My best friend and soulmate recently passed away from the ravages of pancreatic cancer...I had those words framed and placed by her headstone...till we meet again.
My wife and I married in June of 1967 (still together 57 years later), and in spring of 1968 we bought a cabinet model Fisher Philharmonic combination turntable/ AM FM radio. The music store where we bought this unit was owned by a man whose son I was teaching in ninth grade then. We had saved a lot of money through summer jobs, so we blew $800 cash on the stereo combo! Mr. Kaplan was so shocked that a couple our age (23 & 24) was able to plunk down eight $100 bills for the purchase that he threw in 3 or 4 brand new albums, and later on even invited us to his home for dinner. The Glen Campbell album displayed by Lee I still have, and it plays beautifully on the same stereo all these years gone by. Oh, as I recall, the other records were Herb Alpert and the Tiajuana Brass, the newest one out by Cream and a Dionne Warwick 33rpm vinyl. Btw, I'll turn 79 this year and my wife 80, and all of this seems like yesterday.
I was born in 1961 and my parents had a lot of music including one of my mother’s favorite Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass album “whipped cream and other delights”. I clearly remember the album cover as well as the music! You are 2 years older than my brother.😊
Great story and although I’m about 10 years younger than you I can relate to that time and that music and how it must have sounded on that stereo cabinet you and your wife bought. You were definitely ahead of your time.
You have to see this man play guitar. He was the premier session guitar player for years, before becoming a big act on his own. His songs are lovely, and monster hits, but mello . In concert he would show off. He shreds like you wouldn't believe
The Glen Campbell Good Time Hour! Replaced the Smothers Brothers variety show IIRC. With Glen at what, 8 PM and Johnny Cash at 9, it was joked that crime in Arkansas fell dramatically on Wed nights because everyone had to be indoors watching TV!
Little known fact. Glenn Campbell toured with The Beach Boys in 1966 when Brian Wilson was on his touring hiatus. Glenn not only had an amazing voice. He also was one heck of a great guitarist. This song is such a classic and the arrangement is outstanding.
Comment from another video of this song: "My Dad was a lineman in the Midwest for 35 years. He walked in 5 minutes late to work one morning and his boss asked him why he was late. He explained that Wichita Lineman came on the radio as he was pulling in. The whole crew nodded approvingly and his boss said it was an acceptable excuse.
Get ready for everyone to tell you “I need you more than want you… and I want you for all time” is the greatest love lyric of all time… And they may be right…
Jimmy Webb, what an incredible songwriter. Glen, one of the great guitarist ever, borrowed Bassist and Wrecking Crew member Carole Kay's guitar for the solo.
very nice...not many know that...even though Kaye came up with the opening bass lick.....he wrote it for Glen as a followup to By the Time I Get to Phoenix....and is another about his muse...Susie Horton....
Not every day, but there are days and moods when I will insist that this is literally the perfect song... the greatest 3 minutes in recorded music. And I'm NOT a country music fan.
Short, but sweet. Glenn was a Country artist, but this is not really a Country song. It was more of a contemporary ballad. You should watch the movie, “I’ll Be Me,” concerning his struggle with, and eventual demise from, the insidious progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s both heart-breaking and uplifting, and demonstrates both his talent, his good-natured way, and the devotion of his family, friends, and fans, whom surrounded him.
The line you repeated kills me every time I hear it. “And I need you more than want you, and I’ll want you for all time”. I recently went to see Jimmy Webb do a show where he sang his songs and told lots of stories. It was great. You get it, kid.
A Glen Campbell story for you; Back before Glen got sick and his ability to play degraded, Eddie Van Halen approached glens golfing buddy Alice Cooper and asked him if Alice could hook Eddie up with a guitar lesson from Glen Campbell. I saw an interview with Alice where he was talking about Glens ability on the/with a guitar?? This is a Jimmy Webb composition! Jimmy wrote lots of songs that won a Grammy or two or ten back in the day!
Rick Beato has a channel ( a must for music lovers), has an interview with Jimmy Webb about this song, explains that particular part, added post production.
Let's put this song into context... Once upon a time...there was a LARGE amount of truckdrivers that went across country all day and night... more than today. And these truck drivers had a thing in there cab called an 8 track tape player. Truck drivers loved their 8 tracks. And Wichita Lineman touches those guys on a different level... there are lyrics that refer to not seeing your loved one as much as possible...trying to explain how you miss them and love them so much...then, importance of your work... and riding the big roads of the country... I mean... if you're a truckdriver... is there any song that could even come close to beating this? Maybe a few... but not many. Every 8 track player in the late 60's (and most of the 70's and 80's) in America came in contact with the 8 track cassette of Wichita Lineman. In every truck.
I hate to put labels on music but when this came out it was considered more pop than country. It really takes me back to being a 10-year-old kid and hearing this on the radio.
The rabbit hole of Glen Campbell is deep and beautiful. Studio musician, before Solo artist, played on Sinatra albums, then the Wrecking Crew, the studio musicians brought in by Brian Wilson, for Pet Sounds , then co starred with John Wayne in True Grit, then went solo , and dropped top ten hits throughout the 70s. Unbelievable guitarist, singer songwriter, great suggestion, great reaction.
L33, in the music industry, the Wrecking Crew were equivalent to hired "Gunslingers" and Glen was a Crew member before he hit it big. During the 1960s my dad listened to Country and some Rock and my mother Motown, Rock, Pop, Top 40, R&B Soul, and Jazz. We never knew every song we heard on the radio the Wrecking Crew played on the records. You must watch the "Wrecking Crew" Rockumentary. edit: of course not on every song we heard.
Not really country but country artists and fans embraced Glen. Glen Campbell himself was a fan of country. He was also an exceptional and accomplished guitarist - some say the best in the business. Had a bad addiction to cocaine for a period of this life but thankfully he overcame it.
Jimmy Webb also wrote Galveston which Glen Campbell recorded and it’s another Jimmy Webb stand out song. I don’t think of this as a country song either but I’m not much into putting music in boxes. I was on tour in Texas when this came out and I remember hearing it on the tour bus radio and completely blown away by the song and the production. Glen was the real deal. 🕊❤️🎼
Didn't know Country songs could be existential. Glen Campbell was an excellent musician, and one of the first Country stars to break through to the mainstream music market. "Wichita Lineman" and "Rhinestone Cowboy" were huge hits, and led to him getting his own TV show, "The Glen Campbell Good Time Hour", which ran for several years.
Groove Goddess Carol Kayes opening bass lick is a killer. You gotta watch the documentary The Wrecking Crew and be amazed at how many songs they played on.
I don't know how you know about The Wrecking Crew, but it made me so happy! If you've watched the documentary on the crew, you need to hit the Muscle Shoals documentary. "The Swampers" are legendary.
I was shocked to learn that Glen was great friends with Alice Coopers. ( They both became Christians and overcame drug addiction.) But what amazed me was that Alice said all the rock guitarists used to go to Glen to learn stuff from him because his guitar skills were phenomenal.
Yeah, this song by Glenn Campbell delivered this way was what made country palatable for this rocker back then. But those were times when minds were more open. Check out By The Time I Get to Phoenix and Galveston and don’t miss Gentle on My Mind.
This is why I love music from my childhood in the 70’s and records from the 60’s my parents played. Music had intros that allowed these songs to “breathe” and the arrangements of violins, cellos, horns, etc on top of the traditional instruments just carried you away. These are some of the reasons these songs remain timeless. I’m sad that so much of today’s music seems to be so disposable now, but at least we have all these great songs to listen to from the past. It feeds my soul. 🙂
Great story about this song and the instrumental break: Campbell called Webb to ask for another song with a name of place in it (like By The Time I Get To Phoenix) and so Webb eventually sent Wichita Lineman but he said he needed to work on it a bit more. Webb didn't hear back from Campbell so a while later he called and asked if he didn't like cause he never heard from him again. Campbell's reaction was 'Oh, we just recorded it!!" ... and then Webb told him that the song wasn't finished and he wanted to add one more verse. 'Too late', was Campbells reaction, song is coming pretty soon.
I aways get a tear in my eye when I hear this. This came out in 1968 and this was the love of my life and mines song, we were 18. Jimmy Webb is a great song writer and Glen is not only a great singer but his guitar playing will knock you out. Great reaction as usual, Lee!
Power line workers understand this commitment and the sad reality of always being on call to provide the needs of this country and it related in this simple song.
Glen was the only guy in the wrecking crew who didn't read music. He was so good it didn't matter. One of the best guitarists, beautiful voice. I remember watching his tv show when I was a kid. Every song has some hot guitar licks in it.
Glen could play any style, he was amazing on guitar and such a beautiful voice. Of all people Gilbert Gottfried had a great interview with Jimmy Webb in 2017 which is available where you get your podcasts as the saying goes. GGACP celebrates the recent birthday (August 15th) of legendary songwriter and composer Jimmy Webb (“Wichita Lineman,” “Up, Up and Away,” "By the Time I Get to Phoenix'') by revisiting this memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Jimmy shares an entire career’s worth of memories and anecdotes, including meeting Elvis, playing baccarat with Ol’ Blue Eyes, turning down 40K a week to play Las Vegas and and sitting in on a recording session of the Beatles' “White Album.” Also, Jimmy parties with Paul Williams, crosses swords with Harry Nilsson, joins John Lennon on his “lost weekend” and pens megahits for longtime friend and collaborator Glen Campbell. PLUS: Father Guido Sarducci! Gilbert sings again! The Nelson Riddle Orchestra! The musical genius of Johnny Rivers! And Jimmy plays “MacArthur Park” in…MacArthur Park!
Glen Campbell passed me by in my youth, too square too country and it was my loss. I got into him when I read that he did a stint in the Beach Boys on tour. Let's face it Brian Wilson certainly knew better than most of us. Sorry I didn't take you seriously in my early years, so underrated.
Glen Campbell was a member of The Wrecking Crew, and played guitar on dozens of monster hit songs in the 60's, from Frank Sinatra tunes to The Beach Boys and more. What an amazing musician and performer he was. He hit with this song, genius lyrics by Jimmy Webb, magnificent musical track by The Wrecking Crew, and a perfectly beautiful performance by Glen Campbell. Campbell also played that lead guitar section on a six string bass, giving it that special sound. "And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time." One of the best lyrics of all time.
I'm more of a Rock guy at 67 years old, but Glenn Campbell was one hell of a writer and performer. He was a "Beach Boy" for a short time, and also a member of L.A.s famed recording studio musicians "The Wrecking Crew." Glenn was one of the greatest guitarists in the world, Rock, or otherwise, and artists from all different genres knew it. He was a great talent. Unfortunately, Glen passed away a few years ago from Dementia. My mother passed away from the same terrible disease. Thanks for this great song. God Bless all
It's only considered "country" because people insist on stuffing everything into categories, and Glen Campbell was known primarily as a country artist. But it was written by Jimmy Webb, who was a mainstream and eclectic composer, and it topped the pop charts at the time. I was a teen into pop/rock at the time, but I loved this record -- and was surprised when it was my father, not me, who went out and bought the 45. It is simply a beautiful song and arrangement that crossed genre and generational boundaries. It's beauty has actually grown on me, and on many others, over the decades.
Glenn Campbell was probably the first country artist to crossover into the (easy listening) pop music mainstream with his songs "Galveston", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Witchitaw Lineman".
Jimmy Webb recorded this song accompanying himself on piano and it’s absolutely beautiful. Worth checking out if you like the song. From the ‘Ten Easy Pieces’ album.
Worth noting that, just before he started his solo career, Glen Campbell toured with the Beach Boys standing in on bass and vocals for Brian Wilson who no longer wanted to do live work. In other words he was a known reliable talent in more than just country music. This song may not be pure country but apart from his session work Campbell also sat in with The Kentucky Colonels from time to time - and they certainly were.
Glen Campbell was huge back in the 70's. I remember his picture on a box of breakfast cereal, with a 45 rpm single stamped on the box that you could cut out and play.
This is one of those TRULY magical songs. It defies explanation... goosbump inducing chord changes... The Wrecking Crew playing at their best... an orchestral arraingment that is both haunting and ingenius, topped with the perfect vocal. My favorite musician is Zappa...But this song is still pure magic. by the way... some of these musicians are playing on the album Freak Out by the mothers of invention
I’m British, and I don’t normally listen to what you call country music, but this is an old classic that I remember from way back (I was 14 in 1968), and I still like it. I seem to remember a slightly different performance of it; I suppose Glen Campbell must have sung it many times (and it’s been covered by others). You know, there was a time when Eric Clapton got sick of people demanding ‘Layla’ at concerts.
He sold 45 million albums as a solo act, but if you add up all the records he played on as a member of the wrecking crew, it's probably hundreds and hundreds of millions.
Lots of other people back then didn’t consider this song country, either. It made it to number 3 in the Pop Charts when it was released in 1968. Also, I’d like to point out that the late, great Jim Gordon is on drums here. He played with many different artists and on lots of great tracks.
That cool guitar riff that opens the Beach Boys' Surfing USA: that's Glen Campbell! He was part of the L.A. session players known as The Wrecking Crew. Glen had many hits as a solo artist. Check out By The Time I Get to Phoenix, Gentle On My Mind, and Rhinestone Cowboy.
This is a very polished studio recording and Glen's voice is pretty smooth for someone of his emotional-transmission ability. My favourite version is on RUclips as part of a Country Music get-together and he's sat next to Kris Kristofferson, who is in absolute heaven. This live version has more voice-breaks and emotion than the studio version and Glen replaces the bass middle section with his own acoustic guitar solo. If you feel the need for more Glen Campbell, try Galveston live with Steve Wariner (also on RUclips).
delving into glen campbell will lead you to his involvement with 'the wrecking crew'- THE studio session band - and "The Wrecking Crew!" (2008) is an excellent documentary on them.
I learned a lot more about Glen Campbell in the documentary called The Wrecking Crew. Definitely a must watch! A lot of great songs! ❤ Upon hearing the song, I replayed it two more times. The progression you like contains a piano sample I’m familiar with. Very cool. I’d say I finally learned who Glen Campbell really is with this song. Being of The Wrecking Crew, they were so happy to contribute. Amazing song! ❤
Jimmy Webb was one of our greatest songwriters at the time. Glen Campbell one of the best vocalists and better guitarist than 99% of the most famous guitarists. You should check out a video of Glen playing guitar. Unbelievable. It's "pop music." Glen was the first HUGE country-crossover artist. One of the most talented "country" musicians ever. Jimmy and Glen were one of the great "partnerships" in songwriter/singer history. Check out "Still Within the Sound of My Voice" and ""The Moon's a Harsh Mistress" and "Galveston" for more amazing collaborations between them.
the 12 string guitar featured on the song "Any Way the Wind Blows" from the album Freak Out...is Carol Kaye. The drums arre Hal Blaine...and later...this drummer (Jim Gordon) became Zappa's drummer. on Hot Rats and Apostrophe and a short series of live shows. And most of these guys from the wrecking crew are on Lumpy Gravy.
Jim Gordon played pretty much w/ everyone: Traffic, Eric Clapton, John Lennon's, CSN&Y, The Byrds, Joe Cocker, B.B King, Carol King, Gordon Lightfoot, Carpenters, Tom Petty & Heartbreakers, Harry Nilsson, George Harrison, Neil Diamond, Randy Newman, Glenn among others
Jim plays on every track of Glen’s Gentle On My Mind and By The Time I Get To Phoenix albums. Joel Selvin’s new book on Gordon finally reveals how desperately he fought to overcome his mental illness and failed. A heartbreaking story. Jim was truly one of the very best drummers.
Good reaction to "Wichita Lineman". Used to hear on AM/Pop radio in the late '60s. Didn't think of it as country music at all. You referenced Carol Kay and she was part of the 'Wrecking Crew's w Glen Campbell, Leon Russell etal. A real trailblazer, female bassist, w children playing w the boys. The documentary of these musicians, comprising the Wrecking Crew, is essential to get a grasp of Popular music in mid - late '60s. That along w Mussel Shoals are 2 PBS films that opened my eyes, and millions of others, to the magic produced @ both locations. Glen C. also had hits w 'Galveston' + 'Gentle on my Mind's and others.
I have to agree with you man in that this is not country - more easy listening - but very good. Glen Campbell was quite the amazing guitar player. You should hear him play Beethoven's "William Tell Overture" with a full symphonic orchestra.
Awesome session guitar player, great vocalist, and this song contains the line, “and I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time”, one of the most intense lines ever written. And written of course by Jimmy Webb, one of America’s greatest songsmiths. Genre doesn’t matter in music; if it’s good, it’s good, and this is great.
I've been playing this song for decades and I could just put it on a loop I love it that much, and one more thing I like to add I was so glad that you mentioned the drum at the fade out cause it always gets stomped on when it's played on the radio.
One of the greatest country songs ever by Glen Campbell R I P) you should check out more--"Gentle on my mind" "By the time I get to Phoenix" "Dreams of the everyday housewife" and "Galveston". Glen Campbell was the first autograph I ever got-- in a cafe in San Antonio Texas at breakfast--he was sitting at the booth just across from us !!
The hook of this song initially for me is the “telegraph” rhythm just after the “is still on the line.” But the whole song is great and this performance is perfect.
Glen Campbell was a member of The Wrecking Crew so was comfortable with the session players , Jimmy Webb was a great song writer and I have always thought that the line “ I need you more than want you and I want you for all time “ is genius .
As a musician I have always said about this song, the chord changes are absolutely beautiful. Jimmy Webb hit the spot here. I know Glen was a Country musician but he did forays into non country songs and I think I'd consider this one of those forays... not exactly Country.
So glad you covered this and appreciate all types of music that we listened to on the radio. The next song after this song could have been Motown or rock or Reggie. We got it all. ❤😊
A song written by Jimmy Webb for Glen Campbell. He told them it was unfinished, but under pressure from Campbell's people he sent the first 2 verses only. During the recording Campbell took Carol Kaye's 6 string bass and played the short instrumental break, then repeated the last couple of lines to finish the song. The live version that Campbell used to do was without the strings, and a few vocal and guitar flourishes were added to fill out the song. Bob Dylan said it was the best song ever written.
It's no surprise that the musical brilliance we saw in "PET SOUNDS" by the BEACH BOYS was all over this as the Glen was part of the Wrecking Crew who made so many great songs. The song is absolutely fantastic and a timeless classic that sounds as fresh today as the day it was first recorded.
You're right Lee, I don't call it country either. It's just phenomenally good and not to be categorized. Check out "By the time I get to Phoenix". There's a great live version I've seen on you tube.
"And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time". One of the most beautiful lyrics ever
I agree - never fails to bring a tear to my eye.
Absolutely. Gets me every time.
Absolutely.
My best friend and soulmate recently passed away from the ravages of pancreatic cancer...I had those words framed and placed by her headstone...till we meet again.
My wife and I married in June of 1967 (still together 57 years later), and in spring of 1968 we bought a cabinet model Fisher Philharmonic combination turntable/ AM FM radio. The music store where we bought this unit was owned by a man whose son I was teaching in ninth grade then. We had saved a lot of money through summer jobs, so we blew $800 cash on the stereo combo! Mr. Kaplan was so shocked that a couple our age (23 & 24) was able to plunk down eight $100 bills for the purchase that he threw in 3 or 4 brand new albums, and later on even invited us to his home for dinner. The Glen Campbell album displayed by Lee I still have, and it plays beautifully on the same stereo all these years gone by. Oh, as I recall, the other records were Herb Alpert and the Tiajuana Brass, the newest one out by Cream and a Dionne Warwick 33rpm vinyl. Btw, I'll turn 79 this year and my wife 80, and all of this seems like yesterday.
Clearly you are a major dude. Keep on keeping on.
I was born in 1961 and my parents had a lot of music including one of my mother’s favorite Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass album “whipped cream and other delights”. I clearly remember the album cover as well as the music! You are 2 years older than my brother.😊
Great story and although I’m about 10 years younger than you I can relate to that time and that music and how it must have sounded on that stereo cabinet you and your wife bought. You were definitely ahead of your time.
it's curious that the guy threw in the Cream record... that was quite a jump from Glen Campbell.
I can relate with my wifes & my 50th. this August . I thought growing old would take longer !
You have to see this man play guitar. He was the premier session guitar player for years, before becoming a big act on his own. His songs are lovely, and monster hits, but mello . In concert he would show off. He shreds like you wouldn't believe
Who remembers Glenn's Saturday night TV show?
The Glen Campbell Good Time Hour! Replaced the Smothers Brothers variety show IIRC. With Glen at what, 8 PM and Johnny Cash at 9, it was joked that crime in Arkansas fell dramatically on Wed nights because everyone had to be indoors watching TV!
I sure do!!
Little known fact. Glenn Campbell toured with The Beach Boys in 1966 when Brian Wilson was on his touring hiatus. Glenn not only had an amazing voice. He also was one heck of a great guitarist. This song is such a classic and the arrangement is outstanding.
Comment from another video of this song:
"My Dad was a lineman in the Midwest for 35 years.
He walked in 5 minutes late to work one morning and his boss asked him why he was late.
He explained that Wichita Lineman came on the radio as he was pulling in.
The whole crew nodded approvingly and his boss said it was an acceptable excuse.
Don’t let the mellowness fool you. Glen was part of the Wrecking Crew and played on some of the great classic tunes.
Oh but the lyrics
This song rocked! I was honestly not expecting to like it that much but turned out to be my favorite song of the night almost 😌 😂
Get ready for everyone to tell you “I need you more than want you… and I want you for all time” is the greatest love lyric of all time…
And they may be right…
Absolutely @@MJ1
Jimmy Webb, what an incredible songwriter. Glen, one of the great guitarist ever, borrowed Bassist and Wrecking Crew member Carole Kay's guitar for the solo.
very nice...not many know that...even though Kaye came up with the opening bass lick.....he wrote it for Glen as a followup to By the Time I Get to Phoenix....and is another about his muse...Susie Horton....
The song perfectly captures the loneliness of his job out in the middle of nowhere. He is trying so hard to deny his need for anyone.
Glen was in Wrecking Crew and played with Beach Boys. Alice Cooper said he was one of the best guitarist he knew.
“By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, “Galveston” amount others….he is gold!
Not every day, but there are days and moods when I will insist that this is literally the perfect song... the greatest 3 minutes in recorded music. And I'm NOT a country music fan.
Well said! Agree!👍
Short, but sweet.
Glenn was a Country artist, but this is not really a Country song. It was more of a contemporary ballad.
You should watch the movie, “I’ll Be Me,” concerning his struggle with, and eventual demise from, the insidious progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s both heart-breaking and uplifting, and demonstrates both his talent, his good-natured way, and the devotion of his family, friends, and fans, whom surrounded him.
Don't forget the song he wrote/sang before he died of alzheimers..I'm Not Gonna Miss You...definitely a 3 kleenexer 💞✌️
One of the best songs ever written.
A country Masterpiece and Showcase of Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb!! ❤
"By the time I get to Phenoix is a must listen for Glenn
Probably the coolest country song would be "Ode To Billie Joe" by Bobbie Gentry, from 1967. It's southern gothic, and the most mysterious song, ever.
The line you repeated kills me every time I hear it. “And I need you more than want you, and I’ll want you for all time”. I recently went to see Jimmy Webb do a show where he sang his songs and told lots of stories. It was great. You get it, kid.
I saw a video of Billy Joel talking about that line...he says..."My God....he must really NEED HER alot!!"
This song makes me weep every time I hear it. Hauntingly beautiful.
Me too. The arrangement and emotion in the song is transcendental.
A Glen Campbell story for you;
Back before Glen got sick and his ability to play degraded, Eddie Van Halen approached glens golfing buddy Alice Cooper and asked him if Alice could hook Eddie up with a guitar lesson from Glen Campbell.
I saw an interview with Alice where he was talking about Glens ability on the/with a guitar??
This is a Jimmy Webb composition! Jimmy wrote lots of songs that won a Grammy or two or ten back in the day!
I love this haunting song. Especially the line "i need you more than want you, and i want you for all time".
It's not just country🎶 imo. It's not. Just a winner.☮️ RIP G.C.
A perfect song that expresses love and longing in a way very few can.
I like the way that Morse Code was worked into the string arrangement as a nod to the telegraph lines which preceded the telephone lines.
Rick Beato has a channel ( a must for music lovers), has an interview with Jimmy Webb about this song, explains that particular part, added post production.
Glen acted in True Grit oppositie John Wayne. Great movie!
Let's put this song into context...
Once upon a time...there was a LARGE amount of truckdrivers that went across country all day and night... more than today.
And these truck drivers had a thing in there cab called an 8 track tape player. Truck drivers loved their 8 tracks. And Wichita Lineman touches those guys on a different level... there are lyrics that refer to not seeing your loved one as much as possible...trying to explain how you miss them and love them so much...then, importance of your work... and riding the big roads of the country...
I mean... if you're a truckdriver... is there any song that could even come close to beating this?
Maybe a few... but not many.
Every 8 track player in the late 60's (and most of the 70's and 80's) in America came in contact with the 8 track cassette of Wichita Lineman. In every truck.
I hate to put labels on music but when this came out it was considered more pop than country. It really takes me back to being a 10-year-old kid and hearing this on the radio.
For me there are songs that just stand alone. This is one of them
The rabbit hole of Glen Campbell is deep and beautiful. Studio musician, before Solo artist, played on Sinatra albums, then the Wrecking Crew, the studio musicians brought in by Brian Wilson, for Pet Sounds , then co starred with John Wayne in True Grit, then went solo , and dropped top ten hits throughout the 70s. Unbelievable guitarist, singer songwriter, great suggestion, great reaction.
L33, in the music industry, the Wrecking Crew were equivalent to hired "Gunslingers" and Glen was a Crew member before he hit it big. During the 1960s my dad listened to Country and some Rock and my mother Motown, Rock, Pop, Top 40, R&B Soul, and Jazz. We never knew every song we heard on the radio the Wrecking Crew played on the records. You must watch the "Wrecking Crew" Rockumentary. edit: of course not on every song we heard.
Not really country but country artists and fans embraced Glen. Glen Campbell himself was a fan of country. He was also an exceptional and accomplished guitarist - some say the best in the business. Had a bad addiction to cocaine for a period of this life but thankfully he overcame it.
This was a huge hit back in the day. Glen Campbell had many, many hits. And Jimmy Webb was a genius at writing songs.
Jimmy Webb also wrote Galveston which Glen Campbell recorded and it’s another Jimmy Webb stand out song.
I don’t think of this as a country song either but I’m not much into putting music in boxes.
I was on tour in Texas when this came out and I remember hearing it on the tour bus radio and completely blown away by the song and the production.
Glen was the real deal. 🕊❤️🎼
Didn't know Country songs could be existential. Glen Campbell was an excellent musician, and one of the first Country stars to break through to the mainstream music market. "Wichita Lineman" and "Rhinestone Cowboy" were huge hits, and led to him getting his own TV show, "The Glen Campbell Good Time Hour", which ran for several years.
One of the best songs ever recorded.
Groove Goddess Carol Kayes opening bass lick is a killer. You gotta watch the documentary The Wrecking Crew and be amazed at how many songs they played on.
Love that song!
I see why. This was awesome.
His intonations go straight to my heart. I can feel his yearning for his loved one.
Written by Jimmy Webb ❤️
One of the best guitar players, ever
One of my favourite songs...ever.
Those strings have had a hold on me for 56 years (and counting).
I don't know how you know about The Wrecking Crew, but it made me so happy! If you've watched the documentary on the crew, you need to hit the Muscle Shoals documentary. "The Swampers" are legendary.
One of the best songs of all time. The arrangement, lyrics, and Glen's vocal phrasing. Chefs kiss.
I was shocked to learn that Glen was great friends with Alice Coopers. ( They both became Christians and overcame drug addiction.)
But what amazed me was that Alice said all the rock guitarists used to go to Glen to learn stuff from him because his guitar skills were phenomenal.
Genius is genius, no matter what style of music you're talking about. Jimmy Webb was an absolute master songwriter.
Yeah, this song by Glenn Campbell delivered this way was what made country palatable for this rocker back then. But those were times when minds were more open. Check out By The Time I Get to Phoenix and Galveston and don’t miss Gentle on My Mind.
This is why I love music from my childhood in the 70’s and records from the 60’s my parents played. Music had intros that allowed these songs to “breathe” and the arrangements of violins, cellos, horns, etc on top of the traditional instruments just carried you away. These are some of the reasons these songs remain timeless. I’m sad that so much of today’s music seems to be so disposable now, but at least we have all these great songs to listen to from the past. It feeds my soul. 🙂
Great story about this song and the instrumental break: Campbell called Webb to ask for another song with a name of place in it (like By The Time I Get To Phoenix) and so Webb eventually sent Wichita Lineman but he said he needed to work on it a bit more. Webb didn't hear back from Campbell so a while later he called and asked if he didn't like cause he never heard from him again. Campbell's reaction was 'Oh, we just recorded it!!" ... and then Webb told him that the song wasn't finished and he wanted to add one more verse. 'Too late', was Campbells reaction, song is coming pretty soon.
One of the greatest songs of all time
I aways get a tear in my eye when I hear this. This came out in 1968 and this was the love of my life and mines song, we were 18. Jimmy Webb is a great song writer and Glen is not only a great singer but his guitar playing will knock you out. Great reaction as usual, Lee!
Power line workers understand this commitment and the sad reality of always being on call to provide the needs of this country and it related in this simple song.
Easy On My Mind. another classic Campbell cut.
Gentle On My Mind
Glen was the only guy in the wrecking crew who didn't read music. He was so good it didn't matter. One of the best guitarists, beautiful voice. I remember watching his tv show when I was a kid. Every song has some hot guitar licks in it.
Good tune!
Glenn is a monster guitar player
R.I.P. Glen Campbell
One of the great tracks of the pop era.
Jimmy Webb and Glenn Campbell are both stellar talents. Phenomenal writing, singing, playing, and storytelling.
Glen could play any style, he was amazing on guitar and such a beautiful voice.
Of all people Gilbert Gottfried had a great interview with Jimmy Webb in 2017 which is available where you get your podcasts as the saying goes.
GGACP celebrates the recent birthday (August 15th) of legendary songwriter and composer Jimmy Webb (“Wichita Lineman,” “Up, Up and Away,” "By the Time I Get to Phoenix'') by revisiting this memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Jimmy shares an entire career’s worth of memories and anecdotes, including meeting Elvis, playing baccarat with Ol’ Blue Eyes, turning down 40K a week to play Las Vegas and and sitting in on a recording session of the Beatles' “White Album.” Also, Jimmy parties with Paul Williams, crosses swords with Harry Nilsson, joins John Lennon on his “lost weekend” and pens megahits for longtime friend and collaborator Glen Campbell. PLUS: Father Guido Sarducci! Gilbert sings again! The Nelson Riddle Orchestra! The musical genius of Johnny Rivers! And Jimmy plays “MacArthur Park” in…MacArthur Park!
Glen Campbell passed me by in my youth, too square too country and it was my loss. I got into him when I read that he did a stint in the Beach Boys on tour. Let's face it Brian Wilson certainly knew better than most of us. Sorry I didn't take you seriously in my early years, so underrated.
Glen Campbell was a member of The Wrecking Crew, and played guitar on dozens of monster hit songs in the 60's, from Frank Sinatra tunes to The Beach Boys and more. What an amazing musician and performer he was. He hit with this song, genius lyrics by Jimmy Webb, magnificent musical track by The Wrecking Crew, and a perfectly beautiful performance by Glen Campbell. Campbell also played that lead guitar section on a six string bass, giving it that special sound. "And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time." One of the best lyrics of all time.
I'm more of a Rock guy at 67 years old, but Glenn Campbell was one hell of a writer and performer. He was a "Beach Boy" for a short time, and also a member of L.A.s famed recording studio musicians "The Wrecking Crew." Glenn was one of the greatest guitarists in the world, Rock, or otherwise, and artists from all different genres knew it. He was a great talent. Unfortunately, Glen passed away a few years ago from Dementia. My mother passed away from the same terrible disease.
Thanks for this great song.
God Bless all
This song transported me to a place and a time where I got to see my folks again. Thank you.
It's only considered "country" because people insist on stuffing everything into categories, and Glen Campbell was known primarily as a country artist. But it was written by Jimmy Webb, who was a mainstream and eclectic composer, and it topped the pop charts at the time. I was a teen into pop/rock at the time, but I loved this record -- and was surprised when it was my father, not me, who went out and bought the 45. It is simply a beautiful song and arrangement that crossed genre and generational boundaries. It's beauty has actually grown on me, and on many others, over the decades.
Glenn Campbell was probably the first country artist to crossover into the (easy listening) pop music mainstream with his songs "Galveston", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Witchitaw Lineman".
Jimmy Webb recorded this song accompanying himself on piano and it’s absolutely beautiful. Worth checking out if you like the song. From the ‘Ten Easy Pieces’ album.
That whole album is great!
Worth noting that, just before he started his solo career, Glen Campbell toured with the Beach Boys standing in on bass and vocals for Brian Wilson who no longer wanted to do live work. In other words he was a known reliable talent in more than just country music. This song may not be pure country but apart from his session work Campbell also sat in with The Kentucky Colonels from time to time - and they certainly were.
Glen Campbell was huge back in the 70's. I remember his picture on a box of breakfast cereal, with a 45 rpm single stamped on the box that you could cut out and play.
Jimmy Webb lives on Long Island and also wrote "MacArthur Park" sung by Richard Harris. The song is CRAZY and worth a listen.
Beautiful song by a very talented musician.A voice of velvet in his younger days.
This is one of those TRULY magical songs. It defies explanation... goosbump inducing chord changes... The Wrecking Crew playing at their best... an orchestral arraingment that is both haunting and ingenius, topped with the perfect vocal.
My favorite musician is Zappa...But this song is still pure magic.
by the way... some of these musicians are playing on the album Freak Out by the mothers of invention
An absolute masterpiece by Jimmy Webb and recorded by Glen and the legendary Wrecking Crew!
Always liked this song
I’m British, and I don’t normally listen to what you call country music, but this is an old classic that I remember from way back (I was 14 in 1968), and I still like it. I seem to remember a slightly different performance of it; I suppose Glen Campbell must have sung it many times (and it’s been covered by others). You know, there was a time when Eric Clapton got sick of people demanding ‘Layla’ at concerts.
He sold 45 million albums as a solo act, but if you add up all the records he played on as a member of the wrecking crew, it's probably hundreds and hundreds of millions.
Lots of other people back then didn’t consider this song country, either.
It made it to number 3 in the Pop Charts when it was released in 1968.
Also, I’d like to point out that the late, great Jim Gordon is on drums here.
He played with many different artists and on lots of great tracks.
That cool guitar riff that opens the Beach Boys' Surfing USA: that's Glen Campbell! He was part of the L.A. session players known as The Wrecking Crew.
Glen had many hits as a solo artist. Check out By The Time I Get to Phoenix, Gentle On My Mind, and Rhinestone Cowboy.
I received a copy of this album as a birthday or Christmas gift when I was 10 or 11 years old. Glen Campbell fan from then on.
This is a very polished studio recording and Glen's voice is pretty smooth for someone of his emotional-transmission ability. My favourite version is on RUclips as part of a Country Music get-together and he's sat next to Kris Kristofferson, who is in absolute heaven. This live version has more voice-breaks and emotion than the studio version and Glen replaces the bass middle section with his own acoustic guitar solo.
If you feel the need for more Glen Campbell, try Galveston live with Steve Wariner (also on RUclips).
I'm sorry for the loss of your father. May he rest in peace. Bless you
delving into glen campbell will lead you to his involvement with 'the wrecking crew'- THE studio session band - and "The Wrecking Crew!" (2008) is an excellent documentary on them.
Gorgeous. Glen never made a bad song and was a badass guitarist too.
Glen was a national treasure..May he RIP.
NExt up “By the time I get to Phoenix
I learned a lot more about Glen Campbell in the documentary called The Wrecking Crew. Definitely a must watch! A lot of great songs! ❤
Upon hearing the song, I replayed it two more times. The progression you like contains a piano sample I’m familiar with. Very cool. I’d say I finally learned who Glen Campbell really is with this song. Being of The Wrecking Crew, they were so happy to contribute. Amazing song! ❤
Jimmy Webb was one of our greatest songwriters at the time. Glen Campbell one of the best vocalists and better guitarist than 99% of the most famous guitarists. You should check out a video of Glen playing guitar. Unbelievable. It's "pop music." Glen was the first HUGE country-crossover artist. One of the most talented "country" musicians ever. Jimmy and Glen were one of the great "partnerships" in songwriter/singer history. Check out "Still Within the Sound of My Voice" and ""The Moon's a Harsh Mistress" and "Galveston" for more amazing collaborations between them.
the 12 string guitar featured on the song "Any Way the Wind Blows" from the album Freak Out...is Carol Kaye. The drums arre Hal Blaine...and later...this drummer (Jim Gordon) became Zappa's drummer. on Hot Rats and Apostrophe and a short series of live shows. And most of these guys from the wrecking crew are on Lumpy Gravy.
The song Galveston, about a soldier far from home, is as haunting a story is this one. I think you'd really like that one too.
Jim Gordon played pretty much w/ everyone: Traffic, Eric Clapton, John Lennon's, CSN&Y, The Byrds, Joe Cocker, B.B King, Carol King, Gordon Lightfoot, Carpenters, Tom Petty & Heartbreakers, Harry Nilsson, George Harrison, Neil Diamond, Randy Newman, Glenn among others
Jim plays on every track of Glen’s Gentle On My Mind and By The Time I Get To Phoenix albums. Joel Selvin’s new book on Gordon finally reveals how desperately he fought to overcome his mental illness and failed. A heartbreaking story. Jim was truly one of the very best drummers.
Good reaction to "Wichita Lineman". Used to hear on AM/Pop radio in the late '60s. Didn't think of it as country music at all. You referenced Carol Kay and she was part of the 'Wrecking Crew's w Glen Campbell, Leon Russell etal. A real trailblazer, female bassist, w children playing w the boys. The documentary of these musicians, comprising the Wrecking Crew, is essential to get a grasp of Popular music in mid - late '60s. That along w Mussel Shoals are 2 PBS films that opened my eyes, and millions of others, to the magic produced @ both locations. Glen C. also had hits w 'Galveston' + 'Gentle on my Mind's and others.
Probably the best song of the 1960's featuring Al De Lory's genius orchestral arrangement! This is Jimmy Webb at his best. And Glenn's signature tune.
I have to agree with you man in that this is not country - more easy listening - but very good. Glen Campbell was quite the amazing guitar player. You should hear him play Beethoven's "William Tell Overture" with a full symphonic orchestra.
Awesome session guitar player, great vocalist, and this song contains the line, “and I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time”, one of the most intense lines ever written. And written of course by Jimmy Webb, one of America’s greatest songsmiths. Genre doesn’t matter in music; if it’s good, it’s good, and this is great.
Phenomenal tune, a beautiful ballad. I looked at this as being a ballad more than anything.
I've been playing this song for decades and I could just put it on a loop I love it that much, and one more thing I like to add I was so glad that you mentioned the drum at the fade out cause it always gets stomped on when it's played on the radio.
One of the greatest country songs ever by Glen Campbell R I P) you should check out more--"Gentle on my mind" "By the time I get to Phoenix" "Dreams of the everyday housewife" and "Galveston". Glen Campbell was the first autograph I ever got-- in a cafe in San Antonio Texas at breakfast--he was sitting at the booth just across from us !!
The hook of this song initially for me is the “telegraph” rhythm just after the “is still on the line.” But the whole song is great and this performance is perfect.
a documentary about the wrecking crew is amazing
Glen played with Wrecking crew, and even on Beach boys stuff filling in for absent members!
Extremely talented, Singer and country Guitarist!
Glen Campbell was a member of The Wrecking Crew so was comfortable with the session players , Jimmy Webb was a great song writer and I have always thought that the line “ I need you more than want you and I want you for all time “ is genius .
As a musician I have always said about this song, the chord changes are absolutely beautiful. Jimmy Webb hit the spot here. I know Glen was a Country musician but he did forays into non country songs and I think I'd consider this one of those forays... not exactly Country.
So glad you covered this and appreciate all types of music that we listened to on the radio. The next song after this song could have been Motown or rock or Reggie. We got it all. ❤😊
this is POP not so much country. Glen is smart and Talented and good lookin the Trifecta.
Thank you for pointing this out. Jimmy Webb was one of the architects of modern orchestral pop music and Glen played every genre imaginable.
A song written by Jimmy Webb for Glen Campbell. He told them it was unfinished, but under pressure from Campbell's people he sent the first 2 verses only. During the recording Campbell took Carol Kaye's 6 string bass and played the short instrumental break, then repeated the last couple of lines to finish the song. The live version that Campbell used to do was without the strings, and a few vocal and guitar flourishes were added to fill out the song.
Bob Dylan said it was the best song ever written.
It's no surprise that the musical brilliance we saw in "PET SOUNDS" by the BEACH BOYS was all over this as the Glen was part of the Wrecking Crew who made so many great songs. The song is absolutely fantastic and a timeless classic that sounds as fresh today as the day it was first recorded.
You're right Lee, I don't call it country either. It's just phenomenally good and not to be categorized. Check out "By the time I get to Phoenix". There's a great live version I've seen on you tube.