He May Not Miss Us, But We're Sure Gonna Miss Him...

Both rock 'n' roll heaven and that Grand Ol' Opry in the sky gained an angel today; singer/songwriting legend, Glen Campbell has died at the age of 81.

Glen was best known for his string of  country crossover hits in the mid 60's through the 70's, though his career actually started in 1960 when he moved to Los Angeles.

 Before making it as a solo artist, Campbell was best known for being a member of The Champs for about a year, then, after leaving the group, he spent time touring with The Beach Boys, filling in for member, Brian Wilson.

During his early years in L.A., while not on the road, Campbell made a name for himself as a studio musician, his talent shining brightly enough to earn him status as part of the elite group of studio session members known as The Wrecking Crew.  These studio musicians were known for being the best of the best, and were highly sought after by all the top singers of the day.

If Campbell wasn't busy enough touring and recording in the studio, he was also trying to make a name for himself as a solo artist.  By the mid 60's Campbell had already been signed by two record companies, appeared on several TV shows, and  released a handful of singles to radio.  As with most artists looking for fame though, Campbell kept reaching for the stars, with limited success.

That all changed in 1967 however.  That year Campbell had a breakthrough hit with "Gentle On My Mind".  This hit was followed by "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", penned by prolific songwriter, Jimmy Webb.

Webb has had hits with the who's who of music, including Whitney Houston, The 5th Dimension, and the iconic, "MacArthur's Park", by Rod McKuen.

During Glen Campbell's career, he scored several hits written by Webb, including "Galveston", "Wichita Lineman", and "Honey Come Back", to name a few.

These songs,(as well as other hits), were not only country gold, garnering Campbell several awards,  they catapulted the singer into the realm of crossover artist.  No matter what genre a radio station played, chances were they'd be playing at least one Glen Campbell hit.

If being a major singer/songwriter and musician wasn't enough, in January 1969, CBS debuted "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour".  Like other variety shows of the day, the program offered music, comedy and big name guest stars.

Additionally, Campbell's show helped bring country music to the forefront during what could be considered the heyday of the ever changing rock and roll scene.

v

It wasn't just the small screen that Campbell invaded that year.  On the big screen Campbell made his acting debut, opposite none other than John Wayne.  Campbell played "La Boeuf" opposite Wayne's "Rooster Cogburn", in the movie, "True Grit".


Even while honing his acting chops, Campbell didn't stray too far from his musical roots.  In addition to acting in "True Grit", Campbell sang the theme song to the movie.

Glen Campbell's hits continued into the 70's, though his personal life was taking a downward turn.

While Campbell will always be known for his hits in the 60's, probably the most well known song of all his hits is "Rhinestone Cowboy".  As big as his other hits were, even those tunes aren't as widely recognized as that song, released in 1975.

The high of "Rhinestone Cowboy" in 1975 was tempered by the crumbling of Campbell's marriage to second wife, Billie Jean Nunley in 1976, after 17 years.

Campbell didn't stay single long however.  That same year, he married Sarah Berg, the former wife of singer/songwriter/actor, Mac Davis.   The two remained married until just after the birth of their son in 1980.

With the 70's, and his marriage to Sarah, behind him, Campbell entered into what might have been the most tumultuous period of his life.  From 1980, through 1982, Campbell dated fellow country singer, Tanya Tucker.  Half Campbell's age, with a fiery temper, Tucker seemed, at least to outsiders, to be a bit more than Campbell could handle.  This period in Campbell's life saw him delve into drink and drugs, and what seemed to be constant public bickering with Tucker.  After their split in 1982, both Campbell and Tucker refused to speak of their relationship.

Single once again, Campbell married his fourth wife, Kim Woolen, in 1982, and life seemed to return to normal for the singer.

While the early 80's seems to be when Glen Campbell's heyday peaked, it wasn't a period of slowing down for the him.  Campbell continued to tour extensively, and recorded a new album almost every year.

At least one of Campbell's children from a previous marriage, Debby Campbell, toured and sang with her father;  while Ashley Campbell, one of Glen's children with Kim, is an up and coming country singer/songwriter.

 Life seemed to quiet down for Campbell, while still remaining consistent in regards to his career.  Unlike a lot of celebrities, Campbell appeared to be gracefully entering his senior years.

Then came the news in 2011, Glen Campbell, the man who had spent almost five decades entertaining fans in song and on screen, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  The news was made public in conjunction with the announcement that Campbell would be embarking on his final tour.

In 2012 Campbell added to his awards, being honored with a Grammy LIfetime Achievement award.

2013-2014 saw the release of a documentary about Campbell's life, career, and struggle with Alzheimer's.  A song from this film, "I'm Not Gonna Miss You", was also released to radio at the time.  Though not written by Campbell, it's a poignant song that captures what the man was going through while dealing with the disease.

  Earlier this year, Glen Campbell's final studio album, "Adios", was released.  It's a compilation of songs the singer had always wanted to record, but never did.  Though just released, the album was actually recorded in 2012.

 Then today, August 8, 2017, came the sad news, Glen Campbell passed away, losing his battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Over the past six years Campbell's family has kept his fans abreast of how the singer was doing, and were staunch advocates of finding a cure for Alzheimer's.  Though Campbell has now passed, the family has said they'd continue to help find a cure.

Usually when I write a post, it reflects a part of me; and this time is no exception.  Before getting to that though, I felt that Glen Campbell deserved to have his life and accomplishments mentioned; he's definitely a country music/crossover legend after all.

My love of, and connection as a fan to Glen Campbell began when I was a little girl.  Glen Campbell was my mom's favorite singer, and she played his music all the time in our house.

Campbell's concert, when I was little, was the first concert I remember going to.  I remember that my brother, who is totally deaf, even liked the show, because he could feel the rhythm of the music through the floor of the auditorium.  That concert instilled a love of music in him, because though he couldn't hear it, he learned to enjoy it through the vibrations it made.

Though Campbell had a huge list of hits to his credit, my favorite song was one that not many remember, "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife".  I don't know what it is about the song, but it's just always been my favorite of all of Campbell's songs.

In later years, my connection with Glen Campbell continued, through his having Alzheimer's Disease, something that my mom also has.  I found it ironic to be keeping track of Campbell's struggles, (because my mom insisted on being kept up to date on how he was doing), while watching my mom go through the same thing at the same time.  It was sad to have to tell her today that Campbell had died. 

Being such a huge fan of all types of music, it's always hard when any artist passes, especially one that's such an icon in the industry.  Though I didn't know him personally, I think the reason Glen Campbell's passing is so sad for me is because of his having Alzheimer's, as well as being my mom's favorite singer.  It hits a little too close to home for me, I guess.  So, I guess this post is as much for my mom as it is for me, because I know my mom is sad to hear about Campbell's death.  I hope I've made both of them proud with what I've written here. 

Life Beyond A Day Job

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


For most of us, our job is what we do to pay the bills.  A rare few are lucky enough to have their "dream job"; most of us though do our "day job", relegating our passions to the sidelines.

Then there are those, like Gene Presler, who works for The Standard.  By day Gene works for the insurance company; devoting his spare time to music.

Born in Vancouver, Washington, Gene was the middle child of nine born to Ed and Faye Presler.  Gene grew up in an atmosphere filled with music.  Most of his relatives played an instrument and everyone sang.  Some of Gene's early influences were Hank Williams, Hank Snow, The Sons of the Pioneers and the Carter Family; all favorite artists of his parents.

While living in Montana, Gene's music genre knowledge increased when his older brother introduced him to the music of artists like Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and the Beach Boys.  It was also during this period that Gene first heard the Beatles and was completely hooked. He wanted to be one of the Beatles; actually, he wanted to be all of them!

At the age of eighteen Gene learned to play guitar, though it wasn't until he was in his thirties that he really devoted himself to the craft. Even now he says he really only plays rhythm guitar.

For the most part Gene has sang harmony for others. When he began writing his own songs however, he also began singing them.  Over the years Gene has written more than a hundred songs, with as wide a range of musical styles as those that influenced him early on.  One of my favorites is called "That's Called Love".  It's a beautiful song, and Gene's voice enhances the beauty of the lyrics and music.

 Along with his group, the Vantucky Ramblers, Gene performs at local venues in the Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington region.  One of the songs the group performs for audiences is called "If I Had To Climb Me A Mountain".  The song, heavily tinged with bluegrass, was written by Gene after a trip to Nashville.

 This is just a small post about Gene Presler and the Vantucky Ramblers.  If you like what you've read and heard, be sure to check out Gene and the band on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/public/Vantucky-Ramblers, or look them up on YouTube.

Summer Songs

Over the years, every genre of music has had it’s fair share of summer songs.  Heck, the Beach Boys have made a career singing about summer!

With today being the official start of summer, I decided it was a good time to mention some songs of the season.  Where to start though?  There are so many songs that can remind one of summer, it would take until at least fall to list every one of them. Even if just the country songs were mentioned, the list would be a long one. 

For that reason, I’ve decided to list only country songs, with “summer” in the title.

I’m sure there are probably songs I’ve missed; for now though, I’ve listed the eleven songs I know that fit my criteria.  The songs are listed in alphabetical order, by title.

1.       “All Summer Long”—Kid Rock

This song came out in 2008 and has been a staple on country radio stations ever since.  The song also helped Kid Rock propel himself into a new career in country music.

2.      “Groovy Little Summer Song”—James Otto

This is probably my favorite song by James Otto.  I just love the rhythm and feel of the song.  Released in 2010, unfortunately, the song only made it to 26 on the Billboard country music charts. 

3.      “Here Comes Summer”—LoCash Cowboys

This song was also released in 2010, charting just under the country top 40 at #41.  That’s sad, as I really think this is a great song and it should have charted higher.  To me, the LoCash Cowboys are the most underrated duo in country music.

4.      “It’s a Summer Thing”—Troy Olsen

Yet another song from 2010, is Troy Olsen’s “It’s a Summer Thing”.  Troy hasn't caught on with the masses quite yet, though this song did help get him some airplay.

5.  Six-Pack Summer—Phil Vassar

This is another of my favorite summer songs.  Released in 2001, it peaked at #9 on the country music charts.  This, to me is truly a classic country summer song that I never get tired of hearing.

6.    Summer Nights—Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts released this song as the second single from their “Unstoppable” CD.  The song peaked at #2 on the country charts in 2009.

7.  Summer’s Comin’—Clint Black

This song was released in 2006 and has always been one of my favorites.  I especially like the video for the song; which features cameo appearances by Howie Mandel, Dick Clark and Jay Leno, among others.

8.  Summertime—Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney is known for his lighthearted songs about fun in the sun.  “Summertime” was Chesney’s contribution to summer in 2005.  He took the song to #1 on the country charts.

9.    Summertime Blues—Alan Jackson

“Summertime Blues” was originally written and released by rockabilly artist, Eddie Cochran, in 1958.  It peaked at #8 on the Billboard charts.  Several other artists have recorded the song over the years.  Alan Jackson took his turn with the song in 1994, reaching #1 on the Billboard country charts.

10. Sunshine & Summertime—Faith Hill

As I stated in the introduction, I’m sure there are songs I’ve missed while compiling this list.  I repeat it here, because there must be more than one country summer song done by a female artist.  Faith Hill’s “Sunshine & Summertime is the only one I can think of however.  It was released in 2006, and peaked at #7 on the country charts.

11. That Summer—Garth Brooks

Though the word “summer” appears in the title, this song definitely has a different feel to it.  It doesn't have that light, carefree feeling most summer songs have.  Instead, it tells the story of a summer romance between a hired hand and his boss.  Garth Brooks took the song to the top of the country charts in 1993.