RIP Glen Campbell

RIP Glen Campbell. Image by Alan C. Teeple

Legendary country music songwriter Glen Campbell died this Tuesday (8 August) aged 81, following a six year battle with Alzheimer’s

The world of country music is in mourning, after the legendary songwriter Glen Campbell died on Tuesday (8 August) aged 81. Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago and it was this disease which claimed his life.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee 22 April, 1936, Campbell grew up on a farm and was the seventh son of 12 children. Music was his release from a life of manual labour drudgery. It was as a session musician that he first made his mark, before striking out on his own to become one of country music’s most recognisable songwriters.

Campbell has sold over 45 million records worldwide, claimed 12 RIAA gold albums, four platinum albums and one double-platinum album. He was known for a series of global hit singles, with 80 of his songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100 or Billboard Country.

Among his most famous songs were Wichita Lineman, By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Rhinestone Cowboy and Gentle On My Mind. Campbell also hosted the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS between 1969 and 1972.

This June Campbell released Adios, his 64th and final studio album. The record was recorded in Nashville during 2012 and 2013. Three years ago his battle with Alzheimer’s was documented in the James Keach directed film, Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me. Campbell and Julian Raymond (the executive producer) won a Grammy Award for the film.

Campbell leaves an indelible mark on country music, as one of it’s most enduringly popular stars and treasured personalities. His influence was marked in the numerous tributes paid to him, with Peter Frampton tweeting: “Dear Glen Campbell Rest In Peace As well as your incredible musical abilities you were one of the most down to earth ppl I have ever known.”

He is survived by his wife, Kim Campbell, and their three children, Cal, Shannon and Ashley, along with Debby, Kelli, Travis, Kane and Dillon, his children from previous marriages. Our thoughts are with Glen Campbell’s friends, family, and loved ones.

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