I’m sure many of you, like me, were very sad to hear of the death of Country music legend and singer, guitarist, songwriter, television host, and actor Glen Campbell on 8 August 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 81.
Campbell had a huge impact on me growing up as my dad was a great fan and if it wasn’t Glen playing on the radiogram it was Tom Jones! I’ve always loved Glen’s music and his musicianship.
Campbell released more than 70 studio albums and sold 45 million records worldwide. It’s said that in one year he played on 600 recordings as part of the famous ‘Wrecking Crew’ – that’s a lifetime body of work for most musicians, but he leaves behind an amazing legacy. I have a good number of Glen’s albums and his 2014 film ‘I’ll Be Me’ which documents his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease was both powerful and affirming.
The lyrics below are from the last song Glen ever recorded as shown in ‘I’ll Be Me’ – you can watch it below (It’s sure to be released as a posthumous single).
I’m still here, but yet I’m gone
I don’t play guitar or sing my songs
They never defined who I am
The man that loves you ’til the endYou’re the last person I will love
You’re the last face I will recall
And best of all, I’m not gonna miss you
Not gonna miss youI’m never gonna hold you like I did
Or say I love you to the kids
You’re never gonna see it in my eyes
It’s not gonna hurt me when you cryI’m never gonna know what you go through
All the things I say or do
All the hurt and all the pain
One thing selfishly remainsI’m not gonna miss you
I’m not gonna miss you

I remember seeing Glen and Anne Murray at the Royal Festival Hall in the 70s. It was a great night. His interpretation of Jimmy Webb’s lyrics have to be the defining versions for ever. A bit like no one does My Way like Sinatra nor A Boy Named Sue like Cash (both written and recorded by Paul Anka and Shel Silverstein respectively).
LikeLike