He Sang Of Galveston
Looking back, the 60’s were weird, man. Nothing made sense...I mean, it all worked so perfectly...I mean, I guess. Well, you know what I’m saying.
Consider the pop charts, defined in retrospect by the great divide; before and after the English invasion. Other currents swelled throughout the 60‘s though. Vaudeville, for example. That’s right, if this kitsch genre of musical theater had been properly exterminated Tiny Tim’s version of “Tip Toe Through The Tulips,” written in 1929 by Al Dubin and Joe Burke would never have climbed the charts in 1968. And who recorded “Winchester Cathedral” in 1966? Oh yes, the New Vaudeville Band. This outstandingly lame recording actually won the 1967 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary (R&R) Recording. Like I said, them’s was weird days.
Did you hear that Glen Campbell is about to release a new CD? See You There features Campbell revisiting a number of his old hits under the guidance of producer Julian Raymond. Campbell and his family have been candid about the 77 year old’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. The affliction has finally left him unable to tour, but his voice is in remarkably good shape. Follow this link and judge for yourself.
Glen Campbell grew up in a small Arkansas town, and the redneck cracker mindset sat at the heart of his public personality. He famously said, during the Vietnam War, that young men who burned their draft cards should be “hung.” Campbell’s artistry however, was far more complex.
Although a southern twang threaded through his feathery tenor, Campbell was no imitator. He developed a vocal style that melded country, pop and theatrical influences, marinated in melancholy. The result was a beautiful sound, delivered by a bright face and shining personality who brought a variety of colors to the material he selected. Consider “Where’s The Playground Susie,” “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” and “Wichita Lineman,” all written by Jimmy Webb. And let’s not forget “Galveston,” yet another hit for the pensive scribe and the chief exponent of his work. Ok, you’re right; “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Campbell’s best selling single, is way over the top.
Campbell wasn’t the only singer who combined elements of country, pop and schmaltz. Remember “Honey I Miss You,” as delivered by the mesmerizing Bobby Goldsboro? Or the more gifted singer/songwriter Mac Davis? If you had to pick a champ of this crossover class it would probably be John Denver, the silver throated songwriter who died tragically when the experimental plane he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 1997.
Glen Campbell picked a mean guitar. Maybe he didn’t possess a plethora of original ideas, but he sure could handle the plectrum. His prowess as a studio musician and singer gained Campbell a quick entrance into the upper echelons of studio musicians when he came to Los Angeles in the early 1960’s. He also spent a fair amount of time filling in for Brian Wilson as a touring member of the Beach Boys when madness began to descend on the boy genius.
Along the way Campbell hosted his own television show (The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour) appeared in films with John Wayne (True Grit) and the noted thespian Joe Namath (Norwood) and made millions of bucks.
And he’s still at it. Here’s to you, Glenn Campbell. Good luck with See You There.
9/2/2013
