Glen Campbell. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame
After news broke yesterday (Aug. 8) that Country Music Hall of Famer Glen Campbell died at age 81, tributes began pouring in from both the Nashville music community and from artists of all musical genres who were touched by the singer-songwriter-guitarist.
Keith Urban posted a moving tribute on Facebook:
What a powerful artistic and personal journey Glen Campbell‘s passage has been. As a role model, singing guitar player he was a big influence on me.
His blend of genres created his own sound and style and his ability to entertain wasn’t limited to the stage. He blazed real trails through film (and especially television) where his charismatic southern charm and personality fit perfectly.
The night I won my first country music award, I got back to my hotel room and there was a fax on the floor.
“Welcome to the award winning world kid. You got it.” Glen Campbell.
Universal music, universal stories, universal spirit. No wonder he was a global superstar. I love Glen for so many reasons – but above all, for his humanity. My thoughts and prayers are with Kim and all of his extended family today. May peace be with you all. Go rest high on that mountain, Glen.
Curb Records band Little Feather, which includes Campbell’s son Shannon, released this statement:
“To the world Glen Campbell is iconic, but to Shannon he was his one and only father. We send our most sincere condolences to our band-brother Shannon Campbell and his family,” says Little Feather’s Liz Sharpe. “The legacy of his father is one we will always cherish and his talent will live on through Shannon as first and foremost, our brother, but as the son of the Glen Campbell. We will have his presence with us always and our hearts go out to the entire family.”
Other tributes poured in from throughout the music community.
“Glen Campbell was such a huge influence on me. Growing up, I studied his writing, songs and how he was an ‘entertainer’s entertainer.’ Along with Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, Glen Campbell was one of the first to parlay country music into mainstream television and broaden the entire country music fan base across the globe. Ride on Rhinestone Cowboy. God Bless.” – Billy Ray Cyrus
“As a musician, he was a hero. As an Arkansan, he was a hero. RIP Glen.” – Justin Moore
“Sorry to hear about my good friend Glen. The loss is too big to put into words. He was an incredible voice, incredible musician, incredible friend, movie star and recording artist. We had so much fun together, and sort of grew up together in our music and our careers. There were so many memories that only he and I shared. Glen and I were brothers in every sense of the word. When I hear or see his name, I see the Glen I’ve always known. There will never, ever be another Glen Campbell.” – Roy Clark
“I knew Glen for more than 50 years. We met on the set of a TV show in Toronto in 1964, and like everybody else in our business, I was a huge fan. One of my treasured memories is the day Glen and I sat together, just the two of us and his guitar, and recorded a “Bill Anderson Visits with the Legends” radio show for XM satellite radio. We laughed, sang and visited like two neighbors across a picket fence. I’ll remember it forever.” – Bill Anderson
“It’s sad to hear of the passing of yet another great musical genius. His music will live on! Some of the greatest country songs ever to be written or sung. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Campbell family in their time of sorrow and loss.” – KC of KC and the Sunshine Band
“I had the pleasure of inducting Glen into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He could write it, sing it and play it. He was a triple threat. He never forgot his friends and made room for them on any project could. He was one of the finest musicians I’ve ever known and certainly the prowess of his entertainment legacy goes without saying that. He was our golden boy. We loved him and the world loved him.” – Brenda Lee
“I don’t think there is any doubt that under the circumstances of his health the past several years, his passing was inevitable. But that doesn’t take away from it and the fact that he was one of the greatest in the business. Vocally and instrumentally there was no one like him and the music business is a better place because of him. I will always cherish the fact that he played on many of my recordings in the 60s. I was proud to know him and to work with him. We sure will miss him.” – Leroy Van Dyke
“I grew up loving Glen Campbell and am so sad to see him go. The greatest all around talent ever in country music.” – John Rich of Big and Rich
“I’m sad to learn of the passing of one of my heroes and friends, Glen Campbell. I loved his singing and guitar playing but I really admired him for his down to earth and friendly personality. I spent only a week working with him in Branson and he made us all feel like old friends. Rest In Peace old buddy.” – Mark Chesnutt
“I did my grieving for Glen when I first heard he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s because I knew we had lost the gift of his talent and his friendship. I’m glad he is not suffering any longer and I hope he is now at peace.” – Jeannie Seely
“Glen Campbell touched so many lives during his time on this earth! He sang one of my all time favorite songs, Rhinestone Cowboy. He was such a talented singer, songwriter and actor. Today country music has lost yet another great and legend. May God watch over his family and fans through these tough times ahead. Rest in peace the one and only Glen Campbell!” – Shane Owens
“We lost another one of my heroes. One of the greatest singers, songwriters and musicians. He had it all. We are going to miss him dearly.” – Moe Bandy
“I was, am and always will be a Glen Campbell fan.” – Ronnie McDowell
“My hero… My Friend… Glen Campbell, is gone. My heart is heavy… A lot of memories…the end to a beautiful era in music. His incredible legacy is what we have now. Thank you, my friend, for always treating me as an equal, though clearly I am not. May God comfort your sweet family, and welcome you into His presence. The Heavenly Band, just got way better. I love you, Glen. Happy Trails.” – Collin Raye
“Glen Campbell inspired millions with his TV show, including me. ‘Gentle on My Mind’ and ‘Wichita Lineman’ were in my repertoire before I ever started making records. He was also a fixture in Clovis, NM where Buddy Holly made his mark. Millions followed him and millions will miss him.” – Gary Morris
“There’s never been a better musician or a greater artist than Glen Campbell. I admired him and respected his talent.” – Lee Greenwood
“Glen Campbell brought a little more sophistication and class to country music. He not only entertained country fans, but his crossover success in the pop genre made him a true pioneer of his time. He had a huge hand in growing and expanding country music and that’s all any of us could hope to someday do.” –Frank Foster
“Even though Glen has been sick for a while, the news of his death is still very shocking to us. With all the live shows we did together, we just used to always stay around and watch his shows because of the songs and his beautiful voice. We will miss Glen dearly.” – David Bellamy of the Bellamy Brothers
“There are only so many artists that you can truly call icons. Glen Campbell was surely one of the brightest of those. His class, amazing vocal style, instrumental prowess and authenticity made him one of the best of all time. He will be deeply missed but his music will live on with us forever!” – Tim Rushlow
“Glen Campbell was a living legend. He was not only one of my favorite singer/musicians, but also helped create some of my favorite sounding music from other genres. He was part of The Beach Boys sound (the wrecking crew!) He created some of the main songs that still grace my playlist daily. His family will be in my prayers.” – Mark Wills
“Glen Campbell was a generational talent whose multiple gifts transcends genres while simultaneously defining them. His music also helped define my childhood. He’s a big part of popular music history, and we’re all lucky as hell for that…May he rest well… There will never be another like him.” – Ray Scott
“What a great loss for country music and the world. Glen Campbell was one of the all-time greats as a singer, musician and entertainer, as well as a TV host and actor. He did it all and remained a down-home, salt of the earth man. He was a true gentleman who was always quick to say hello as if he was your neighbor. He was able to rise above all formats, as he hit the top of the charts in country and pop/rock virtually side by side. A remarkable feat by a most remarkable man.” – Gene Watson
“I’m so sad hearing the news of Glen’s death today. As a kid, I was a big fan of ‘Glen Campbell’s Goodtime Hour’ television show. ‘Wichita Lineman,’ and ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix’ are two of my favorites and are absolute masterpieces. The depth of his talent and the ease with which he sang and played guitar was mesmerizing to watch! Flawless! You are loved Glen! My heart goes out to his family and friends.” – Sylvia
“This is so sad. One of my proudest moments with Glen was when he borrowed my guitar for a TV Taping in Nashville. He is a respected talent. He was a great artist…I recently recorded one of his hit songs ‘Try a Little Kindness so I take a little bit of Glen with me everywhere I go.” – Janie Fricke
“I loved him and I am happy he is in a better place. My memories with Glen go back to my early teens. My dad brought home a Glen Campbell album, and from that time on I loved Glen Campbell. I was a huge fan. I was always in awe of him and he was one of the most talented people I have ever known. When I joined Statler Brothers in the early 80s I got to be on the ‘Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour’ with Jerry Reed and I could not believe it. He was always so nice and I admired the man and his talent. I will get to pay a small tribute to Glen with the song of his ‘Southern Nights,’ which I did on my latest album. What a loss. His presence will forever be missed.” – Jimmy Fortune
“I did many shows with Brother Glen. He was always a sweetheart, gentleman and good friend. I will greatly miss him. God bless his family.” – T. Graham Brown
“Our Business takes a long time to recover from the loss of a giant star like Glen Campbell. I’m sure the night sky will for sure be brighter now that he has ascended home to our heavenly Father. His music inspired not only me, but many generations.” – T.G. Sheppard
“It’s so sad to see another icon taken from us. He influenced so many musicians and artists. His music will live on forever.” – Olivia Lane
“Glen Campbell is a hero to me because not only was he a phenomenal guitar player, but because he had that style and swagger about him. He was the bling man, come on! Rhinestone cowboy, live forever.” – Craig Wayne Boyd
“Rest In Peace one of our musical heroes, Glen Campbell – a true genius. What a musical legacy you left us!” – EXILE
“One of the greatest musicians, singers, entertainers, and beautiful human beings has left this life for the next life where no disease is allowed to enter, thank God! It takes a prepared person to go to a prepared place, and Glen was prepared. I knew him and loved him very much. My condolences to precious Kim and the family. Much love and prayers for you all.” – Ricky Skaggs
“Today around 2:00 PM, my old and GREAT friend, Vince Gill became the best singer/guitar player alive, because our mutual GREAT friend Glen Travis Campbell went to see JESUS… I mean that as a compliment to both of my old friends. I’m in NYC eating Italian food down in Little Italy and Glen is in heaven eating angel food cake. My love and condolences to Kim, Ashley, Cal, Debbie, and the whole family.”
–Larry Gatlin
“Glen was a good friend with a great sense of humor. I remember once being backstage putting on a camel costume to go on and sing ‘Ahab the Arab’ and he showed up and said ‘Well, it’s come to this has it?’ It’s been a long goodbye since his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s Disease. Glen Campbell will be greatly missed and long remembered.”
–Ray Stevens
“In some ways my family’s life changed once Dad became a semi regular on the Glen Campbell show and we were always so grateful for that. I just loved him always, he crossed genre’s effortlessly and even though he was astonishingly good looking and talented he came off so real and natural… genius entertainer for sure. We’ll miss him greatly.”
–Pam Tillis
“Glen’s music came from an era that will never exist again. His unique sound and ability to touch his audience was something many musicians can never reach. He was truly a trailblazer in country music and there will never be another. Ride easy, Rhinestone Cowboy.” –Doug Gray, The Marshall Tucker Band
“My Momma introduced me to the amazing talents of Glen Campbell. He was one of God’s prices gifts to us all. It is a sad day.”
–Darryl Worley
“Adios to the great Rhinestone Cowboy Glen Campbell, who left us with an incredibly shining new piece of music that will be enjoyed by generations to come. Prayers for Kimberly and his family during this most difficult time. He will be missed.”
–John Berry
“Wow, what a great talent lost. He could do it all. There aren’t many of them left. There will never be another Glen Campbell and he will be greatly missed.”
–Aaron Tippin
“A huge loss to his family, the fans and also country music. Used to enjoy watching the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour! What a talent! God Bless him.”
–Sammy Kershaw
“When we opened for Glen in Branson, MO on his farewell tour, I told him that he was one of the few artists that I could pinpoint times in my life when I first heard his songs. He had a look of amazement on his face and said, ‘Really?Wow.’ He was genuinely surprised. He was a very nice and down to earth guy. We’re all going to miss him.” –John Dittrich, Restless Heart
“There simply was no one else like Glen. I remember being touched by the tenderness of his children sharing the stage with their father at one of his last performances in Branson, MO. Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences from the entire Restless Heart family.”
–Dave Innis, Restless Heart
“One of our heroes is gone. He was so gracious to us and we will always remember working with him throughout the years. He moved us with his star presence, unforgettable songs and world class musicianship. Mr. Campbell, we will miss you!”
–Larry Stewart, Restless Heart
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Glen Campbell. The Rhinestone Cowboy rides away leaving us with recordings of his amazing voice and memories of a wonderful career.” –Halfway to Hazard
“Glen Campbell, along with Johnny Cash, brought country music into the homes across America during the late 60s that will never be matched. He was a versatile entertainer, session player and loving father. He will be missed by all that knew him and was touched by his amazing talent.”
–Marty Raybon, Shenandoah
“Glen Campbell brought a sophistication to country music that was the perfect voice for the melodic Jimmy Webb songs. He was so musical and charismatic, and he put it all on display with the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, one of my family’s favorite shows!” –Billy Dean
“Our prayers are with the Campbell family who lost Glen after his long and heart-wrenching battle with Alzheimer’s. Quite simply, the world lost an amazing artist with a golden voice today. He was a true entertainer in every sense of the word and one of the biggest TV stars in country music ever.”
–James Robert Webb
“Glen Campbell was one of the best of all time. His music has always inspired me. Rest in peace.” – Country artist Logan Mize
“My mom always had Glen Campbell records around the house and when I hear them now it immediately takes me back to being a little girl. I always admired his long-lasting career and how some of his most recent music, like 2011’s “Ghost On the Canvas,” was some of his best, which makes him a true icon. That song is so much more haunting now.” – Country artist Kalie Shorr
“Glen Campbell was a true icon, the music will miss him.” – Scooter Brown of the Scooter Brown Band
“Glen was a dear friend to me. One of the best. Let the Lord be with him to rest his soul and to comfort his family.” – Jerry Lee Lewis, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer
“We’re gonna miss Glen. He was a friend of mine for way over 50 years. He was my neighbor in LA before we both moved to Nashville and we hung out together a lot – back in the early ‘60s. It’s a rough day.” – Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Famer
“It’s always tragic when you hear of a friend passing, but he had to be miserable that last few years of his life. At least he doesn’t have to deal with that anymore. We worked together a lot through the years. In fact, Glen Campbell played on almost all First Edition music. He played a dynamic riff on the guitar that was trend setting. I also shot a few of his album covers back in the day and I never knew people were paid to do that, but I received a check in the mail that was unexpected and highly received. I’ll never forget that. He was a good friend and it breaks my heart that he’s not here to contribute to music anymore.” – Kenny Rogers
“Everyone at the Big Machine Label Group is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Glen Campbell. Glen was a superstar of the highest order and a multi-threat talent as a singer, entertainer, world-class guitar virtuoso, actor and, of course, a great family man. Glen and his family so bravely chose to publicly share their fight with Alzheimer’s through the James Keach-produced I’LL BE ME documentary which helped engage millions of people who face the realities of this terrible disease. We were honored to release his final recordings on the GRAMMY-winning and Oscar-nominated I’LL BE ME soundtrack, produced by our very own Julian Raymond. Even in his final act, Glen’s star touched so many.” – President/CEO Scott Borchetta and the Big Machine Label Group Family
Had Glen Campbell “only” played guitar and never voiced a note, he would have spent a lifetime as one of America’s most consequential recording musicians. Had he never played guitar and “only” sung, his voice would rank with American music’s most riveting, expressive, and enduring. He left indelible marks as a musician, a singer, and an entertainer, and he bravely shared his incalculable talent with adoring audiences even as he fought a cruel and dread disease. To all of us who heard and loved his soulful music, he was a delight. – Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO
“Glen Campbell’s music has always been something I run towards when I need to soothe my mind. His voice and guitar playing were smooth as butter; he will be missed dearly.” – Brett Eldredge
“Country music has lost a legend, and I’m extremely saddened by his passing. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones. Glen Campbell was a world-class musician who will be deeply missed by all for years to come. They just don’t make ’em like that anymore.” – Chris Janson
“So sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Glen Campbell. I grew up playing in a family country band and my father played an Ovation guitar because that’s what Glen played. And that’s the guitar I learned to play on. Glen was a true country music entertainer with a sound and style that pushed country music to a mainstream audience and expanded the reach of this genre. When they played Glen Campbell on the radio, you knew it was him. He will be missed but forever in our hearts and the history of country music.” – Michael Ray
“Sorry to hear about my good friend Glen. We made a lot of good music together over the years. He was one of the greatest guitar players ever.” — Roy Clark
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