Glen Campbell

From ArticleWorld

Glen Campbell is an American country music singer. He also hosted a television show in the 1970’s. Campbell was born into a family of twelve on April 22, 1936 in Delight, Arkansas. He began playing the guitar at a young age but never learned to read music. In his late teens, Campbell toured the south with the "Western Wranglers" then moved to Los Angeles in 1958 to become a session musician. He played alongside artists like The Beach Boys, Merle Haggard, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and The Mamas & The Papas.

Campbell biggest hits were released in the late 1960’s. Some of these include "Wichita Lineman" and "Galveston". Campbell began his career in television after hosting as a replacement for the Smothers Brothers. The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour ran from 1969 until 1972. He also appeared in films in the early 1970’s, such as ‘’True Grit’’ with John Wayne and ‘’Norwood’’. He brought more big hits to the country music scene in the mid 1970’s with "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights."

By the mid 1980’s Campbell was having trouble releasing anything that made country charts and he began taking drugs. However, he got off of drugs and made a comeback in the late 80’s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Glen Campbell will be forever remembered as one of the best guitarists in country music. His music and style has inspired many of todays guitarists, including Steve Wariner and Keith Urban. His extreme success of having hits on both country and pop charts also helped artists like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton do the same. He was a pioneer as a singer making it in Hollywood and paved the way for many other country music singers to do the same.