In 1952, a teenage boy joined his uncle’s band. The world was a very different place then – Elvis still reigned as the King of rock ‘n roll and television was revolutionizing suburban entertainment. That teenage boy was Glen Campbell, and now, in his 70s, he has had one of the longest and most successful careers in country music history. He has sold 45 million albums, starred in his own TV show and played alongside the likes of the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and yes, Elvis (and not the Las Vegas impersonation variety).
In many ways, Glen Campbell was a product of his era. In 1960, with television and the movies changing the way people consumed music, he left the small city of Albuquerque for the bright lights of Hollywood, where he made his name as a session musician before catching his big break – on television.
‘Television was an elevator to the top floor for me. I had a lot of exposure early in my career, but until my TV shows, I was just another singer. When your face is in front of millions of viewers each night, your career really gets a boost. Of course, riding on a horse next to John Wayne didn’t hurt! I miss the Duke, he was another bigger than life guy I’ve had the pleasure to know.’
Television may have placed Glen Campbell alongside John Wayne and under the spotlight, but it has been his dedication to a simple musical formula of ‘good songs and Jimmy Webb’ that his given him longevity. And indeed, through the psychedelic 60s, the disco 70s, the new wave 80s, the grunge rock 90s and the pop-obsessed new millennium, Glen Campbell still knows a good song when he hears it.
‘These ears may be old, but they know how to pick a good song. Like I said earlier, you must have a great song to begin with; you’re wasting your time if you keep trying to polish up a mediocre song.’
In today’s world of mainstream, pop-fused country music, Glen Campbell continues to find success by hailing back to country’s roots and legends.
‘It seems that some folks in country music have gotten away from their roots. The production values have become too polished in some cases and country seems to have lost its way. Go listen to an old Hank Williams recording, that’s true country; that flavor of the working class is missing in much of today’s country.’
The man has ridden a horse next to John Wayne, shared a studio with Elvis and long after both men’s eras has passed, country music legend Glen Campbell is still touring the world. On February 1st and 2nd, he will perform with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in a very special show at the Burswood Theatre. Tickets are $99-120 and can be purchased through Ticketek (132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au).
