To quote Merle Haggard: “If the good Lord put too much talent in one human being's body, that would be Glen Campbell.”

Glen Campbell was one of the greatest guitarist that ever walked on earth.

Glen Campbell was a WORLD CLASS guitar player. Check out him playing “The William Tell Overture” live. He is amazing!

"Wichita Lineman" is a beautiful song by Glenn. Glenn started out as a member of a band of musicians that later became known as "The Wrecking Crew" (look them up), before becoming a solo artist. He passed in 2017 aged 81, after suffering with Alzeimers since 2014. 😢 ❤💔🎙🎵🎼🇬🇧🇺🇸

The lyrics to Rhinestone Cowboy are pretty straight forward and explain the meaning behind the song. It is based upon the struggle and dream that a musician faces in their search for fame. The lyrics talk about the singer walking the streets and hustling his way to make a break. But when he reaches his dream, he'll shine like a Rhinestone Cowboy. It might be the visual appeal of the idea of a cowboy covered in rhinestones that has lent appeal to the song, but many find that the true meaning behind the song has made it a classic. That is to follow your dreams no matter what struggles or obstacles you face until you see your dream realized and shine like a Rhinestone Cowboy.

J & Amber, his "Gentle on My Mind", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston" and "Southern Nights" are next for you!! He had a long running TV variety show called 'The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour'. He was an excellent guitar player, who was often sought for session work by other artists!

Don`t think it`s literally about a rodeo, think it`s more about a man who tries hard and never gets a break, but one day he believes he will, and its LIKE a rhinestone cowboy. So he want`s the lights , the attention, to be at the top of the pile, Like, a RC. I`m from the UK and I was brought up on this fella, he is amazing, one of the most gifted, guitarists and songwriters ever to walk.

It's about TIME you guys did Glen Campbell!!! You MUST hear "Gentle On My Mind". There are so many others! You need to know that Glen Campbell was one of the best guitarists of all time! He was famous for his ability with a 12-string guitar. He started out playing background guitar for people like Frank Sinatra and others.

Rhinestone Cowboy isn't necessarily about a rodeo star but about someone who's trying to make it in the entertainment business, like country singers. That’s how Glen Campbell felt about the song. Glen Campbell sang many great hits. "Southern Nights," "Wichita Lineman," and "Galveston" are some of his greatest. They're all worth listening to. "Southern Night" is upbeat, and Amber will love the lyrics. "Wichita Lineman" and "Galveston" are mellow and good for listening to. I hope y'all choose one and get to hear them all!

Songs are like poetry, you can't always take them so literally. This was a huge crossover hit for Glenn, it's about the struggle for fame, just enjoy it for that and you'll be fine!

"Rhinestone cowboy" is a metaphor. Real cowboys don't wear rhinestones; they are working class people whose clothes are covered in dust and sweat, and they don't get famous. The voice in this song isn't content with that kind of regular life. He wants the flash and the glamor. Lots of fans sending him letters, and lots of people calling him to make him offers to make more money and get more famous. He's willing to compromise and lose his identity as a good guy in order to be where the lights are always shining on him.

When I first heard the song, “Rhinestone Cowboy” seemed a perfect expression to describe a certain type of country singer. A lot of country singers wore western style suits with elaborate designs and sequins. They weren’t real cowboys anymore than a “star spangled rodeo” is about a real rodeo but about the music business in Nashville.

Sadly, Glenn Campbell passed away of Alzheimers disease. His daughter released a song shortly after that she wrote, sang, and dedicated to him. Her name is Ashley Campbell, and the song is called "I'll do the remembering". It's a beautiful but, tear jerking song. Maybe if you see this, you'll consider checking it out. 😊

Glen is a very deep well. Not only is his solo work amazing, he was one of the most prolific session men in LA and one of the absolute best guitarists there has been.

Glen had his own variety show on tv. He had a segment where he went into the audience and asked a random person to pick a topic and then he would write a song immediately and sing it. It’s amazing how talented he was. Gentle on my mind & Wichita Lineman are two great great songs of his

This was such a HUGE hit! Every time you turned on the radio, whether it was a country or pop station, you heard it. This crossed over from the country to the pop charts. Won a ton of country music awards, and was nominated for two Grammys. "Wichita Lineman" is definitely one to hear, also. This was a little earlier in his career, but it's a fantastic song. Peace!

At one point he was in The Beach Boys. Glen was also a member of “The Wrecking Crew”, a group of LA session musicians who played on hundreds of #1 hits in the 60s and 70s. GREAT documentary on them is a must see.

This man was so talented I can't even begin..... such a huge fan.

In the final stages of Alzheimer's Glen stayed on tour because ironically his music was the only thing he could remember...I believe it was the last song he wrote before his disease prevented him to write that had the lyrics in it that said..."don't cry for me because I won't remember you"

Glen Campbell is a legend and this song, along with many of his others, is awesome.

I think it's about the price and sacrifice of fame. This was a huge hit for Glen in the mid 70s. I would play this single on my record player...a 45rpm vinyl record released by Capitol.

I would suggest “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, “Gentle On My Mind”, and “Wichita Lineman” as your next steps in your Glen Campbell journey. BTW, Glen Campbell played guitar on The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” album, and joined the band on the road from December 1964 to March 1965, following Brian Wilson’s breakdown and inability to tour.

Glen Campbell was one of the Greatest Guitar players of all time!!!! You would be SHOCKED at his mastery of the guitar. 💯

He was a session musician with recording studios for the likes of Frank Sinatra, from a young age he and his uncle did a lot of gigs as they were both great guitarists. ‘By the time I get to Phoenix’ is a great song by Glen. His daughter Ashley is also a good musician her song ‘Remembering’ is about her late father, well worth your time listening to.

Something that may surprise you is that Glen Campbell was a world-class guitar player. Well respected! You’ll need to check some of his guitar playing out.

He's talking about being a star, the person in the spotlight with all eyes on him, using rhinestone cowboy as an analogy. Loved Glenn Campbell. This song reminds me of the movie The Electric Horseman, one of my favorites.

As one old enough to recall when this song was on the charts, I remember how popular it was, topping not just the Country charts but the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary. It was on the radio everywhere. Others have pointed out below what the song's true meaning is. The Rhinestone Cowboy image is just a metaphor for reaching stardom. That look was certainly a thing in country music at the time, rhinestones sown on one's outfit to sparkle and shine. I know of a parody song about a country singer who never gets beyond playing cheesy bars and staying in cheap motels, but wears a shirt sparkling with rhinestones his devoted girlfriend "sowed on by hand." It was written not long after Glenn Campbell's song, so the rhinestone thing was a common theme for an aspiring or successful country musician. As for other Glenn Campbell songs, as Amber mentioned, you must do Wichita Lineman. It is, I believe, his finest vocal performance, with an absolutely haunting melodic line. I could never tire of listening to it. Southern Nights is a rocking, up-tempo country classic you will definitely love. Many others mentioned here are great choices. He was also one of the meanest guitar players in the business, as in amazing. He was a regular member of the Wrecking Crew, the famous group of studio musicians that played the original recordings of untold hundreds of major hit songs. He also toured with the Beach Boys for a period, replacing Brian Wilson, had his own TV variety show and was among the most revered and respected artists among his peers.

The key line in this song is "There's been a load of compromising on the road to my horizon". It's about sacrificing authenticity for stardom.

"Rhinestone Cowboy" is about the struggle and the dream. "Wichita Lineman" was also a big hit for Glenn. Rodeo is just cowboys competing at what cowboys do. Ridin' & ropin'. Whoever was the first guy to think climbing onto an ornery Brahma bull would be fun, is probably the same guy who first licked one of those hallucinogenic frogs.

Glen was a guitar genius. And, as you can tell, his voice was wonderful.

Glen Campbell was one of our finest entertainers, one of the 1st to crossover from country to pop. He had a great voice & if you really want to see some incredible guitar playing, dig deeper for videos, they’re out there. He was a top notch guitarist!! RIP Glen Campbell

Glen was one of those guys that the pop music songs don’t do him justice. He was an amazing singer with great range and a fantastic guitar player. His voice range is best seen in some gospel songs and his live performances.

Glen was one of the greatest musicians in American culture. He was once a member of the beach boys, an actor in True Grit. He played on hundreds of records as a studio musician. Check out the Wreckers on Netflix. Eddie Van Halen once said, if he got in trouble with a guitar progression, he always came to Glen to to figure it out. RIP Glen.

Huge crossover hit. #1 on the country and regular charts in the US and Canada in 1975.

Rhinestone cowboy is a song about determination.

Glenn was one of the best guitarist Ever... He was a Master of the 12 string !! RIP Glenn.

Glenn Campbell was a session guitarist before he broke out on his own. He's played in a stunning number of songs where he never got album credit. He recorded guitar on some Beach Boys songs, for example. Also recorded with Elvis.

Great reaction. Glenn Campell was part of the infamous Wrecking Crew, which were the top shelf musicians in the recording industry. They were hired guns that made it more efficient to make recordings (as opposed to the real band members). He was a great, great guitarist. He is in the original True Grit movie with John Wayne.

Not into country at all but you can’t go wrong with Glenn Campbell’s hits. Crazy talented. Killer guitar player.

RIP Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell was the real deal. He passed a few years ago with Alzheimer's, he was able to write and record a heartbreaking song about his advancing Alzheimer's before his death & it's called "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" it really gives a glimpse inside of what it must be like for the person and family to struggle with and accept this terrible illness, knowing one day they aren't gonna be able to recognize the ppl they love the most in life, it's one you definitely need Kleenex for! In the late 70s early 80s he and country star Tanya Tucker whom I hope y'all get around to reacting to also, were together in a somewhat controversial relationship, depending on who's opinion your asking I guess. Glen Campbell's daughter Ashley is also a country musician & his daughter Debby sings also & is an activist for Alzheimer's. I'm sure he has grandchildren or other family members that have followed after him as well as musicians. He left behind a huge legacy. Two of my favorites of Glen Campbell's are "Gentle on My Mind" & "Southern Nights" but "Galveston", " Wichita Lineman", & "Hollywood Smiles" are close behind. If you don't know what a lineman is or was, then you may be confused, I've saw reactions and many comments on the song and the ppl were too young to understand what a lineman was so they didnt really understand the songs meaning, it's understandable since there's been very little use for landline phones & party lines in the last couple decades. Lol in response to the Rodeo curiosity Jordan has..rodeos can be a lot of fun... It's also not all just bull riding and bronco bucking, there's even categories for kids in some places, I admit I've never been to an actual championship for the professional or even the Big League Competitions but I've been to a few smaller ones here and there lol although I have some mixed feelings bc i wonder what the livestock are thinking or feeling lol but at least they're not really being hurt, as far as I know. You should watch the movie of the young professional bull rider Lane Frost and of his true life story, he's known now in rodeo history and sort of a legend. It's called "8 Seconds To Glory " because 8 Seconds is what you have to stay on a rampant wildly bucking bull to win, and you can only hold with one hand, the other must be shown the whole time or held up (In case Jordan is seeing this, there's some info)lol I remember when that movie came out I went to the second showing that night with friends and the ppl leaving after the first showing were either all crying or teared up, even some of the men looked upset, I soon found out why after watching it myself.

Such a talented dude!! Awesome guitar player! Also was in the movie “True Grit” with John Wayne!🤘🔥

This song literally brings me to tears ,every time I hear it. It, to me, is just a beautiful song. Awesome. Thank You, Jay and Amber

One of my favorite songs of all time!!!

Glenn was crazy talented. A lot of people don't know he was in the beach boys for a short time. And he and Alice Cooper were very close friends. And he was an incredible guitar player.

Campbell was one of the best guitarists of his day. Check out his rendition of The William Tell Overture. His guitar playing will blow you away! Cheers....

This is one of my favorite Glenn Campbell songs saved only by Southern Nights his final billboard number one. This was number one also

He says “Like” a rhinestone cowboy. It’s allegorical. He’s really talking about show business. His journey in the music business.

Glenn toured with the Beach Boys and was part of "The Wrecking Crew". They were the studio professionals who played on a ton of albums.

You have heard Glenn before and didn't even realize it He played guitar as a session or studio guitarist. He was one of the only studio-session-player that could not read music. He played on Beach boys, and other groups you reacted to as a behind the scenes musician. He was an outstanding musician!!!

This man was an accomplished musician and, as far as I'm concerned, this is one of his lessor songs. Watch, even if only for yourself, some of the KZfaq videos of him playing the guitar with some of the greatest orchestras in America. I'm not a C&W fan, but this man could play the guitar like few others.

I was 10 when this song appeared on the radio. It became my song I'd sang every day for the next 2 years.

Glenn Campbell was actually one of the best musicians in the recording industry. He was one of the members of the “ Wrecking Crew” which worked in the recording industry.

Glen Campbell was pure talent! He has amazing vocals and his guitar playing also phenomenal. You have to listen to more in order to appreciate what a great artist he was.

My friend, Carl Jackson, who played with Glen for over 10 years, and produced some of his albums, describes Glen as the greatest singer he ever heard. And beyond that, he is an incredible musician. Super talented guy! And this was a HUGE hit in the 70s! This song has nothing to do with rodeo. It is about the struggle to make it to the top and be in the spotlight. And I believe it hearkens back to a time when many country singers dressed in suits decorated with rhinestones.

I am 50 years old, this was literally my first favorite song ever! Thank you kids for delving in to my childhood!

Please give a listen to Glen's song "Wichita Lineman". It's completely different from Rhinestone Cowboy. Much more haunting. And you get a better shot at hearing how great Glen's voice was.

As a 13 year old when this came out in '74, it was like a dream to make it in Hollywood "With offers coming over the phone". This song came out long before this corny video. We knew it from the radio and it was a big hit. But Glen was one of the best guitarists, playing on many albums of the early Wrecking Crew in California. He was John Wayne's sidekick in "True Grit" , Had his own TV variety show for 4 years. And has mastered several instruments.

One of the best if the not the best guitarists on the planet! Listen to his performance of Classical Gas with the orchestra. Outstanding! A giant of country music whose music will live on

A monster talented singer/songwriter and guitarist. God given talent is the only way to explain it.

I remember being around 8 years old when this song came out and it was everywhere on the radio...it was a huge hit for Glen Campbell. I sang it while riding in the back of my father's truck lol

I used to sing this song when I was a little kid even before knowing what Country Music was or who HE was. This is a very special song to me. Amazing Song.

I remember this song playing repeatedly on the radio. It was number one for weeks on the top 40 and I don't mean the country charts.

This song was at peak airplay in April '75. I was just turning 2. I have a distinct memory of hearing this song on the radio and recognizing it. It was my first favorite song and launched my love of music. 🧡

Glenn Campbell is one of the best guitar player to grace planet earth. He played guitar in everyone's albums. He played on Frank Sinatra albums Beach boys ... He play the William tell overture

You need to hear Glen Campbell doing the William Tell Overature (smokin' instrumental version.) It's fun and a WOW.

Great reaction! Thanks, Yes "Wichita Lineman" and "Gentle on my Mind" are two other great songs. Also Campbell had a short movie career. I Suggest reacting to the the original "True Grit" movie in 1969 where Campbell appeared as a Texas Ranger and John Wayne won his only Oscar for BEST ACTOR . Thanks

Glenn was one of the first "major" Country Crossover Artist..Including Pop..And Standards..

Glenn was one of the most recorded musicians in history with over 600 records. Glenn was a member of The Beach Boys

Gentle On My Mind was also one of his huge hits. Galveston performed live is amazing. On the documentary about his struggle with Alzheimer’s, it showed that even when he could not remember where rooms were in his house, he could still play guitar flawlessly. The music remains…

That was the days of complete orchestras.

Glen played the guitar so good that he was on Hee Haw playing with Roy Clark who was consider the best country player at the time. But the best with rockers too. I don’t hear much of his stuff nowadays but I’ve loved everything he’s ever done. It’s just that when his voice doesn’t guitar come on you know it’s him ad he could write a song. Please play anything that you feel like playing and I will like the song and your young years later prospective on it. I loved this one. Thanx for your reaction. Glens wife ask him what he wanted to d when he got alhzheimers. He sad tour so she took him on the road and helped him. Maybe some of it he remembered enough to play

I always liked listening to him play guitar. He was a studio legend for years and a shredder way before EVH. You should look up some videos of him and Roy Clark playing together.

A song you need to hear is Glenn Campbell's "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" Its about the repercussions of the Alzheimer's disease he suffered from and the horrible affects it would have on those around him. Very emotional song. It's the last song he wrote and performed before his death.

Hi again. I'm a 74 year old and I love your reactions, Home Free and 60's and 70's are my favorites. Glen Campbell started out as a session musician in LA and even sat in on a couple of Beach Boys songs. He's an extremely gifted guitar player. My favorite of his is Gentle On My Mind. Wichita Lineman and Galveston are ballady and Southern Nights is a little more upbeat. He married Tanya Tucker at one point, her Delta Dawn was pretty good. In this song, he is a down and out of work out-of-towner. He's looking for success and for some reason he equates that success with being a Rhinestone Cowboy. I don't know why but this is a mistake on his part. The Rhinestone Cowboy he's thinking of is the Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, etc. of his youth. They were very famous movie cowboys and sometimes their pictures and live appearances would have them decked out in fancy rhinestone outfits with all the leather and fringes. Nowdays, the Rhinestone Cowboy is the man or woman, who at the beginning of a rodeo, rides out all decked out in rhinestones on a fancy horse with a fancy saddle carrying the American Flag. 'the actual cowboys that ride bucking bronc and bulls are actually a pretty grungy lot.

Glen was a incredible Session musician playing for the Monkees , Elvis and Beach Boys , Nancy Sinatra as well.

Glenn Campbell is also an amazing guitarist and was a member of the Wrecking Crew a group of studio musicians who played on a lot of the early 60's to very early 70's records. He also had an acting career co starring with John Wayne in True Grit.

Listening to the words can help a lot with describing what the song is about.

Glenn was a mega star, great singer, guitarist, actor and even had his own tv show.

"Gentle on my mind " is my ALL TIME favorite song. A great song about a young man with wanderlust and the girl that he loves , but she understands who he is and doesn't try to change him.A song with beautiful imagery.

Glen Campbell's music is more contemporary than country. Glen Campbell played everything while he was getting started. He even played with the Beach Boys for a short period of time.

A hundred years ago when I was a kiddo, (ok maybe not that many years) my family was in church one Sunday morning.. the younger kids were in their class . The lady leading the music said ok let's sing our favorite song ( meaning a hymn) my little brother proudly stood up walked up to the front and loudly started singing rhinestone cowboy!! Best Sunday ever!!

This song is actually a metaphor for a country boy like Glen becoming such a big star/famous/ a rhinestone cowboy and dealing with the "Star Spangled Rodeo"/Show business.

This is the first song I remember knowing all the words to. I used to ride my bicycle (training wheels still on) up and down the dirt road behind our house singing Rhinestone Cowboy at the top of my lungs, so I still hold a spot in my heart for this song.

A Rinestone Cowboy is a showman , not necessarily a real Cowboy - this song is about Glenn’s journey thru fame and show business, not a real rodeo

I stood in line to get his autograph at the county fair in 1968, and I got the biggest thrill when he called me Sweetheart. He died from Alzheimers, but even as it progressed he could play his guitar and sometimes sing his songs. He was a great guitarist and a great singer.

In the late 1970s, Loy Bowlin in McComb, Mississippi, styled himself as the “Original Rhinestone Cowboy.” From his slate-blue 1967 Cadillac to his dentures, he adorned everything in his life with rhinestones and spangles, including the entire inside of his house, which he anointed the Beautiful Holy Jewel Home.

Rhinestone Cowboy was just a metaphorical visual describing how striking he’ll be when he gets to the top. It’s really surprising how hung up you’re getting on rhinestones. You’re wearing a KISS hat. No band in history ever wore as many sequins, rhinestones and bedazzled glammy costumes as KISS.

"Rhinestone Cowboy" was Glen Campbell's 28th charting single on Billboard's Hot 100 and his 1st #1. Between1961 thru 1981, Campbell charted 36 singles, only 4 in the Top 10 and 2 @ #1. Campbell's 2nd #1 charts in 1977 ("Southern Nights"). The other Top 10 hits were "Wichita Lineman (#3 in 1968) & "Galveston" (#4 in 1969.)

Glen Campbell as such a versatile voice he can sing anything beautifully. I saw him in concert in the uk 🇬🇧 twice.

It's actually about his climb in the music business. In the song he says "LIKE" a Rhinestone cowboy in a rodeo.

A great musician with a fantastic voice. I used to own several of his albums. This song has always my brother's favorite song.

One of THE greatest guitarists in any genre period. Eddie Van Halen once famously sought out a lesson with him. In later years was also good friends with Ted Nugent. Straddled the boundaries of all forms of guitar music, universally admired by anyone who knows anything about playing the guitar.

He has so many great songs 🎵 the last song he had was "I'm not gonna miss you " he passed away from I think Dementia and it's a song about when he doesn't recognize you he won't miss you and it's a such a beautiful song.

This is one of my favorite songs. Glen Campbell is a force to be reckoned with

*HUGE* talent, Mr. Campbell. Also, a home-town boy. I used to wait on his Uncles in the restaurant here, quite often. He's buried up the road a piece from my house. You guys definitely need to check out his "William Tell Overture\Lone Ranger theme song" on the 12 string guitar, and the last song he ever recorded, "I'm Not Gonna' Miss You"

Gentle on my mind, Galveston, Wichita lineman. Glen Campbell is perfect every time! ☮️

I think what he is talking about is his path to stardom. When this song came out the stage fashion for most Country Singers included a lot of Rhinestones.

Country Singer and Rodeo Stars wear very shining sequence laden outfits , even Elvis had a shining outfit. Great Song.

A fantastic guitarist!! My favorite song by him is " By the Time I get to Phoenix". He also acted and had a major role in "True Grit" which starred John Wayne!!