of Pop music. Genius writers, musicians, arrangers, producers and artists. I've always been a fan, and a student of it all. THANK YOU!!!
I perfectly understand! I am 1957 too!
Rick, I cannot thank you enough for this interview with Jimmy Webb, I have been a Glen Campbell fan all my life and therefore a Jimmy Webb fan as well. Your interview style, your questions backed by your kindness and deep passion for the artist are so enjoyable and satisfying for me as a musician myself. I appreciate you so much and thank you for this interview.
This is just fantastic. Wichita Lineman is one of the all-time beautiful songs. So great you are giving Jimmy his due.
What a fantastic interview! That he wrote "Someone Else" at 12 years old left me stunned. Thank you Mr Webb and Rick for this entertaining, illuminating, and inspiring interview! It's stuff like this that totally redeems the entire internet! 😄
It is quite reminiscent of the hit he wrote for Art, All I Know.
@@louiebee6745 🥴oops... I'd never actually heard the song before this video... damn impressive for a 12 year old. Hell... damn impressive for a 32 year old!
I love how Mr B shows his appreciation when Jimmy is playing without gushing.
Such a pro.
What comes through with these two gentlemen is their humility. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview.
This is one of the most mind blowing music interviews I’ve ever seen. It’s so deep and wide and fun and intellectual. Wow.
100% agree…it was like eavesdropping on the best conversation ever…they brought out their very best!!
I agree
I had to show this to my 79 yr wise Mom, who is still the musical force of music in my family. My late father got me into Smooth Jazz. Listening to my Mom’s enthusiasm for music is priceless. I got to take her to see her favorite yesterday…Johnny Mathis…..the man can still sting like a champ. Thank you Rick for being a teacher and student at the same time!
Love these deep dives....
This interview is a massive checkmark on a bucket-list I didn't even know I was keeping. I can't believe the moments you teased from him - an absolute historic document. I've followed Webb 60+ years and this is the best interview he's ever given. Bravo.
Rick Beato has already become one of the most important chroniclers in the history of the art form. His name will remain vital in any discussion of music historians until the end of time. What makes that even more remarkable is that he’s not even remotely finished yet! We’re witnessing history in the making.
@@terrystowers6085 Everybody that Rick interviews has been interviewed before! There is nothing new under the sun. We have years of magazine articles, Television shows and interviews where it has all been dispensed. Rick is just doing it for TH-cam.
Here, here. A pinnacle was achieved with this one. So poignant now too at this late hour
Well stated, this will be an historic recording that generations of musicians and historians will look back upon. Well done Rick, I'm very proud of having been a bystander/viewer of your channel as it has evolved.
"By the Time I get to Phoenix" ... Carol Kaye on Dano 6 played with a pick doubled by Joe on P-Bass ... unmistakable timing and tone.
Mr Rick, this is a FANTASTIC interview. What an earnest and delightful person. Mr. Webb's music has always been a lighthouse of great song writing, with Wichita Lineman right up at the top. Thank you so much for bringing these interviews to us.
A master class on music and this one life in 58 minutes:15 seconds. Rick, this beautiful interview almost seems to be crafted like a great song. The space that you respectfully and consciously leave for Mr. Webb to "solo" with is simply pure genius. No one interacts with these giants of music like you. These greats all open their musical souls for you and in turn for us to share. Thank you Rick and Thank you Mr. Webb. Respect to you both.
Well-said!
IMO Wichita Lineman has the greatest lyric ever in a popular song... "And I need you more than want you... and I want you for all time..." Do the maths on that line. It is a beautiful concept to fathom. This interview is a sublime piece of music history.
Jimmy’s songs will be sung 100 years from now and his interview with Rick was special. Those stories are priceless.
The generosity of Jimmy Webb in this interview reveals the openness of his attitude and love towards writing and why he was able to write the amazing songs he has and does. Long live Jimmy Webb!!!!
I am 65 years old, picked up guitar within the last five years. Love your channel. That HOUR with Jimmy and you was one of the best hours of my life! Thank you..both of you!
Stick with that guitar playing. I didn't learn notation until age 49. It has helped my playing in many ways.
This is the channel for people who read the liner notes.
Hearing these composers discuss how they created the soundtrack of our lives is so enthralling. I'm sad that you never got the chance to interview Burt Bacharach. Don't miss out on David Foster or Donald Fagan or Randy Newman or Hal David and some the other greats before it's too late.
I ALWAYS loved reading the liner notes! You are right...this is our channel!😄
Hal has long been gone.
@@vampyros1 I didn't even know he was sick.
Sorry for the old joke. Now I'm going to contact Dionne Warwick and tell her to just take the 101 North and be sure to stop at Pea Soup Anderson's in Beullton on the way.
@@jonmcdaniel8492 No harm, happens to us all. Happy listening, mate.
Rick, this is your best work. Only a musician of your talent could draw out such a great stories and perspectives. You honored Jimmy and his work in how deftly you guided this interview. Bravo!
Nice to see an interviewer let the interviewee speak and expand on their thoughts unsteered.
I must agree that each interview he does is some of the best interviews I have seen.
AWESOME ... SO thank\ful for this video
The bittersweet tale of being Jimmy Webb but also wanting to be Billy Joel is extraordinary.
Rick, so glad to see you interview these unsung heros of music. Jimmy's work and influences need to be brought out the forefront. The garbage they call music now, thank God for musicians like Jimmy.
Wait, there is a lot of new good music.
Absolutely fantastic. Jimmy Webb stepping through Wichita Lineman and chatting about it - it just doesn't get any better.
I loved how Jimmy said during the interview "this is a very interesting interview".... All of these interviews are so important....
Possibly one of Rick's finest interviews yet. What an amazing man Jimmy Webb is
Jimmy Webb is a such great storyteller both in his music and on a personal level. Rick hardly had to ask any questions.
Yes, yes, yes!
Think he also wrote "Up, Up and away" for the Fifth Dimension
@@ronaldzent6321yes he did, what a wonderful song.
"I want to write songs I can play for my girlfriend." is one of the greatest takes on song writing I've ever heard. Fantastic interview and so great to hear the history of Wichita Lineman.
It's so incredible how humble, articulate and musically intelligent he is. An American treasure
Well that was emotional! Rick wanted to talk about Jim Webb's music and Jim Webb wanted to talk about anybody but himself. It was perfect.
I think it’s called humility.
Rick Beato-Master musician and interviewer! Jimmy Webb!!! Wow!
Jimmy Webb wrote the music of my childhood, when there was only AM radio and music on television--before I had records of my own to play, or songs to write. This is truly a seminar on songwriting and arranging. How careful he is when demonstrating other writers' songs for us, and how respectful of his peers and his influences. What a gentleman! I've never heard Donald Fagen mention Webb, but I can hear a direct line between them.
offhand I would be inclined to classify fagen as kind of jazzy and webb closer to country or country-popish, but who knows. If jimmy webb knew the wrecking crew there is no reason he might not know other jazz men. Obviously at least he had that story about Louis Armstrong.
One of the best interviews I have seen with Jimmy Webb. I was a member of the British sunshine pop group Design in the 1970s and we recorded four albums at Lansdowne Studios in Holland Park, London between 1969-1974. So Jimmy is right, it did exist! The Dave Clark Five recorded many of their hits there. It closed down in 2006 and was turned into luxury apartments.
God how strange life is. Your LP with the black cover is on a shelf near me and I am looking out of my window and the old studios is on my right. I tried to get them to put up blue plaques to celebrate the great music that what was recorded there-no one was interested.
How cool.
His love and understanding of music is simply awesome!
‘Jet Song’ gets constant play in my faves list…
If one could ever compile a list of all the grand and historic places that got bulldozed so some dirtbag developer could erect a slab to make more money, it would tear the heart out of every sensitive soul. Grown men would cry into their beer and women would wail like mourners at a funeral. If you live in the US and don't get what I'm saying, just wait until you grow old.
Jimmy Webb is a national treasure. He is so talented, so well-spoken, so well spoken of.
You’ve done some phenomenal interviews, but without question for me, this is the SUMMIT! As a 71 year old, the music that Jimmy Webb wrote was a most beautiful, nostalgic walk back in my life. Trite but true: a musical genius. Great questions, perceptive answers, doesn’t get any better.
Rick, your making history, one interview at a time. These interviews will be cherished for generations to come. Thank you Rick ❤
reminds me of the keith jarrett interview.
I agree, he is creating an extremely valuable archive of these great artist's words, ideas, reflections, stories and experiences.
Absolutely wonderful. I met Jimmy after a show, he asked if I was a songwriter-- I don’t know how he guessed- I said well Jimmy, in your presence that would be quite a statement. Very kindly he said “you keep at it”. He is a genius, one of very few left from that incredible era.
As a younger version of me, I grew up listening to most of Jimmy Webb`s songs by my mother and father. Today, playing any of Mr Webb`s songs has become a daily routine. It only takes a minute when I close my eyes listening, and there are Mom and Dad. Forever grateful. Bearhugs and so much more from Norway. Tusen Takk -
“And I need you more than want you and I want you for all time”……always brings me to my knees. Jimmy is such a treasure. Thank you Rick for showing us how the magic is made.
Biblical ...
They didn't talk about how Campbell screwed up the song with the follow-up lines, rather than waiting for Jimmy to complete the lyrics.
Made for the prairie in all of us.
@@Rainbirdman1THE PRAIRIE IN ALL OF US. beautiful and true 👍
One of the Greatest songwriters of ALL time - no doubt about it!!
In the history of popular music, there are only a handful that sit at the absolute pinnacle, and Jimmy Webb is definitely one of those. An amazing songwriter.
This is truly one of the finest interviews of a songwriter I've ever seen. Done at a high level in terms of the "inside baseball" of music, and deeply appreciative of the stature of one of our great songwriters.
This is such a necessary recording of history. These stories must be remembered for all time. Thank you.
Jimmy Webb is so talented, so gifted, a master songwriter and arranger, and a real gentleman. He wrote many wonderful songs. When I heard the 5th Dimension’s version of Up, up and away, I was spellbound. What a great tune, and memorable arrangement. That was in 1967, I believe, 56 years ago. MacArthur Park was another amazing tune and arrangement. And these were written when Jimmy was about 21 or 22. Truly amazing. A treasure that we still have him on earth.
For most of my life, Jimmy Webb was just a name on a record label or in an article . This was really revelatory. Thank you, Rick.
Amazing comment. So true. I’ve known and lived Jimmy Webb’s work for years. I’ve never seen him. Rick has an asking ability to put a personality to a name.
until now, it had not dawned on me how many songs I know pretty well, came from this guy's brain.
@@tracyavent-costanza346 More to it than just brains ;)
I didn't want Jimmy to stop talking, i couldnt believe that was the end. This could have gone another hour and it would still be too short. Love his music and his peers, we were so lucky for our ears to be tuned by their brilliant creative energy. Up up and Away was the first live act song I heard at the county fair that imprinted on my young brain, i remember it like yesterday, and i couldn't leave as my family walked passed the bandstand area to our car at the end of the day. The 60s & 70s were my childhood, and i still wake up every day hearing one or another of those songs in my head that i have to hear again, now by asking my smart speaker.
I love the way this man expresses his thoughts about music; bursting with enthusiasm. Such a pleasure to watch someone who's done it ALL, so gleefully running over those tunes at the piano, while explaining the history behind the music.
This is such a once-in-a-lifetime interview, Rick. I can only imagine how pumped you were feeling.
I was born in 1957 and when I heard this type of music by Jimmy and his friends even I knew, at such a young age, how good those arrangements were when I heard these kind of songs. Simply astounding. Nothing today compares.
Yes 57 was one of the BEST years to be born!!!!!
This was one of the best interviews of its kind EVER. I am 79 years old and can relate to the flashbacks.
Rick, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Great interview, Rick. Jimmy Webb was right in the thick of a golden era of music, not to mention writing and arranging a good part of the music himself. From Oklahoma to Hollywood. Love how he described how the desolation of the flatlands was reflected in the minimalism of the arrangements of Wichita Lineman and By the Time I Get To Phoenix. As Louis Armstrong told him, "Stick with it, kid."
I got a Jimmy Webb story!
It’s really a story made possible by his son, whose name I cannot remember for the life of me! I’ll try to keep it short.
My buddies and I are playing some covers in a gymnasium in Montclair, New Jersey, on a New Year’s Eve in the late ‘80s. A band with Jimmy’s high school aged son played either right before or right after us. I had never met him before, didn’t know him, or even know OF him. Somehow I ended up driving Jimmy Webb’s son home to get something, and he invited me and my buddy inside while he did his thing. At this point, I had only gotten his first name, and was going on my friend vouching for him.
Being a keyboard player, I loved the big white grand piano in the living room, and walked over to take a look. That’s when I noticed a glass case FULL of Grammies. I turned to my buddy and was like “are we supposed to be here? Whose house is this??!?”. That’s when he explained where we were and who I just drove home. I played it cool after that and said nothing about it, but I don’t think I will ever see that many Grammies in one place ever again. I’ve never even seen a single one since.
Nice story, nicely written.
Surreal
BEST EPISODE YET!!!
I love Jimmy n his music!!!
His n Laura Nyro’s music were the perfume in the air defining those times!!!
When I hear any of their songs, I’M THERE ❤
Jimmy Webb has probably forgotten more about the art of songwriting - and it IS an art form - than most songwriters working today will ever even be aware of. he was writing hit songs that artists clamored to put on albums when he was still a teenager himself. a living legend. listening this interview is like sitting in a master class in music.
Thank you, Rick, for getting all these giants of music interviewed for future generations to know them all first hand. What a treasure trove. These should all be archived in the Library of Congress. It would be such a loss if these aren’t preserved for posterity. We’re all in your debt for such an incredible music catalog!🙌🏻🙌🏻🍎
I just saw Jimmy perform in Atlanta tonight. How cool that I came home and found this 2-week old interview! He wore the same blue jacket! An experience I won't forget.
His recording of this song - just him singing and playing piano - is absolutely beautiful.
Same goes for the recording of Webb singing Galveston!
@@stagehand113 I agree! That one always makes me tear up. His album Ten Easy Pieces has both on it, plus the Highwayman, also a masterpiece. Great piano, great voice. He’s a treasure.
To Rick .........That was just plain AWESOME !! Thank-You Sir!
Rick, thank you for this interview. Wichita Lineman makes me weep EVERY time I hear it. Very few songs move me like this. It is such a hauntingly beautiful song, and Mr. Webb giving well deserved props to Al Delory for the arrangement…very humble.
Thank you so much Rick and Jimmy. Amazing interview! I'm 73 and blessed to live through all of this fantastic music. Now with Rick I get a look at behind the scenes. Made my day!
Best music interview of 2023, wish it was 4 hours long. Great Richard Harris voice imitation too!
Side note: the way Webb holds and moves and rests his hands when talking and listening betray what seems to me some arthritis pain. He’s a genius.
This interview was fascinating! Imagine living in a small town and being able to find a teacher who taught reharmonization. There are truly wonderful musicians everywhere!
I grew up in a small California coastal city in the 60's which was also quite rural with open spaces. I remember hearing the arrangements under discussion on local top 40, driving in the car with my mom. I had the exact feelings Webb talks about relating the music, especially Wichita Lineman, to the environment. It's great to hear that Al Delory (sp?) had this in mind as a composer. It certainly resonated with me then and does still.
There's just no denying greatness when you see it. What I love so very much about your interviews Rick, is the humility and respect with which you approach your guests, allowing them to share from their hearts a depth of talent and creativity which you clearly love and respect.
Seeing such a master interviewed by such a knowledgable musician/artist was a HUGE treat. I was glued to this. The history and tech talk of musical construction was amazing. In my '60s I grew up with this music and always of course heard of Mr. Webb. Now you have humanized him for us. Best thing I've seen. Thank you.
All you aspiring songwriters, watch this video and pay particular attention starting around 19:50 when Webb breaks down his song 'Someone Else'. His explanation of the bridge is songwriting at it's finest. When he said, "this is the key, you have to button it up", I fist pumped and yelled "the man is a freaking genius!". I've been a fan of his songwriting for decades, the incredible melodies, but mostly his lyrics. Some writers just have a window to the world that the rest of us have yet to discover. Great interview Rick, thank you, and thank you Jimmy Webb for sharing.
First time I've shed actual tears listening to a music interview. Thank you Jimmy and Rick.
I cried too watching the talent and intelligence he radiated in such a charming but powerful way. The sheer beauty of this intellect....
I sent this link to a friend and described his as a soaring intellect. Just wow!
Rick has had that effect on me so many times, I was so lucky and blessed to stumble across his channel a few years ago, wow!