On August 8, 2017, the music industry lost a legend. Glen Campbell, the Rhinestone Cowboy, passed away. He was 81 years old. From his web site:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and legendary singer and guitarist, Glen Travis Campbell, at the age of 81, following his long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease,” a statement on his website, GlenCampbell.com, said.
Glen Travis Campbell was born on April 22, 1936 in Billstown, Arkansas. He was the seventh of twelve children. He began to play the guitar when he was young. He credits his uncle for teaching him to play the guitar. 
Glen went to California in the early 1960s to become a session musician. During 1964 and 1965, He toured with the Beach Boys. In 1966, Glen toured with Ricky Nelson. In 1967, Glen hit success with the songs Gentle on my mind,, By the time I get to Phoenix, I want to live and Wichita Lineman. In 1968, Glen won 4 Grammy Awards for Gentle on my mind and By the time I get to Phoenix.
In 1969, Glen starred with John Wayne in the western classic True Grit. Glen also sang the main theme for the movie. He continued cutting records, in which Galveston was released and became one of his hits. The song Wichita Lineman was picked as one of the ‘20th Century’s Greatest Songs’ by Mojo magazine as well as by Blender.
Glen has his own television show from 1969 to 1972. It was called the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour. It was aired on CBS. Each week, Glen had different guest on the show where comedy sketches and music were performed.
The mid 1970s were good to Glen as far as his music. He recorded Rhinestone Cowboy 
as well as Southern Nights. Rhinestone Cowboy was Glen’s largest selling song. It initially sold over 2 million copies. Southern Nights crossed over to the Pop-Rock Charts. In 1990, He starred with Clint Eastwood in the movie Any Which Way You Can. He also wrote and performed the theme song for the movie.
Glen was ranked #29 of the 40 Greatest Men in Country Music by CMT. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Glen was in a relationship with Tanya Tucker, who was younger than him. They did record several songs together. However, they were also the topic of many articles in the tabloids.
Glen had battled drug and alcohol addiction for several years. He was arrested for Driving under the Influence as well as leaving the scene of an accident in 2003. He spent 10 days in jail for these Charges.
Glen was diagnosed with Alzheimer ’s disease in 2011. Sadly, Glen Campbell passed away from the disease on August 8th, 2017. He was 81 years old. He will be missed.
Rhinestone Cowboy
I’ve been walkin’ these streets so long
Singin’ the same old song
I know every crack in these dirty sidewalks of Broadway
Where hustle’s the name of the game
And nice guys get washed away like the snow and the rain
There’s been a load of compromisin’
On the road to my horizon
But I’m gonna be where the lights are shinin’ on me
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Getting cards and letters from people I don’t even know
And offers comin’ over the phone
Well, I really don’t mind the rain
And a smile can hide all the pain
But you’re down when you’re ridin’ the train that’s takin’ the long way
And I dream of the things I’ll do
With a subway token and a dollar tucked inside my shoe
There’ll be a load of compromisin’
On the road to my horizon
But I’m gonna be where the lights are shinin’ on me
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo
Rhinestone cowboy
Gettin’ cards and letters from people I don’t even know
And offers comin’ over the phone
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo
Bobby Inman is retired from Law Enforcement after 21 years of Service. He owns Hammer Down Gun & Pawn located in Sheffield, Alabama. He has articles published in Law & Order Magazine, Police Marksman Magazine, Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement Magazine as well as several published ebooks on Amazon, Kobo Writing, as well as Nook (Barnes & Noble). He is owner of Poopiedog, an Animal Rescue Dachshund, who is his constant companion. He is a Correspondent for the Quad Cities Daily.
