Glen Campbell was an American singer, songwriter, and musician whose smooth voice and guitar prowess earned him fame as both a solo artist and a session musician. Known for his crossover appeal in country and pop music, Campbell recorded a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s. His affable personality and musical talent also made him a television star. Over his career, Campbell released numerous successful albums and became one of the most beloved figures in American music.
1960s: Works as a session musician in Los Angeles, playing with the renowned group of studio musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew," contributing to recordings by Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and others.
1967: Releases Gentle on My Mind, which becomes a major hit and helps establish him as a solo artist. The song earns multiple Grammy Awards and becomes a country music standard.
1968: Releases By the Time I Get to Phoenix, which becomes one of his signature songs. The song’s success cements his reputation as a crossover artist.
1969: Stars in The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, a variety show that runs until 1972, showcasing his charisma and expanding his fan base.
1975: Releases "Rhinestone Cowboy," which becomes his biggest hit and one of the defining songs of his career, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1977: Releases "Southern Nights," a cover of Allen Toussaint’s song that becomes another chart-topping hit and showcases his versatility.
2008: Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which he publicly reveals in 2011, raising awareness about the illness.
2014: Releases his final studio album, Adiós, recorded after his diagnosis, as a farewell to his fans.
Known for his work as a member of "The Wrecking Crew," playing on recordings for The Beach Boys, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley.
Collaborated with songwriters like Jimmy Webb, who wrote several of Campbell’s hits, including "Wichita Lineman" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix."
Worked with artists across genres, showcasing his adaptability and appeal in both country and pop music.
1967: Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary Male Solo Vocal Performance for Gentle on My Mind
1968: Album of the Year for By the Time I Get to Phoenix
2012: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
1970s: His relationships and personal struggles, including his highly publicized relationship with singer Tanya Tucker, make headlines, impacting his public image.
2011: Publicly reveals his Alzheimer’s diagnosis and embarks on a farewell tour, documented in the film Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me, which raises awareness about Alzheimer’s and receives critical acclaim.
2017: Passes away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, leaving a legacy as one of the most celebrated artists in country and pop music.