Glen Campbell provided a wealth of music, both as a session player and country music performer, that continues to stand the test of time.
One of his most-recognized songs, “Wichita Lineman,” is often pointed to as a classic example of Campbell at his best.
The song itself was written by Campbell’s songwriting collaborator, Jimmy Webb. Webb was inspired to write the song while driving through Oklahoma and seeing lots of telephone poles.
He imagined men working at the top of them all day long. From that point, Webb wrote the words and Campbell recorded it.
“Wichita Lineman” reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard album charts in 1968.
Campbell performs his classic song while making an appearance on CBS’ “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
Meanwhile, Campbell ends up having his own variety show called “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” also on CBS. His show was the summer replacement series for “The Smothers Brothers.”
Glen Campbell Shares Time On New Show With Jerry Reed
Campbell didn’t end his TV career after the show went off the air. Back in 1982, another guitar slinger himself, Jerry Reed, joined Campbell on an episode of “The Glen Campbell Music Show.”
Now Reed had put together a few novelty hits of his own, such as “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot” and “Amos Moses.” Most people recognize Reed from his appearances in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies with Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and Jackie Gleason.
Reed showed up on the show and tore it up with “East Bound and Down,” the movie’s theme song.
Take a look at Reed and Campbell working their six-string guitars in this clip.
The song spent 16 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country Chart and peaked in the No. 2 spot.
Campbell died on Aug. 8, 2017, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Those who love Campbell’s music cling to songs like “Galveston,” “Rhinestone Cowboy,” and, of course, “Wichita Lineman.”
H/T: Country Rebel
