Glen Campbell Was More Than a Star

Glen Campbell finally lost his seven-year battle to Alzheimer’s this past week at the age of 81. You’ve heard stars from all music genres and walks of life pay homage to Glen. Here are a few things about our Rhinestone Cowboy you may not have known.

Glen Once moved to Los Angeles at a young age, joining the band The Champs who hit the charts with an instrumental called “Tequila.” He later became one of the most highly sought after session guitarist, becoming a member of the studio musicians known as ‘The Wrecking Crew.’

Most people know that in 1965 when Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys suffered from depression and an acute anxiety disorder, Glen filled in during live concert performances with bass and harmonies. What you may not know is that he’s all over the richly celebrated ‘Pet Sounds’ LP.

How accomplished was Glen at guitar? He played rhythm guitar on Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” and ‘Viva Las Vegas,’ the Elvis movie soundtrack.

Glen was no stranger to Hollywood as John Wayne chose Glen to star in the 1969 movie “True Grit.” Glen was honored with a Golden Globe award and nominated for an Oscar for the film’s title song.

Glen earned a Grammy in the country music category for the last song he ever recorded and released call “I’m Not Gonna Miss You.”

Glen leaves behind three ex-wives and Kimberly Woollen, whom he married in 1982 yet remained by his side till his death this week. Glen was also the father of 8 grown adult children.