There was a brief period in the 1960s and early 70s when popular music encompassed across the board. Hence, cross-overs. There were standards like Sinatra, soul music, country and rock and roll like Jefferson Airplane. As time moved on, music became more segregated into marketing segments--but at one time one could listen to the radio and hear the likes of the stanards like Dean Martin, country like Glen Campbell and soul like the Temptations as well as Rock and Roll like the Beatles all in the same Top Ten line up for the week. Glen was a cross over from country to the pop charts... Today it seems as though music is sliced and diced in to smaller and smaller genres and marketing niches for good or ill. I can easily forgive DJ Pj-Roc for never hearing Glen Campbell, especially if he is a younger man unexperienced in hearing pop music that was expereinced throughout the country and encompassed many different genres. We shared a musical tapestry while at the same time we also enjoyed our particular genres. That shared experience--that tapestry--has been yanked away from us and is just one of the many instances of created divisions in this country. In a sense we are all the working man that Glen sings about up there on the pole in the summer Kansas heat as the ribbon of highway stretches out beyond the horizon.
Yes, like "Rose Garden" 1971 by Lynn Anderson, love that song by her, great voice, same with Ode to Billie Joe ( 1967) by Bobbie Gentry and Harper Valley PTA Jeannie C. Riley ( 1968)
I can't disagree with a single sentence in your elegant description of the times and the music. Your words provided the perfect context for a society truly connected through music and culture.
When I hear this song, it takes me back to my childhood. I'm about 8-9 yrs old, we traveled a lot between the states visiting family, vacations, etc. My dad liked to drive at night, my mom beside him in the passenger seat, nodding off, my younger twin sisters asleep next to me in the back. I have a very clear memory of a cool night, my 6 yr old sister's head resting against my shoulder, the light of the moon shining on her blond hair, she smelled of baby shampoo and talcum powder. We were under a jet black sky dotted with stars and a full moon. My Dad was driving as the telephone poles clocked by. This song playing on our car stereo. I felt safe, happy, loved. Good times, approximately 53 yrs, or so, ago. I will play this song just to visit this precious moment in time. Although bittersweet and makes me cry, so worth it just to linger there for a few minutes one more time .
What a sweet memory. That was my childhood too. My sister and I. Just add four little brothers! We all felt peaceful and safe. The Peace only God can give.
Wonderful memories . Thank for sharing with us. It’s easy to see that was a comforting time in your life. With sweet memories like that are a reflection of you being a nice person inside. Hopefully we all have more wonderful memories still to come.
One of the greatest lines ever written,"And I Need You More Than Want You."thank you Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell. 1968, I was 7 years old but this song still affected me.
I agree. I just posted the words on facebook. It is right there with "Objects in the rear view mirror might appear closer than they are." I was 8 when this came out. My parents played it often and I was in love. Still brings tears. His version with Stone Temple Pilots is amazing. What goes around, comes around. Talent is forever.
And I want you for all time. Funny, when this video came to that line, I thought this has to be my top favorite line of a song ever, and then I read your comment. 😎
And at last you have hit on what I am pretty sure I consider the finest single ever recorded. Out of all my thousands of records, I do answer with this one when asked what the best record ever is. That thump thump thump bass intro you hear was designed and played by perhaps the most famous electric bass player of all time, Carol Kaye, and that’s her walking throughout the whole record. Glen played that iconic bass bridge solo on a Danelectro Longhorn loaned to him by Kaye, and it was later stolen from her car - so that guitar is floating around somewhere with an owner who is oblivious to the fact that his instrument made that iconic sound. Other songs with similar bridges are Galveston and the theme to the film, True Grit in which he “acts.” (Good grief… lol) Writer Jimmy Webb himself was on organ and I’m pretty sure it was Al De Lory who arranged those strings. The Wichita Lineman was a powerline worker, and that screaming you hear in the strings was designed to mimic what you hear when you stand underneath a high-load powerline. That sound is what you get when you combine wind with power vibrations. Anyway, Campbell was a session musician for many rock and country acts during mainly the ‘60s, among them The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean and a few others. Booker T and the MGs were the band (and Steve Cropper was the writer) on Redding’s Sittin’ On The Dock, and they were all dear friends of Glen’s so if made it that much easier to get the rights to cover it. And as far as Carol Kaye, that’s her on Stevie Wonder’s I Was Made To Love Her among many, many recognizable others. They really helped shape the sound of the ‘60s, this lot that became known as “The Wrecking Crew “ with Campbell, Kaye, Hal Blaine on drums and several others whose names escape me. I could go on forever here but I’ll just close it out for now by saying that if you start running across Campbell shredding on his own hits, you’ll start to wonder if the man actually invented shredding. Absolutely flawless. Find a stage performance he did with Steve Wariner on Galveston and just watch him let it rip on that bridge. Nah, Glen Campbell can’t be summed up in this short thread. No way in hell.
Well, it’s my top favorite anyway. Doesn’t mean it’s the best… lol. More Glen Campbell is definitely worth it though. Galveston is actually a Vietnam war protest song, something you wouldn’t expect the average country fan to really embrace but embrace it they (and we) did. Then there’s his version of an old Conway Twitty song called It’s Only Make Believe, there’s Gentle On My Mind, Try A Little Kindness, Where’s The Playground Susie, Country Boy, You Got Your Feet In LA, something I play a lot when my movie industry life kicks in, the ever popular Rhinestone Cowboy, and then there’s an early hit of his that goes back to 1966 I think, before he got together with Webb, called Guess I’m Dumb. It was written by Brian Wilson and you can really hear the Wilson Brothers, Mike Love and Al Jardine back there behind him being Beach Boys.
Believe it or not when this song came out I had just gotten out of my 3 years in the Army, and my first job was Lineman for Southern Bell in Miami Florida. I was constantly being teased about it because of the song, just bad timing I guess. :) The good news was that girls at that time seemed to be intrigued and strangely attracted to guys in that particular profession.
Please, let's also give accolades to Jimmy Webb for his outstanding songwriting. On every level, this song is perfectly imagined and actualized. The beautiful melody and chord progression are the perfect container for the excellent lyrics. I was in high school when it came out, just starting my own path of songwriting. I did then, and still do, consider this one of the most brilliant compositions to emerge from 1960s pop music. As for Glen Campbell, he threw his heart into it. That challenging octave leap at the end of the refrain is delivered with technical proficiency and ease, and energized by deep soulfulness. I've heard the song hundreds of times and it still takes my breath away. There are songs that make every songwriter think, "I wish I had written that". This is one of them.
In his later years, Glen had a most unlikely golf buddy he played with often. It was classic shock-rocker Alice Cooper. There's a great interview floating around with Cooper done after Glen's passing. It's well worth a watch. ;-)
When Wichita Lineman was released, I was a junior high adolescent, and even though I was young, this song struck me so deeply with its longing quality and hauntingly stunning melody. I grew up in NYC but with Wichita Lineman, I could feel and envision the wide expanse of a cold, windy midwestern road, and that lonesome Lineman going about his work. It still takes me to a very special place emotionally, all these years later. I'm a fan of Jimmy Webb's storytelling songwriting and beautiful chord structures.
Yes, I'm with you. Glen killed it with this recording, but the real artist was the songwriter, Jimmy Webb. Gorgeous chord progression, melody, and lyrics.
... And I was a Jr. High kid living in small town America with roads that went on for miles and miles. Grew up in a town that was so small it had no stop lights. I'd walk around all day with a transistor radio to my head listening to music just like this, dreaming of a world out there in places like NYC that seemed like Oz to me.
@@markwood5486 from different parts of the country we shared in a common love of music! I know exactly how you feel, as that's how I felt about the world outside my boundaries too...imagination and wonder! Cheers!
Glen was such a great singer that his guitar playing seems almost incidental to a lot of people but the fact is, he was one of the best guitar players in the country, possibly the world. He toured with the Beach Boys for a while and he was chosen to play in countless recording sessions by singers both in and out of the country music world. Wichita Lineman was released in 1968 so I was in my third year of college. I purchased this album and one benefit to having an album is that you also get a bunch of great songs that for some reason never make it on the radio so the only way you will ever hear them is if you have purchased the album. One beautiful and poignant song that is on this album but that I have never heard on the radio is "You Better Sit Down, Kids". I have been watching a lot of videos on YT that show interaction between a baby or little kid and Daddy and I ALWAYS think of how common divorce is in this country now and what a tragedy it is that so many children are separated from the daddy they love because mommy and daddy can't get along. "You Better Sit Down, Kids" is a daddy telling his children that he and their mother are divorcing and he is going away. In the chorus he is giving advice to his children on how they should behave once he is gone and it's like he's rushing to tell them all the things he wants them to know before he leaves so the chorus is sung about twice as fast as the verses. Anyway, that's the way I interpret the reason the chorus is so fast. My husband had Alzheimer's and he could clearly remember everything that had happened when he was in the Navy, and though he had been retired for about three decades, he thought he was still in. Glen also had Alzheimer's and when he died his memory was pretty well gone but like my husband, he had one area of his life that was crystal clear and that was his music. He could still play the guitar and sing even when that was pretty much all he could do. He was a tremendous talent.
@@markalumbaugh2756 I saw that as well. I loved that his children came together to help him continue performing after his Alzheimers diagnosis. It was testament to what a great Father he was to them.
So good on guitar that Eddie Van Halen asked Alice Cooper, Glens good friend to introduce them so he could get some lessons on alternate picking. Glen was one of the best players ever!
Song came out in 68, I was born in 63. this is one of the first songs I remembered....and heard it all through the 70's, and ALWAYS stopped to listen to it when it came on the radio. And others who commented are right....In the 70's, that wonderful glorious time, when ALL genres of music were played on the radio before they were chopped into pieces and put into different places. Thus, came the start of trying to divide us all, when back then we all loved each other. Let us go back to that and screw the politicians.
One of the greatest pop songs ever written. Gorgeous arrangement. Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell made up one of the finest collaborations of singer and songwriter in modern music history. They did many brilliant songs together.
I heard an interview with Glen where he asked Jimmy Webb for a song for the album he was working on. This was it, but Jimmy mentioned the song lyrics were not complete. He couldn’t work on it as he had other obligations. Glen went into the studio and recorded it anyway. Instead of a third verse, he used a baritone guitar borrowed from bassist Carol Kaye (look up The Wrecking Crew). Glen could absolutely shred guitar!
Might I ask you: after listening to this song 200 times consecutively, I’ve concluded that it was perfectly arranged and mixed. Am I wrong? Is not this some brilliant studio work as well? There is so much going on in the background and it all comes together so well.
@@Bmwguy2011 Yes, it is perfectly arranged and produced. Not just a great song, but a great "record," as they used to call them. Perfection in every way.
Glen did a fine version of John Hartford's, Gentle on My Mind. Possibly,... the G.O.A.T. of all songs written. By all accounts, he was a fine human being and a great talent.
I've worked with Alzheimer's patients and I hate that effing disease. I'm saddened that he and his family had to endure that. I agree with you, I love Gentle on my Mind.
It's nice to see someone who appreciates John Hartford, especially the genius of Gentle on my mind. On the list as one of the greatest songs ever written.
An LA country DJ told a funny story about an old lady who kept calling and requesting a song "It's Snowing" by Glen Campbell. DJ looked all over and couldn't figure out what she was talking about. Then one day he was playing Gentle on My Mind and the old lady called and said he was playing "It's Snowing"...the opening lyrics are "It's Knowing" ha ha
Thank you so much for reacting to this great legend. I grew up listening to his music. Glen Campbell was one of the most talented entertainers & guitarist in the world. He had a lot of hits such as "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston", "Rhinestone Cowboy", & "Southern Nights". Sadly he got Alzheimer's later in life. The last song he recorded was "I'm Not Gonna Miss You".
A few years ago, I was listening to an interview, I think on NPR, that talked about Glen Campbell playing for a Frank Sinatra recording. Campbell was so enthralled with Sinatra, that Frank was worried he was gay. 😂
The live performance on YT of "Gentle On My Mind" really showcases his guitar prowess. My earliest memory of him was when I was a young child hearing him on the radio singing "Rhinestone Cowboy". The nice thing about getting older is slowing down and taking the time to appreciate this music so it's nice to know I'm not the only one.
If you are referring to the one where he plays with the Sioux Falls, South Dakota orchestra, then all I have to say is YES! That was a great rendition. And "Galveston" was absolutely amazing, especially his guitar solo. Campbell was not just a great singer, he was one of the finest guitarists who ever lived. I hope this gent will look that up, it is worth the time.
Gentle on my mind is one of my favorites. I listen when I want to take a moment and remember my mom. I will always remember going to the Glenn Campbell museum in Nashville with her. My best friend and I will always miss her.
PJ, this and two others songs were written by the great Jimmy Webb, knowing he wanted Glen to record. Galveston (a young man leaving for the Vietnam War) By the time I get to Phoenix (Lineman - was very young. As with many songs, I would cry when I heard it. Never understood why music made me cry. I now understand…I was a very sad child and melodies would bring on the tears)
I was pre-K when Wichita Lineman came out, but Rhinestone Cowboy was one of the first cassettes I ever owned. I liked him acting with John Wayne in True Grit too.
This song reminds me so much of my dad. He was a telephone lineman when this song came out (I was a preschooler). He’s been gone 29 years and I miss him every day
The magic of the songwriting of Jimmy Webb, combined with the wonderful vocals of Glen Campbell takes me back to the late 1960's. I was in the 6th grade, Glen Campbell had a weekly TV show that I never missed, and also had a bit part in the mega hit Western movie called "True Grit", which John Wayne won the Academy award for best male actor. Glen sang the song for the movie "True Grit" as well. As for the song "Wichita Lineman", the lyrics are phenomenal! The line in particular that comes to my mind is, "And I Need You More Than Want You", wow... what great lyrics! Of the Jimmy Webb songs that Glen Campbell did this is my favorite, with "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" a very close second, because it's such a great contemporary ballad! At the time Glen Campbell was also considered a Pop Music Artist as well, and not just Country music. The Jimmy Webb songs that Glen Campbell did, got a huge a amount of air play at that time of AM radio! Let's also not forget Glen Campbell was a master guitar player! As good as the Webb/Campbell songs are, I believe "Gentle On My Mind" is Glen Campbell's BEST song, considered at the time both Pop and Country!
Glenn Campbell had success before this song, but he said when he first heard the playback of it in the recording studio, he knew it would be a huge number one hit, and it was. He was known mostly as great guitarist who was extremely popular on other peoples songs in the 60’s, but he became popular himself as a country artist. This song was huge in 1968 because it was one of the first times a country artist had a number one song on the pop charts.
I was taking organ lessons in the early 1970s. When I had to pick a song for a recital in 1973 when I was 10 I picked this song. I remember I had to memorize it and perform it in front of people. I also remember hearing it on the radio and liking it alot. Thanks Doug.
he was Really Good at fretting, not just picking. I think only Charlie Parker could have pushed him. He's also an Alzheimer's Hero and guitar playing was the last thing to go
I know this song from it being an AM radio staple. There was such a mix of different music on AM. That's why those of us who listened seem to like a lot of different styles. A lot of those radio hits were massive and Glenn was certainly a cross over star. I never knew he was a country music star until much later in my life.
Glen was a monumental star in the 1960s and 1970s whose recordings crossed over frequently on to the pop chart and were huge hits (e.g., "Galveston", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" in the 1960s, "Summer Nights" and "Rhinestone Cowboy" in the 1970s). He was a highly skilled guitarist with an instantly identifiable voice who even performed for a time with the Beach Boys. "Wichita Lineman" is a classic of classics.
I love to hear Glen sing Galveston. Could you react to Barbara Mandrell, one of the most talented women to Grace a country stage. Her song ‘Crackers’ is one of my favorites.
What makes this and Galveston so great is the orchestra playing and the bass guitar solo. Both those songs are among the greatest music Jimmy Webb ever wrote and Glen ever sang!
I heard this 10 years ago recovering from lung cancer and I felt so much peace and peaceful and I’ve loved this song ever since. Glen is a great artist period.
I was probably 10 -12 years old. One of those “first time you hear it I loved it” songs for me. As were many of his songs. Lyrics are wonderful as are melodies. Now at 62, many of his songs make tears appear. Nice presentation.
I believe this to be the finest song ever written. Where was I when I first heard it? I was four years old and playing at the neighbors. My friend's mom had a lovely voice and was singing along with the radio. It was heaven and my life has never been better than that time.
Thank you for reacting to this song. I first heard the song when I was a little girl courtesy of an uncle. I've always found a haunting quality to the song. Thanks again!
Yes, Glen was definitely one of the country music greats. And he was definitely not limited to the genre. I think the song was about a man who checked for downed electricity supply lines from natural disasters or other causes. Loved his songs and also his acting. My favorite song of his is "By the Time I Get to Phoenix". One good movie, which also starred John Wayne, is "True Grit".
My dad was a lineman (electrical). He spent many, many hours working over-time. Anytime my siblings and I hear this song it’s hits us right in the heart. Anytime it came in the radio while riding in his truck he would turn it up and sing along.
This hit the Top 40 in early 1969, I was in 5th grade at Assumption Catholic School in Houston, TX....we listened to it on KILT-AM 610 Radio...a great time to be growing up in America....AM Radio ruled!!!
To answer your question I wasn’t even born yet 🤣 but Galveston is another great one! And Glenn’s last song he recorded I’m not going to miss you is a real tear jerker. It was about his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
I was nine years old and growing up in LA. My mom and dad were friends with a lot of the musicians who played this track, including Glen Campbell, who played guitar in my living room. Great memories. We didn’t really realize all this music was going to be timeless. Lots of it is timeless because of Jimmy Webb.
Glen was my Mom’s favorite performer and I happily took her to see him play five or six times starting in 1989. The man was a BEAST on the guitar and a consummate entertainer. IMO, this and Galveston are two of the greatest pop/country songs ever recorded. Campbell and Jimmy Webb made true musical magic together.
I was a little girl when this song came out, and my dad was a big Glen Campbell fan. We had this album and it played a lot in our house. I loved "Dreams of an Everyday Housewife" especially. Mr. Campbell had a great variety show, too - he was a great entertainer!
I was five years old when this song was recorded. But, in our household we grew up listening to greats like Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Elvis Presley, Buck Owens, etc. Although I was young when many of their songs were recorded, they are etched in my mind and I sing along with them effortlessly.
I was a little girl when I first heard this song. Like all country music songs it told a story, this one about a man working as a lineman and thinking throughout his day about someone very dear to him. Now that I'm (much) older, I appreciate the story differently; I married a mechanic who goes to work every day and comes home to me every night for the last 42 years. This simple song holds a deeper message, Glen's voice takes you right to it.
Lineman is top 100 song of the 20th century. So glad you let the whole song play. Yeah! I see you feel the ending. It's purely heroic. Jimmy Webb was inspired to write this tune when he saw a man up on those tall telephone transmission lines. Suggestion: For the Love of You: Isley Brothers
I was a little kid and I could sing every song on this album because my Dad wore the vinyl out. This has been one of my favorite songs of all time. Annie Lennox (who is a GODDESS) loves this song too. Thanks for giving it a listen. ❤️🎶
Another great reaction! Jimmy Webb is one of the greatest song writers of the 20th century (you should google him) and Glen recorded a lot of his songs. One of the biggest is "Galveston" about a soldier dreaming of being home. Glen's version is very Pop but the original is much more moving. Here is the must watch original by Jimmy Webb "Galveston: A tribute to those who served in Vietnam" th-cam.com/video/UaMf6ydI-YI/w-d-xo.html compared to Glen's Pop version th-cam.com/video/HhKZLhxFFUY/w-d-xo.html Even Glen said he would rather the original (But Jimmy said he like the money he made from Glen's ;-). You should do a battle of the two!
Thanks for sharing. I have never heard the webb version before. I was well on my way to Vietnam after this song was released. I can remember looking out into the South China Sea during the middle of the night thinking of "Gavelston." It's a beautiful song be always makes me feel morose.
One truly great piece Glen sang was the theme from "The End," one of those goofy Burt Reynolds' films. Paul Williams wrote this very complicated music and lyric composition. Glen effortlessly nails it. Find it on TH-cam. Both the melody and lyrics will stay with you.
The songs that Glen recorded had such complex and complicated lyrics that it's amazing that he still managed to keep performing them for at least a couple of years after getiing stricken with Alzheimer's disease in the 2010s.
A highlight for me was Glen Campbell's supremely melodic 6-string bass solo- it creates a stamp of identity that remains iconic. A certain wistful sadness in the lyric and vocal performance- thanks for presenting your reaction to this wonderful song.
At a guess I was in elementary school, near as I can remember. I love that you credit the songwriter, too, not just the singer. Good information to know. Can't wait to hear Dock of the Bay, I don't remember him doing that on, should be fun to hear! Also, thank you for not doing click bait headlines for these reviews, so refreshing to just see who you are taking a look at this time! Thank you!
Glenn Campbell was a studio musician before he went solo...he was a part of the Wrecking Crew...the LA..sound behind the Beach Boys...but before that he was in Summer Wind by the chairman of the board..Frank Sinatra. Gentle on My Mind..and Southern NIGHTS..are must hears! great. Ps...he co starred side by side with John Wayne..True Grit.
I was a child, the song made me sad well before I had the life experience to know the emotional reference. The music makes it all the more haunting. Thanks for covering this classic.
Thank you for posting this song. What a talented man Glen was; not only a singer and guitarist, but also a studio musician who played for other legends (Elvis, Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., etc. just to name a few). I am old enough to remeber where I was when many of his songs came out; l remember hearing his songs being played on the radio while getting ready to go to elementary school.
Glen was a member of the Famous "Wrecking Crew" a seldom seen elite group of studio musicians but everyone has heard them and probably doesn't even know it know it. Glen played on darn near anyone who is anyone's albums from Frank Sinatra to Sammy Davis the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean that's just a very small list to be sure. Funny thing is he could never read music and was a highly sought after studio musician. He played all the big bands music and did it better than they could that's why he was on their albums. It's worth the time to watch the movie here on YT called "the wrecking crew" tons of stuff you never knew about the 50s 60s and 70s and about the music men and women who made your favorite albums sound so good. My Dad was a 'Lineman" for So.Cal Edison he came home with this album so excited for us to all hear it on the big Hi-Fi he had. the whole album was outstanding. Dad used to say "God created Linemen so Firefighters would have someone to look up to"
The Wrecking Crew were in LA. The folks in Muscle Shoals were “the Swampers”. They also played on many classic 60’s and 70’s hits, by artists such as Aretha, Wilson Pickett and the Staples Singers.
The Wrecking Crew were a group of about 30 rotating musicians, the nucleus of the Wrecking Crew was storied drummer Hal Blaine, guitarists Glen Campbell and Tommy Tedesco; bassists Carol Kaye and Ray Pohlman; along with Don Randi and Leon Russell on the keyboard. They were originally brought together by Phil Spector. They have played on thousands of songs and hundreds of hits. At one point in the late 60s and 70s, they were the studio musicians playing on 6 straight Album of the Year Grammy award winners.
He was one of the most requested studio guitar players of his day. I think he was even a beach boy for a time. Beautiful voice. Played soo many genres of music. Just a big talent. Its a shame we lost him. Rip glen. F-DW 4/23/22.
I was in the back of my parents car on a trip to Washington DC, and remember my Dad singing along. Honestly, I have never met anyone who does not like/love this song. It may just be the best song ever written.
I was very little and I can't remember where I heard the song but I just loved it. There is something about it that just affects me like no other song. I think the music is the sound of loneliness but I don't really hear sadness. Just a man doing his duty and thinking about home. It's just beautiful.
I remember listening to this song in the backseat of the family car--which had an 8 track tape player. My dad, who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, admired singers like Glen Campbell whose singing seemed so natural and effortless. And I always assumed he was working on electrical lines, not phone lines.
His musicianship is all that much more amazing when you consider he never learned to read music, in spite of working as a backing musician for heavyweights like Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Lou Rawls, the Beach Boys, the Monkees, the list goes on and on. He was part of the legendary group of backup musicians known as The Wrecking Crew. Even people who enjoyed his music didn't really understand what an amazing talent he was.
"Wichita Lineman" was written by Oklahoma's own Mr. Jimmy Webb, who wrote several of Glen Campbell's great hits including "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Still Within the Sound of My Voice". When Jimmy Webb was writing "Wichita Lineman", the working title was "Shawnee Lineman", after his hometown of Shawnee, Oklahoma. But Wichita flowed better melodically.
I believe "Still Within the Sound of My Voice" is the best song ever recorded. Beautiful writing, production, instruments and of course Glen's haunting voice. Stunning!
@@JHargis68 I was surprised to see the song mentioned here. I don't think it ever got the radio play or respect that the song deserved. Thanks for bringing it up. You made my day!
I was in elementary school when this record came out. My dad had the album. Yes, the song is about a telephone lineman. Campbell also had a TV show. Steve Martin, who is an excellent banjo player, was often on the program.
I was a little kid when this record came out, but my mom had the album and played it often. My sister had a huge crush on Campbell after seeing him in "True Grit," so when he gave a concert at the fairgrounds in Allentown, PA, my whole family was there.
I,after a lifetime of concert going never saw Glen perform in person,because tho I've always loved this song I didn't fully embrace Country music till very late in life.I must say I envy your experience seeing him perform
To characterize Glen Campbell as merely a country artist misses the bigger point about him. For a while he was a member of the Wrecking Crew, that group of L. A. studio musicians who played on literally hundreds of hit records. Most of Glen’s singles were not just hits on the country chart but were also huge top 40 hits.
I was 7 yrs old. Coming back to the states from Okinawa. My dad was in the Air Force. Music was a big part of my life. You should look up the Wrecking Crew. He was part of them and was on many records you wouldn't imagine. Galveston is a great song.
Great reaction, Glen was a guitar ace and a LA studio musician, Jimmy Webb a great songwriter and performer in his own right, came from heartland America and with a story of love, hope, and loneliness, and yearning that struck a common chord and is a beloved America. "Galveston', By the Time I Get to Phoenix, and his live duet with Jerry Reed doing "Southern Nights' is a gas. Thumbs up!
I was 9 when this came out. I thought Glenn was so handsome, and I loved all his music. Being so young, I was too young to understand fully what Vietnam was. Now that I know the meaning of Galveston, it makes me cry. God give you rest, Glenn. Your music lives on.
I was a junior in high school and was stunned by the power and beauty of this song, Glen's passionate vocal, and the instrumental arrangement. Jimmy Webb's songwriting reputation was burgeoning and Wichita was another mark of his prowess. Wichita is easily in the top 5 of the best songs of the 60's. Jimmy Webb and Paul Simon are arguably the two best song writers of that era. One final note: Webb cleverly employs metaphor of the Lineman's trial with the love of his life noting the strain and fragility of their relationship ("and if it snows that stretch down south can never stand the strain"). The Lineman's love for her is everywhere such as "I can hear her through the whine." Thank you for showcasing this classic.
One of the major things that was common in older country/folk/R&B music in the 60s and 70s was orchestral back up. This added a richness to the songs that is beyond description.
Great artist and song! Such a voice - I was just a kid but I remember my parents having this album. Others have mentioned some of his other hits, my favorites are Rhinestone Cowboy, Galveston, By the Time I get to Phoenix and Dreams of the everyday Housewife. Great music! Glad to see you enjoyed this one, hope you do more of his music.
1968? I was listening to the Beatles. :D I think what I like about Country Music is that it's about real people. People with jobs and families and problems and successes and failures. People like average American Citizens.
Such a hauntingly beautiful song. I was 7 when it came out. And loved it, flash forward I’m 60. And I understand this beautiful love song. By a Dreamer. And that Car Kay on bass, along with the wrecking crew. Ty for sharing this lost gem ❤️
Fun fact: Glen Campbell was a member of the Beach Boys for a short time. Brian Wilson gifted him a song: ‘Guess I’m Dumb’. It’s an incredibly underrated tune which is both one of my favorite Brian Wilson songs and one of my favorite Glen Campbell songs. Glen was so talented.
Wonderful song. I got to see him live on farewell tour before he died. He was still great. I got to see Ronnie milsap in same venue Smokey mountain rain
When I was growing up, Glen Cambell had a TV show. My mom and I watched it together. Neither of us were interested in country music. My mom grew up in the Bronx, me in Manhattan and Long Island. But, Glen's music and lyrics touched both of us. I had forgotten about that. My mom died years ago. We had our differences. But, remembering listening to Glen Campbell brought back some good memories. Thanks. Always loved this song.
Every male vocalist of the era (except maybe Sinatra) took their own shot at this song---my favorite is by Eddy Arnold, who doesn't hit the lyrics so hard with his voice.
My dad's family was from Joplin, just down the road from Wichita, and most of them were linemen for the local rural electric company. Even as a kid, this song made perfect sense to me. Especially the part where he says "if it snows that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain." This is ice and tornado country and my relatives were constantly getting called in to repair lines after storms.
I don't have any relatives that worked power lines, but for some reason I completely agree that the line, "if it snows that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain" has a special meaning and, of all things, hits me hardest. Maybe it's the responsibility he feels for his job. Maybe how that transfers to his faithfulness in his love for this woman. I don't know. But for me, it remains the most impactful of lines.
There was a brief period in the 1960s and early 70s when popular music encompassed across the board. Hence, cross-overs. There were standards like Sinatra, soul music, country and rock and roll like Jefferson Airplane. As time moved on, music became more segregated into marketing segments--but at one time one could listen to the radio and hear the likes of the stanards like Dean Martin, country like Glen Campbell and soul like the Temptations as well as Rock and Roll like the Beatles all in the same Top Ten line up for the week. Glen was a cross over from country to the pop charts...
Today it seems as though music is sliced and diced in to smaller and smaller genres and marketing niches for good or ill. I can easily forgive DJ Pj-Roc for never hearing Glen Campbell, especially if he is a younger man unexperienced in hearing pop music that was expereinced throughout the country and encompassed many different genres. We shared a musical tapestry while at the same time we also enjoyed our particular genres. That shared experience--that tapestry--has been yanked away from us and is just one of the many instances of created divisions in this country.
In a sense we are all the working man that Glen sings about up there on the pole in the summer Kansas heat as the ribbon of highway stretches out beyond the horizon.
Yes, like "Rose Garden" 1971 by Lynn Anderson, love that song by her, great voice, same with Ode to Billie Joe ( 1967) by Bobbie Gentry and Harper Valley PTA Jeannie C. Riley ( 1968)
Well said
Well said.
Beautifully put sir. I completely agree
I can't disagree with a single sentence in your elegant description of the times and the music.
Your words provided the perfect context for a society truly connected through music and culture.
When I hear this song, it takes me back to my childhood. I'm about 8-9 yrs old, we traveled a lot between the states visiting family, vacations, etc. My dad liked to drive at night, my mom beside him in the passenger seat, nodding off, my younger twin sisters asleep next to me in the back. I have a very clear memory of a cool night, my 6 yr old sister's head resting against my shoulder, the light of the moon shining on her blond hair, she smelled of baby shampoo and talcum powder. We were under a jet black sky dotted with stars and a full moon. My Dad was driving as the telephone poles clocked by. This song playing on our car stereo. I felt safe, happy, loved. Good times, approximately 53 yrs, or so, ago. I will play this song just to visit this precious moment in time. Although bittersweet and makes me cry, so worth it just to linger there for a few minutes one more time .
Me too 😢
What a sweet memory. That was my childhood too. My sister and I. Just add four little brothers! We all felt peaceful and safe. The Peace only God can give.
Wonderful memories . Thank for sharing with us. It’s easy to see that was a comforting time in your life. With sweet memories like that are a reflection of you being a nice person inside. Hopefully we all have more wonderful memories still to come.
Wow...u aptly descibed the memories of so many during that time.
Your reply, starting with “I have a very clear memory……one more time” would be a great intro to a book/story, very clear image. Congrats!
Glen was a monster guitar player. Great vocal. May he rest in peace. God bless and thanks for giving the man the respect that he deserves.
One of the greatest lines ever written,"And I Need You More Than Want You."thank you Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell. 1968, I was 7 years old but this song still affected me.
No. It’s the GREATEST line ever written. I get tears every time I hear it.
I agree. I just posted the words on facebook. It is right there with "Objects in the rear view mirror might appear closer than they are." I was 8 when this came out. My parents played it often and I was in love. Still brings tears. His version with Stone Temple Pilots is amazing. What goes around, comes around. Talent is forever.
And I want you for all time. Funny, when this video came to that line, I thought this has to be my top favorite line of a song ever, and then I read your comment. 😎
It’s the soundtrack of my childhood.
Best line ever, says it all!
And at last you have hit on what I am pretty sure I consider the finest single ever recorded. Out of all my thousands of records, I do answer with this one when asked what the best record ever is. That thump thump thump bass intro you hear was designed and played by perhaps the most famous electric bass player of all time, Carol Kaye, and that’s her walking throughout the whole record. Glen played that iconic bass bridge solo on a Danelectro Longhorn loaned to him by Kaye, and it was later stolen from her car - so that guitar is floating around somewhere with an owner who is oblivious to the fact that his instrument made that iconic sound. Other songs with similar bridges are Galveston and the theme to the film, True Grit in which he “acts.” (Good grief… lol) Writer Jimmy Webb himself was on organ and I’m pretty sure it was Al De Lory who arranged those strings. The Wichita Lineman was a powerline worker, and that screaming you hear in the strings was designed to mimic what you hear when you stand underneath a high-load powerline. That sound is what you get when you combine wind with power vibrations. Anyway, Campbell was a session musician for many rock and country acts during mainly the ‘60s, among them The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean and a few others. Booker T and the MGs were the band (and Steve Cropper was the writer) on Redding’s Sittin’ On The Dock, and they were all dear friends of Glen’s so if made it that much easier to get the rights to cover it. And as far as Carol Kaye, that’s her on Stevie Wonder’s I Was Made To Love Her among many, many recognizable others. They really helped shape the sound of the ‘60s, this lot that became known as “The Wrecking Crew “ with Campbell, Kaye, Hal Blaine on drums and several others whose names escape me. I could go on forever here but I’ll just close it out for now by saying that if you start running across Campbell shredding on his own hits, you’ll start to wonder if the man actually invented shredding. Absolutely flawless. Find a stage performance he did with Steve Wariner on Galveston and just watch him let it rip on that bridge. Nah, Glen Campbell can’t be summed up in this short thread. No way in hell.
Mike drop stuff! The finest single ever recorded, no higher praise. We will keep digging! Thanks brother.
Well, it’s my top favorite anyway. Doesn’t mean it’s the best… lol. More Glen Campbell is definitely worth it though. Galveston is actually a Vietnam war protest song, something you wouldn’t expect the average country fan to really embrace but embrace it they (and we) did. Then there’s his version of an old Conway Twitty song called It’s Only Make Believe, there’s Gentle On My Mind, Try A Little Kindness, Where’s The Playground Susie, Country Boy, You Got Your Feet In LA, something I play a lot when my movie industry life kicks in, the ever popular Rhinestone Cowboy, and then there’s an early hit of his that goes back to 1966 I think, before he got together with Webb, called Guess I’m Dumb. It was written by Brian Wilson and you can really hear the Wilson Brothers, Mike Love and Al Jardine back there behind him being Beach Boys.
How could you forget "By the time I get to Phoenix"?
Just too many to think of. I also figured enough of the others would mention it… (nah, that’s just an excuse.). Hahaha 😝
Just too many to think of. I also figured enough of the others would mention it… (nah, that’s just an excuse.). Hahaha 😝
Believe it or not when this song came out I had just gotten out of my 3 years in the Army, and my first job was Lineman for Southern Bell in Miami Florida. I was constantly being teased about it because of the song, just bad timing I guess. :) The good news was that girls at that time seemed to be intrigued and strangely attracted to guys in that particular profession.
Good stuff!
See comment above! Lol
Thank you for your service and welcome home!
It made guys who did that job seem as romantic as old time cowboys...
It was the poles.
Look up Glen Campbell and Roy Clark play Ghost Riders Riders in the sky. Two of the best guitar pickers together. Great instrumental.
Absolutely right
@@markalumbaugh2756 3rd this recomendation.
That video is my most favorite. I play that at least once a week. Amazing talent that most will never know. Legendary performers.
Check out Glenn's cover of Classical Gas.
Please, let's also give accolades to Jimmy Webb for his outstanding songwriting. On every level, this song is perfectly imagined and actualized. The beautiful melody and chord progression are the perfect container for the excellent lyrics. I was in high school when it came out, just starting my own path of songwriting. I did then, and still do, consider this one of the most brilliant compositions to emerge from 1960s pop music. As for Glen Campbell, he threw his heart into it. That challenging octave leap at the end of the refrain is delivered with technical proficiency and ease, and energized by deep soulfulness. I've heard the song hundreds of times and it still takes my breath away. There are songs that make every songwriter think, "I wish I had written that". This is one of them.
Stella, you are spot on; the chord progression is great, but the fact that the melody never repeats from one line to the next is beyond impressive...
I heard it was one of Bob Dylan's favourites
In his later years, Glen had a most unlikely golf buddy he played with often. It was classic shock-rocker Alice Cooper. There's a great interview floating around with Cooper done after Glen's passing. It's well worth a watch. ;-)
It's a great tribute by Cooper.
@@JoeHaynie_VJ Pat Boone also played golf with A.C.
In the local golf course clubhouse, there’s a quote on the wall from Alice Cooper.
It was a common but profound bond of faith which bound Alice (Vincent) and Glen.
When Wichita Lineman was released, I was a junior high adolescent, and even though I was young, this song struck me so deeply with its longing quality and hauntingly stunning melody. I grew up in NYC but with Wichita Lineman, I could feel and envision the wide expanse of a cold, windy midwestern road, and that lonesome Lineman going about his work. It still takes me to a very special place emotionally, all these years later. I'm a fan of Jimmy Webb's storytelling songwriting and beautiful chord structures.
Cool!🙂👍
Yes, I'm with you. Glen killed it with this recording, but the real artist was the songwriter, Jimmy Webb. Gorgeous chord progression, melody, and lyrics.
I've lived mostly in the south, but when this song came out, I was in junior high in Flushing NY. Whenever I hear it, it takes me back there.
... And I was a Jr. High kid living in small town America with roads that went on for miles and miles. Grew up in a town that was so small it had no stop lights. I'd walk around all day with a transistor radio to my head listening to music just like this, dreaming of a world out there in places like NYC that seemed like Oz to me.
@@markwood5486 from different parts of the country we shared in a common love of music! I know exactly how you feel, as that's how I felt about the world outside my boundaries too...imagination and wonder! Cheers!
Just found your channel. You’re well dressed, well groomed, well spoken and you present the artists with so much respect. You’ve got a new fan!
Thanks. But, not always well dressed or well groomed.
Ditto on his presentation
I was thinking maybe this fellow could pick up where Kevin Samuels left off.
@@DjPjrocReacts911 LoL 🤣 I'm so glad you weren't wearing underwear 🩳 alone on this video 🤣
Glen was such a great singer that his guitar playing seems almost incidental to a lot of people but the fact is, he was one of the best guitar players in the country, possibly the world. He toured with the Beach Boys for a while and he was chosen to play in countless recording sessions by singers both in and out of the country music world. Wichita Lineman was released in 1968 so I was in my third year of college. I purchased this album and one benefit to having an album is that you also get a bunch of great songs that for some reason never make it on the radio so the only way you will ever hear them is if you have purchased the album. One beautiful and poignant song that is on this album but that I have never heard on the radio is "You Better Sit Down, Kids".
I have been watching a lot of videos on YT that show interaction between a baby or little kid and Daddy and I ALWAYS think of how common divorce is in this country now and what a tragedy it is that so many children are separated from the daddy they love because mommy and daddy can't get along. "You Better Sit Down, Kids" is a daddy telling his children that he and their mother are divorcing and he is going away. In the chorus he is giving advice to his children on how they should behave once he is gone and it's like he's rushing to tell them all the things he wants them to know before he leaves so the chorus is sung about twice as fast as the verses. Anyway, that's the way I interpret the reason the chorus is so fast.
My husband had Alzheimer's and he could clearly remember everything that had happened when he was in the Navy, and though he had been retired for about three decades, he thought he was still in. Glen also had Alzheimer's and when he died his memory was pretty well gone but like my husband, he had one area of his life that was crystal clear and that was his music. He could still play the guitar and sing even when that was pretty much all he could do. He was a tremendous talent.
Great stuff! Thank you.
I remember an interview with his daughter. She said that his guitar playing remained excellent even as he declined
@@markalumbaugh2756 I saw that as well. I loved that his children came together to help him continue performing after his Alzheimers diagnosis. It was testament to what a great Father he was to them.
So good on guitar that Eddie Van Halen asked Alice Cooper, Glens good friend to introduce them so he could get some lessons on alternate picking. Glen was one of the best players ever!
Yes. A top notch studio guitarist.
Song came out in 68, I was born in 63. this is one of the first songs I remembered....and heard it all through the 70's, and ALWAYS stopped to listen to it when it came on the radio. And others who commented are right....In the 70's, that wonderful glorious time, when ALL genres of music were played on the radio before they were chopped into pieces and put into different places. Thus, came the start of trying to divide us all, when back then we all loved each other. Let us go back to that and screw the politicians.
100%
One of the greatest pop songs ever written. Gorgeous arrangement. Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell made up one of the finest collaborations of singer and songwriter in modern music history. They did many brilliant songs together.
I heard an interview with Glen where he asked Jimmy Webb for a song for the album he was working on. This was it, but Jimmy mentioned the song lyrics were not complete. He couldn’t work on it as he had other obligations. Glen went into the studio and recorded it anyway. Instead of a third verse, he used a baritone guitar borrowed from bassist Carol Kaye (look up The Wrecking Crew).
Glen could absolutely shred guitar!
Agreed100%
Might I ask you: after listening to this song 200 times consecutively, I’ve concluded that it was perfectly arranged and mixed. Am I wrong? Is not this some brilliant studio work as well? There is so much going on in the background and it all comes together so well.
@@Bmwguy2011 Yes, it is perfectly arranged and produced. Not just a great song, but a great "record," as they used to call them. Perfection in every way.
This song, as well as other iconic recordings by Glen, are part of thousands of people's life soundtrack.
Glen did a fine version of John Hartford's, Gentle on My Mind. Possibly,... the G.O.A.T. of all songs written. By all accounts, he was a fine human being and a great talent.
I've worked with Alzheimer's patients and I hate that effing disease. I'm saddened that he and his family had to endure that. I agree with you, I love Gentle on my Mind.
He also did a great cover of "Pretty Woman ", live!
It's nice to see someone who appreciates John Hartford, especially the genius of Gentle on my mind. On the list as one of the greatest songs ever written.
One of my favorite of Campbell's
An LA country DJ told a funny story about an old lady who kept calling and requesting a song "It's Snowing" by Glen Campbell. DJ looked all over and couldn't figure out what she was talking about. Then one day he was playing Gentle on My Mind and the old lady called and said he was playing "It's Snowing"...the opening lyrics are "It's Knowing" ha ha
Thank you so much for reacting to this great legend. I grew up listening to his music. Glen Campbell was one of the most talented entertainers & guitarist in the world. He had a lot of hits such as "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston", "Rhinestone Cowboy", & "Southern Nights". Sadly he got Alzheimer's later in life. The last song he recorded was "I'm Not Gonna Miss You".
Really need to listen to I'm Not Gonna Miss You. Excellent song. Glen Campbell fading away and still at his best.
easily my favorite male country singer of all time....
Oh, we still play his "Glen Campbell For Christmas" record every year! R.I.P. to such an icon!
To me, "Wichita Lineman" and Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer" have the most beautiful instrumental music of all time.
Glen had a great voice, but he was also a session guitarist. You have to hear him play, it's spectacular
A few years ago, I was listening to an interview, I think on NPR, that talked about Glen Campbell playing for a Frank Sinatra recording. Campbell was so enthralled with Sinatra, that Frank was worried he was gay. 😂
He was an amazing guitarist.
@@joanneharper9090 so 50 years later, Frank had him whacked. Frank doesn’t forget.
Few could match Glenn for pure guitar prowess.
McArthur Park with Boston Pop is incredible. His vocals and guitar instrumental smashed that song.
The live performance on YT of "Gentle On My Mind" really showcases his guitar prowess. My earliest memory of him was when I was a young child hearing him on the radio singing "Rhinestone Cowboy". The nice thing about getting older is slowing down and taking the time to appreciate this music so it's nice to know I'm not the only one.
We are on to something here Mike.
If you are referring to the one where he plays with the Sioux Falls, South Dakota orchestra, then all I have to say is YES!
That was a great rendition. And "Galveston" was absolutely amazing, especially his guitar solo.
Campbell was not just a great singer, he was one of the finest guitarists who ever lived. I hope this gent will look that up, it is worth the time.
Rhinestone Cowboy was my favorite as a kid and my first record I bought with my own money when I was 6-7 years old. 👍
Gentle on my mind is one of my favorites. I listen when I want to take a moment and remember my mom. I will always remember going to the Glenn Campbell museum in Nashville with her. My best friend and I will always miss her.
PJ, this and two others songs were written by the great Jimmy Webb, knowing he wanted Glen to record.
Galveston (a young man leaving for the Vietnam War)
By the time I get to Phoenix
(Lineman - was very young. As with many songs, I would cry when I heard it. Never understood why music made me cry. I now understand…I was a very sad child and melodies would bring on the tears)
And Up, Up And Away by the 5th Dimension.
I was pre-K when Wichita Lineman came out, but Rhinestone Cowboy was one of the first cassettes I ever owned. I liked him acting with John Wayne in True Grit too.
This song reminds me so much of my dad. He was a telephone lineman when this song came out (I was a preschooler). He’s been gone 29 years and I miss him every day
The magic of the songwriting of Jimmy Webb, combined with the wonderful vocals of Glen Campbell takes me back to the late 1960's. I was in the 6th grade, Glen Campbell had a weekly TV show that I never missed, and also had a bit part in the mega hit Western movie called "True Grit", which John Wayne won the Academy award for best male actor. Glen sang the song for the movie "True Grit" as well. As for the song "Wichita Lineman", the lyrics are phenomenal! The line in particular that comes to my mind is, "And I Need You More Than Want You", wow... what great lyrics! Of the Jimmy Webb songs that Glen Campbell did this is my favorite, with "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" a very close second, because it's such a great contemporary ballad! At the time Glen Campbell was also considered a Pop Music Artist as well, and not just Country music. The Jimmy Webb songs that Glen Campbell did, got a huge a amount of air play at that time of AM radio! Let's also not forget Glen Campbell was a master guitar player! As good as the Webb/Campbell songs are, I believe "Gentle On My Mind" is Glen Campbell's BEST song, considered at the time both Pop and Country!
Glen was in True Grit with John Wayne. Had a song on the movie. One of the BEST guitarists EVER
My favorite movie of all time!
Glenn Campbell had success before this song, but he said when he first heard the playback of it in the recording studio, he knew it would be a huge number one hit, and it was. He was known mostly as great guitarist who was extremely popular on other peoples songs in the 60’s, but he became popular himself as a country artist. This song was huge in 1968 because it was one of the first times a country artist had a number one song on the pop charts.
I was taking organ lessons in the early 1970s. When I had to pick a song for a recital in 1973 when I was 10 I picked this song. I remember I had to memorize it and perform it in front of people. I also remember hearing it on the radio and liking it alot. Thanks Doug.
I was 5 yo, when this came out. I grew up listening to Glen Campbell, one of my favorite older country music artists. Such talent!
I do agree with a previous poster...
Mr. Campbell was a top notch guitar picker. Absolutely one of the best in country music and all genres.
he was Really Good at fretting, not just picking. I think only Charlie Parker could have pushed him. He's also an Alzheimer's Hero and guitar playing was the last thing to go
I know this song from it being an AM radio staple. There was such a mix of different music on AM. That's why those of us who listened seem to like a lot of different styles. A lot of those radio hits were massive and Glenn was certainly a cross over star. I never knew he was a country music star until much later in my life.
Ditto! Your experience was my experience!!
Well said Mary! It exposed us to so many artists and genres.
Glen was a monumental star in the 1960s and 1970s whose recordings crossed over frequently on to the pop chart and were huge hits (e.g., "Galveston", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" in the 1960s, "Summer Nights" and "Rhinestone Cowboy" in the 1970s). He was a highly skilled guitarist with an instantly identifiable voice who even performed for a time with the Beach Boys. "Wichita Lineman" is a classic of classics.
I love to hear Glen sing Galveston.
Could you react to Barbara Mandrell, one of the most talented women to Grace a country stage. Her song ‘Crackers’ is one of my favorites.
What makes this and Galveston so great is the orchestra playing and the bass guitar solo. Both those songs are among the greatest music Jimmy Webb ever wrote and Glen ever sang!
I heard this 10 years ago recovering from lung cancer and I felt so much peace and peaceful and I’ve loved this song ever since. Glen is a great artist period.
You okay now right ? 👋
I was probably 10 -12 years old. One of those “first time you hear it I loved it” songs for me. As were many of his songs. Lyrics are wonderful as are melodies. Now at 62, many of his songs make tears appear. Nice presentation.
I believe this to be the finest song ever written. Where was I when I first heard it? I was four years old and playing at the neighbors. My friend's mom had a lovely voice and was singing along with the radio. It was heaven and my life has never been better than that time.
I was in high school when this came out. Glen Campbell is amazing . We had this album and played it all the time. It’s a great album.
Thank you for reacting to this song. I first heard the song when I was a little girl courtesy of an uncle. I've always found a haunting quality to the song. Thanks again!
Yes, Glen was definitely one of the country music greats. And he was definitely not limited to the genre. I think the song was about a man who checked for downed electricity supply lines from natural disasters or other causes.
Loved his songs and also his acting.
My favorite song of his is "By the Time I Get to Phoenix". One good movie, which also starred John Wayne, is "True Grit".
Glenn was a top notch Jazz Man too.
My dad was a lineman (electrical). He spent many, many hours working over-time. Anytime my siblings and I hear this song it’s hits us right in the heart. Anytime it came in the radio while riding in his truck he would turn it up and sing along.
When he sings “and I need you more than want you , and I want you for all time “ my heart sinks, that’s true love
That is a hook line for sure. It always gets me as well. So poignant.
My wife and I had that lyric made into a decorative wall hanging. Etched on glass with a faded barn wood border. It's a deep meaning.
This hit the Top 40 in early 1969, I was in 5th grade at Assumption Catholic School in Houston, TX....we listened to it on KILT-AM 610 Radio...a great time to be growing up in America....AM Radio ruled!!!
To answer your question I wasn’t even born yet 🤣 but Galveston is another great one! And Glenn’s last song he recorded I’m not going to miss you is a real tear jerker. It was about his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
I was nine years old and growing up in LA. My mom and dad were friends with a lot of the musicians who played this track, including Glen Campbell, who played guitar in my living room. Great memories. We didn’t really realize all this music was going to be timeless. Lots of it is timeless because of Jimmy Webb.
Glen was my Mom’s favorite performer and I happily took her to see him play five or six times starting in 1989. The man was a BEAST on the guitar and a consummate entertainer. IMO, this and Galveston are two of the greatest pop/country songs ever recorded. Campbell and Jimmy Webb made true musical magic together.
I was a little girl when this song came out, and my dad was a big Glen Campbell fan. We had this album and it played a lot in our house. I loved "Dreams of an Everyday Housewife" especially. Mr. Campbell had a great variety show, too - he was a great entertainer!
We will do more G C
I was five years old when this song was recorded. But, in our household we grew up listening to greats like Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Elvis Presley, Buck Owens, etc. Although I was young when many of their songs were recorded, they are etched in my mind and I sing along with them effortlessly.
Good stuff.
I was a little girl when I first heard this song. Like all country music songs it told a story, this one about a man working as a lineman and thinking throughout his day about someone very dear to him. Now that I'm (much) older, I appreciate the story differently; I married a mechanic who goes to work every day and comes home to me every night for the last 42 years. This simple song holds a deeper message, Glen's voice takes you right to it.
Lineman is top 100 song of the 20th century. So glad you let the whole song play. Yeah! I see you feel the ending. It's purely heroic. Jimmy Webb was inspired to write this tune when he saw a man up on those tall telephone transmission lines. Suggestion: For the Love of You: Isley Brothers
Check Glenn playing the "WILLIAM TELL OVERTURE "sit back and watch him show off his talent.
This is my favorite song by him. I’ve loved him since I was a kid in the early seventies
Glen Campbell was a multi-talented American treasure. Thanks for giving him a listen.
I was a little kid and I could sing every song on this album because my Dad wore the vinyl out. This has been one of my favorite songs of all time. Annie Lennox (who is a GODDESS) loves this song too. Thanks for giving it a listen. ❤️🎶
Another great reaction! Jimmy Webb is one of the greatest song writers of the 20th century (you should google him) and Glen recorded a lot of his songs. One of the biggest is "Galveston" about a soldier dreaming of being home. Glen's version is very Pop but the original is much more moving. Here is the must watch original by Jimmy Webb "Galveston: A tribute to those who served in Vietnam" th-cam.com/video/UaMf6ydI-YI/w-d-xo.html compared to Glen's Pop version
th-cam.com/video/HhKZLhxFFUY/w-d-xo.html Even Glen said he would rather the original (But Jimmy said he like the money he made from Glen's ;-). You should do a battle of the two!
Thanks for sharing. I have never heard the webb version before. I was well on my way to Vietnam after this song was released. I can remember looking out into the South China Sea during
the middle of the night thinking of "Gavelston." It's a beautiful song be always makes me feel morose.
Glen Campbell suggestions: 'Try a Little Kindness.' 'Sunflower.' His other greatest hit would be 'Rhinestone Cowboy.' most likely.
I still get goosebumps wherever I hear this song. I was 5 years old when it first came out.
Gentle on my mind is another great song! Love what you're doing!
One truly great piece Glen sang was the theme from "The End," one of those goofy Burt Reynolds' films. Paul Williams wrote this very complicated music and lyric composition. Glen effortlessly nails it. Find it on TH-cam. Both the melody and lyrics will stay with you.
The songs that Glen recorded had such complex and complicated lyrics that it's amazing that he still managed to keep performing them for at least a couple of years after getiing stricken with Alzheimer's disease in the 2010s.
A highlight for me was Glen Campbell's supremely melodic 6-string bass solo- it creates a stamp of identity that remains iconic. A certain wistful sadness in the lyric and vocal performance- thanks for presenting your reaction to this wonderful song.
Carol Kaye, go to bass player for The Wrecking Crew, the Capitol Records studio band Glen Campbell was part of, wrote and played the bass intro.
At a guess I was in elementary school, near as I can remember. I love that you credit the songwriter, too, not just the singer. Good information to know. Can't wait to hear Dock of the Bay, I don't remember him doing that on, should be fun to hear! Also, thank you for not doing click bait headlines for these reviews, so refreshing to just see who you are taking a look at this time! Thank you!
Glenn Campbell was a studio musician before he went solo...he was a part of the Wrecking Crew...the LA..sound behind the Beach Boys...but before that he was in Summer Wind by the chairman of the board..Frank Sinatra.
Gentle on My Mind..and Southern NIGHTS..are must hears! great.
Ps...he co starred side by side with John Wayne..True Grit.
I was a child, the song made me sad well before I had the life experience to know the emotional reference. The music makes it all the more haunting.
Thanks for covering this classic.
I have had a “crush” on Glen since I was 4. I vividly remember that and that was over 50 years ago😂 Outstanding musician! 🌻
I grew up to this song and his music. Born in 1969. Love him forever.
Jimmy Webb wrote so many great songs for Glen but, this one just seems to outshine all of the rest…thanks for the review
Cutter & Ms C
Thank you for posting this song. What a talented man Glen was; not only a singer and guitarist, but also a studio musician who played for other legends (Elvis, Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., etc. just to name a few). I am old enough to remeber where I was when many of his songs came out; l remember hearing his songs being played on the radio while getting ready to go to elementary school.
Glen was a member of the Famous "Wrecking Crew" a seldom seen elite group of studio musicians but everyone has heard them and probably doesn't even know it know it. Glen played on darn near anyone who is anyone's albums from Frank Sinatra to Sammy Davis the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean that's just a very small list to be sure. Funny thing is he could never read music and was a highly sought after studio musician. He played all the big bands music and did it better than they could that's why he was on their albums. It's worth the time to watch the movie here on YT called "the wrecking crew" tons of stuff you never knew about the 50s 60s and 70s and about the music men and women who made your favorite albums sound so good. My Dad was a 'Lineman" for So.Cal Edison he came home with this album so excited for us to all hear it on the big Hi-Fi he had. the whole album was outstanding. Dad used to say "God created Linemen so Firefighters would have someone to look up to"
I will watch it.
Was The Wrecking Crew in the recording studios at Mussel Shoals, I think ?
The Wrecking Crew were in LA. The folks in Muscle Shoals were “the Swampers”. They also played on many classic 60’s and 70’s hits, by artists such as Aretha, Wilson Pickett and the Staples Singers.
@@Kevin-uo7nw Thanks for that information. I have watched the fabulous documentary about Mussel Shoals but was mixed up regarding their name.
The Wrecking Crew were a group of about 30 rotating musicians, the nucleus of the Wrecking Crew was storied drummer Hal Blaine, guitarists Glen Campbell and Tommy Tedesco; bassists Carol Kaye and Ray Pohlman; along with Don Randi and Leon Russell on the keyboard. They were originally brought together by Phil Spector. They have played on thousands of songs and hundreds of hits. At one point in the late 60s and 70s, they were the studio musicians playing on 6 straight Album of the Year Grammy award winners.
He was one of the most requested studio guitar players of his day. I think he was even a beach boy for a time. Beautiful voice. Played soo many genres of music. Just a big talent. Its a shame we lost him. Rip glen. F-DW 4/23/22.
We got to have him for a long time though.
I was in the back of my parents car on a trip to Washington DC, and remember my Dad singing along. Honestly, I have never met anyone who does not like/love this song. It may just be the best song ever written.
“The Wichita Lineman is still on the Line.”
As nice a double entendre as there can be. Love it
I was very little and I can't remember where I heard the song but I just loved it. There is something about it that just affects me like no other song. I think the music is the sound of loneliness but I don't really hear sadness. Just a man doing his duty and thinking about home. It's just beautiful.
I remember listening to this song in the backseat of the family car--which had an 8 track tape player. My dad, who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, admired singers like Glen Campbell whose singing seemed so natural and effortless. And I always assumed he was working on electrical lines, not phone lines.
His musicianship is all that much more amazing when you consider he never learned to read music, in spite of working as a backing musician for heavyweights like Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Lou Rawls, the Beach Boys, the Monkees, the list goes on and on. He was part of the legendary group of backup musicians known as The Wrecking Crew. Even people who enjoyed his music didn't really understand what an amazing talent he was.
"Wichita Lineman" was written by Oklahoma's own Mr. Jimmy Webb, who wrote several of Glen Campbell's great hits including "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Still Within the Sound of My Voice".
When Jimmy Webb was writing "Wichita Lineman", the working title was "Shawnee Lineman", after his hometown of Shawnee, Oklahoma. But Wichita flowed better melodically.
I believe "Still Within the Sound of My Voice" is the best song ever recorded. Beautiful writing, production, instruments and of course Glen's haunting voice. Stunning!
@@candacewillis4443 It's definitely a great song. I bought the 45 single back when it came out.
@@JHargis68 I was surprised to see the song mentioned here. I don't think it ever got the radio play or respect that the song deserved. Thanks for bringing it up. You made my day!
@@candacewillis4443 Actually it made it to #5 on the Billboard Country Singles chart.
Glad I could make your day.
He was one of the most requested guitar player for studio musicians. Play guitar on hundreds of hits. Never knew how to read music, played by ear.
I was in elementary school when this record came out. My dad had the album. Yes, the song is about a telephone lineman. Campbell also had a TV show. Steve Martin, who is an excellent banjo player, was often on the program.
I was a little kid when this record came out, but my mom had the album and played it often. My sister had a huge crush on Campbell after seeing him in "True Grit," so when he gave a concert at the fairgrounds in Allentown, PA, my whole family was there.
I,after a lifetime of concert going never saw Glen perform in person,because tho I've always loved this song I didn't fully embrace Country music till very late in life.I must say I envy your experience seeing him perform
To characterize Glen Campbell as merely a country artist misses the bigger point about him. For a while he was a member of the Wrecking Crew, that group of L. A. studio musicians who played on literally hundreds of hit records. Most of Glen’s singles were not just hits on the country chart but were also huge top 40 hits.
Thank you for playing Glen Campbell! So much to explore.! Legendary 🇺🇸🤠🥞
I'm a 49 year old Black man, and that is a fine song
Welcome brother. Good to have you on board
I was 7 yrs old. Coming back to the states from Okinawa. My dad was in the Air Force. Music was a big part of my life. You should look up the Wrecking Crew. He was part of them and was on many records you wouldn't imagine. Galveston is a great song.
Glen Campbell………. A true legend. R.I.P Glen. You brought us all much happiness!
Great reaction, Glen was a guitar ace and a LA studio musician, Jimmy Webb a great songwriter and performer in his own right, came from heartland America and with a story of love, hope, and loneliness, and yearning that struck a common chord and is a beloved America. "Galveston', By the Time I Get to Phoenix, and his live duet with Jerry Reed doing "Southern Nights' is a gas. Thumbs up!
Ahh, yes……. Welcome to the world of the great Glen Campbell. My personal favorite of his is Gentle On My Mind. You should give it a listen. ❤️
I was 9 when this came out. I thought Glenn was so handsome, and I loved all his music. Being so young, I was too young to understand fully what Vietnam was. Now that I know the meaning of Galveston, it makes me cry. God give you rest, Glenn. Your music lives on.
Brings back memories from my childhood. I wish I could go back. Beautiful voice and he smoked on guitar. One of the greats. RIP, Mr. Campbell.
I was a junior in high school and was stunned by the power and beauty of this song, Glen's passionate vocal, and the instrumental arrangement. Jimmy Webb's songwriting reputation was burgeoning and Wichita was another mark of his prowess. Wichita is easily in the top 5 of the best songs of the 60's. Jimmy Webb and Paul Simon are arguably the two best song writers of that era. One final note: Webb cleverly employs metaphor of the Lineman's trial with the love of his life noting the strain and fragility of their relationship ("and if it snows that stretch down south can never stand the strain"). The Lineman's love for her is everywhere such as "I can hear her through the whine." Thank you for showcasing this classic.
Another great artist we have lost....great guitarist too...
I wasnt even alive...but had awsome parents that played alot of music..
One of the major things that was common in older country/folk/R&B music in the 60s and 70s was orchestral back up. This added a richness to the songs that is beyond description.
I was in my car enjoying his song. Wow. Great song. 👍. Made my day. Life is good,, I was thinking. Thanks for the video.
Great artist and song! Such a voice - I was just a kid but I remember my parents having this album. Others have mentioned some of his other hits, my favorites are Rhinestone Cowboy, Galveston, By the Time I get to Phoenix and Dreams of the everyday Housewife. Great music! Glad to see you enjoyed this one, hope you do more of his music.
1968? I was listening to the Beatles. :D I think what I like about Country Music is that it's about real people. People with jobs and families and problems and successes and failures. People like average American Citizens.
One of the best written songs of all time....
Such a hauntingly beautiful song. I was 7 when it came out. And loved it, flash forward I’m 60. And I understand this beautiful love song. By a Dreamer. And that Car Kay on bass, along with the wrecking crew. Ty for sharing this lost gem ❤️
Fun fact: Glen Campbell was a member of the Beach Boys for a short time. Brian Wilson gifted him a song: ‘Guess I’m Dumb’. It’s an incredibly underrated tune which is both one of my favorite Brian Wilson songs and one of my favorite Glen Campbell songs. Glen was so talented.
Carole Kaye iconic bass, Glen's haunting vocals singing Jimmy Webb's lyrics. This song was written for Campbell as a follow up to "Galveston".
Wonderful song. I got to see him live on farewell tour before he died. He was still great. I got to see Ronnie milsap in same venue Smokey mountain rain
When I was growing up, Glen Cambell had a TV show. My mom and I watched it together. Neither of us were interested in country music. My mom grew up in the Bronx, me in Manhattan and Long Island. But, Glen's music and lyrics touched both of us. I had forgotten about that. My mom died years ago. We had our differences. But, remembering listening to Glen Campbell brought back some good memories. Thanks. Always loved this song.
Every male vocalist of the era (except maybe Sinatra) took their own shot at this song---my favorite is by Eddy Arnold, who doesn't hit the lyrics so hard with his voice.
My dad's family was from Joplin, just down the road from Wichita, and most of them were linemen for the local rural electric company. Even as a kid, this song made perfect sense to me. Especially the part where he says "if it snows that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain." This is ice and tornado country and my relatives were constantly getting called in to repair lines after storms.
I don't have any relatives that worked power lines, but for some reason I completely agree that the line, "if it snows that stretch down south won't ever stand the strain" has a special meaning and, of all things, hits me hardest. Maybe it's the responsibility he feels for his job. Maybe how that transfers to his faithfulness in his love for this woman. I don't know. But for me, it remains the most impactful of lines.