Country Legend Glen Campbell

Anyone who's listened to music, especially country music, has probably heard of Glen Campbell.  At the very least, they've heard a Glen Campbell song, whether by Glen himself, or a cover by another artist.  

This post is to shine some light on Campbell's career, as well as acknowledge artists who have done cover versions of Campbell's hits.

For myself, it's also a post honoring one of my mom's favorite singers of all-time.  A singer who, unfortunately, she has something in common with, Alzheimer's.

Rather than just run through Campbell's career achievements however, as stated earlier, I'm choosing to also highlight other artist's versions of Glen's hits, as well as more recent news about Campbell's life.


Before having hits as a solo artist, Glen Campbell had been a session musician, recording with some of the biggest names in music, including, Bobby Darin, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, The Monkees, Nancy Sinatra, Merle Haggard, Jan & Dean, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra.  Campbell was also a session musician on The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds", as well as doing a stint touring with the band, playing bass guitar and providing background harmonies.

As a solo artist, Campbell racked up several hits on the country charts, as well as crossover hits on pop radio.  Even those who don't know Campbell's classics like, "Gentle On My Mind", "Galveston", or "Wichita Lineman", usually have heard the iconic "Rhinestone Cowboy".

Personally, of all Campbell's hits, my favorite has always been one that wasn't as big as Glen's other songs, "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife".

 To this day, I don't know why I love this song so much; I was just a little girl when it was on the radio.  I just know that it's still one of my favorite Glen Campbell songs.

In addition to recording and touring extensively, Campbell also found time for acting, (playing opposite John Wayne in "True Grit"), and hosting his own TV show.  "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" aired from 1969 to 1972, featuring guest stars, music and skits.

While Campbell's career was going smoothly, his personal life began to unravel.  One of the most prominent displays of this was Campbell's tumultuous relationship with Tanya Tucker.

Eventually Campbell seemed to get things together, and while not having hits on the radio, still toured extensively over the years, sounding as great as he always had.

2011 brought news that Campbell was suffering from Alzheimer's, but would continue to tour as long as he was able.  And that's exactly what he's been doing until now.  Yes, there were good days and bad days; regardless though, Campbell pressed on giving his fans all he had.

Earlier this year however, Campbell was forced to quit touring; the disease that was robbing his memory was taking it's toll on the legendary singer.

Though he's stopped touring, Campbell has released one last recording, his farewell to fans, friends and family, with the song, "I'm Not Gonna Miss You".  It's a bittersweet tale of how the singer won't miss anyone, not because he doesn't care, but because he's not going to remember them.  The song is even more haunting in the fact that the singer never actually says he won't remember anyone; just how he won't miss them.

While I knew of Glen Campbell's battle with Alzheimer's, and that he'd recorded "I'm Not Gonna Miss You", what got me writing this post was The Band Perry.  Early one morning I was listening to 98.7 The Bull's overnight show, and heard Kimberly Perry's distinctive voice singing a very familiar song, "Gentle On My Mind".

It's the band's current single, and is featured in the movie, "Glen Campbell, I'll Be Me", which is the story of Campbell's life.  Though it's hard for anyone to do a remake of anything that was hugely popular; The Band Perry do an excellent job with "Gentle on My Mind".

The Band Perry's single also had me remembering when 90's country singer, Wade Hayes did a cover of "Wichita Lineman".

I've always felt that Hayes wasn't given his due on this song.  He did a great job of covering the tune, yet, it didn't do very well at radio.

While researching videos for this post, I ran across some information that was new to me.  It seems Collin Raye, another popular country artist from the 90's, has released an entire tribute CD in honor of Glen Campbell.  He's also released his first single from this CD, "Galveston".

It's sad to think that someone who's had such an illustrious career in music, like Glen Campbell, isn't going to be able to remember any of it.  He won't remember how much his songs have contributed to country music, and to the lives of his fans around the world.

For me I guess, it's also sad, because I have some understanding of what's happening to Glen.  Though my mom's Alzheimer's isn't as advanced as Campbell's, I can still identify with what the country music legend is going through, and it makes me sad; not just for him, but for what lies ahead for my mom as well.

So, while Glen Campbell may not remember what he's contributed to the world of music, it's nice to know that other artists who have followed in his footsteps do remember; and are helping to keep Campbell's legacy alive and in everyone's memory.

The Henningsens @ the Bing Lounge--12-6-12

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)

All genres of music have had their fair share of "family acts" over the years.   In country music, The Louvin Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers, Harold and Don Reid, (half the members of  The Statler Brothers), The Judds; are just a few, going back through the decades.  More recently, the Band Perry have stepped up to this spot.  Then there's the Henningsens.

Never heard of this country act?  Not surprising, as they're fairly new to the country music scene; though you've probably heard some of their music recorded by others.

On Thursday, December 6, 2012, the Henningsens, (made up of dad, Brian, son, Aaron and daughter, Clara), performed for an intimate crowd at the Bing Lounge.

Originally from Illinois, where they have a 60 acre farm, the trio explained how they came to write and perform country music.

Brian explained that Aaron and Clara are just two of ten children he and his wife have.  A lot of joking was done about how many kids there are, and speculation as to whether it took that many to get enough for the group.  It was all tongue-in-cheek of course.

Whether it was that natural family harmony, a lot of hard work, or most likely a combination of both, the Henningsens definitely put on a great performance that day.

Among the handful of songs they did, was their soon to be released first single, "American Beautiful".  (Unfortunately, there were problems with uploading the video for this.  As soon as it's fixed, the video will be posted.)

While listening to the music, I kept thinking how much this group reminds me of the Band Perry; so it wasn't too surprising to learn that they've written two hits for Kimberly Neil and Reed, including, "All Your Life", which they performed in the Bing Lounge.  (Unfortunately, there were problems with uploading the video for this.  As soon as it's fixed, the video will be posted.)

What's refreshing about the Henningsens is, though they sound familiar to other country acts, they're unique enough in their sound and style not to blend in and be lost in the crowd.

Here's hoping that "American Beautiful" will be a hit for this family band, so they'll be as recognized for their singing as for their writing.

I Don't Get It

Honestly, I really don’t know how CMA, (or any award for that matter), nominations are done. I know they’re voted on, etc; beyond that though, I don’t know anything about it. Because of that, maybe I really shouldn’t say anything; though that’s never stopped me before.

With that said: I don’t get how Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and even Chris Young can STILL be nominated for “New Artist”. How many times has this been for Luke now? I like Luke, and Chris, (not so big on Eric), but really? If it’s just because they need to “round out” the list, I’d think there are plenty of new artists that could have been nominated.

What about Craig Campbell? He’s had two big songs out this year.

How about James Wesley? He's had "Jacksonhole", "Real" and "Didn't I".

Heck, even the LoCash Cowboys had a couple of good songs on the air.

I’d also throw the Eli Young Band into the mix; though I think “Crazy Girl” came out after the time frame for nominations.

Maybe their hits haven’t been as big, but they’re still newer artists than Luke, Eric, or Chris. To me, any of these acts, (or others I haven’t thought of at the moment), are deserving of nominations; whereas Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Chris Young are a few YEARS past the “new artist” stage. Again, this is just my opinion.

I totally agree with The Band Perry, and Thompson Square being nominated for "New Artist"; and I think the Band Perry has the win.

Since it seems obvious the Band Perry will win, would it really matter who else is nominated? Or do you think it’s because the Band Perry seems so obvious that they threw in the other three as a distraction?

As I said at the beginning of this blog, I just don’t get it. So I wanted to throw this out to see what others think.

The Band Perry @ The Bing Lounge-September-1-11

I've liked the Band Perry since their first radio hit, "Hip to My Heart"; though I'd never seen them perform live. That was until September 1st, when the band performed in the Bing Lounge.

I know I say this every time, but honestly, I love the Bing Lounge to watch performances in; it's so intimate and inviting, and the Band Perry show was no exception.

After being introduced by Earthquake Jake and Jolynn Winter from "Simon in the Morning", the Band Perry started their set with their hit single, "You Lie".

Lola Montgomery from middays then came out and interviewed the band, asking several questions, and getting some funny answers to some of them.

After the interview and a few more songs, TicTak from afternoons posed a dare to the band, asking them if they could sing Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls". Not only did Kimberly, Neil and Reid take the challenge, they OWNED the song, and did an awesome job on it.

When the concert was done, anyone wanting their photo taken with the band was able to. Though they were in a bit of a rush, all three members of the Band Perry took time before each photo to ask the person's name, and shake their hand. Pretty classy in my book. I'm sure I'll sound like a mom when I say this, though I will anyway, you can tell that these three were raised well by their parents. They're gaining a name in country music, yet they still haven't let go of their manners; I like that.

I wasn't able to go to the Oregon State Fair the next evening to see the Band Perry, though if the concert was anything like at the Bing Lounge, I'm sure the audience got their money's worth. I definitely plan on catching another of their perormances sometime in the future!