Legendary singer-songwriter Glen Campbell passed away on Tuesday, August 8 at the age of 81. A prolific musician, Campbell played guitar on some of the most famous American songs of the modern age, including “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys, “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley, “Mr. Tambourine Man” by the Byrds, and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers, as well as many works of his own such as “Wichita Lineman” and “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Campbell was a well-known Chevy spokesman, but perhaps lesser known was that he occasionally got behind the wheel of a Datsun too.
Campbell became host of the Los Angeles Open golf tournament in 1971, and Datsun was a sponsor of the event. As it happens, its two hottest cars back then than were none other than the 240Z and 510. According to Golf Digest, the LA Open was on life support until Campbell’s celebrity status helped resuscitate it. Though this was a footnote in his career — the man sold 45 million records, had 12 number-one singles, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame — it is the part that hits closest to home for us. RIP.
Image courtesy of Nissan.
Thanks Glen for all the great music, RIP sir.
I will miss you glen campel. You had great music. My thought’s and prayer’s are with you, your family, your Friend’s, and your Fan’s rest in piece my Friend. This is so sad.
Was he the “Glenn Campbell” credited on OMC’s How Bizarre?
I don’t think so, since that one has 2 Ns… IMDB is a bit lacking on the video, but when I looked up Glenn Campbell, they have Producer, Visual Effects, etc., *BUT* also show _Glen_ Campbell’s songs under “Soundtrack.” A little weird, as it’s usually an exceptional source…
Here are the links to the above:
OMC: How Bizarre (1996)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3334420/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
Glenn Campbell
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0132485/
Glen Campbell
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004794/?ref_=tt_cl_t3
Click away!
(You’ll see programs and people you forgot about, and will start following link-to-link-to-link. Expect to spends HOURS just floating around there!)
He never got much credit for his early work (early 60’s) with both the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean. Fortunately he formed his own niche musically and had an amazing career. RIP Glen.
RIP, good sir.
Saw him on his final tour with his son and daughter in the band . Only three to four years ago, still sounded great and put on a great performance. Truly a music icon. RIP