Glen Campbell’s fusion of country and pop melodies – bolstered by his smooth vocals – truly made him one of the most popular artists and leading figures of the late ’60s to ’70s. Glen Campbell songs did not only become country hits, but they even crossed over to the pop charts as well.
Indeed, the Country Music Hall of Famer was a staple to the genre for the past half-century. In fact, he managed to release over 70 albums to his name, racked up Grammy-winning tracks, and yielded a steady stream of Top Ten singles.
So, to celebrate his illustrious career, here are some of Glen Campbell‘s greatest hits through the years.
1. “I Wanna Live”
Campbell earned his first No. 1 hit on the country chart, thanks to “I Wanna Live” – which was released as the lead single from his eight-studio album. The country ballad spent three non-consecutive weeks atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
2. “Wichita Lineman”
Written by songwriting legend and Campbell’s frequent collaborator, Jimmy Webb, the song was inspired by a lonesome telephone lineman working at the top of a telephone pole. “Wichita Lineman” received countless positive reviews, such as being included in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
3. “Galveston”
“Galveston,” which is a city on the coast of Texas, tells the story of a terrified soldier leaving to join a war and the girl he will leave behind in his hometown.
Ever since its release, it has become an unofficial anthem of the city as well as at Galveston Island.
4. “Rhinestone Cowboy”
When Campbell heard “Rhinestone Cowboy” on the radio during his tour in Australia, he decided to learn it. After all, no one could relate to the song more than the country singer did – being a small-town boy raised in the tiny community of Arkansas.
5. “Southern Nights”
Campbell decided to record “Southern Nights” as it reminded him of his rural childhood in Arkansas, and it turned out to be such a huge hit. The song reached No. 1 on three different charts in the United States.
6. “Try a Little Kindness”
Campbell showed his versatility in “Try a Little Kindness,” which did not only peak at No. 2 on the country charts but also went No. 1 for a week on the Hot Adult Contemporary chart, at the same time reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. “Dreams of the Everyday Housewife”
When it was released, there were plenty of American women who relate to the song, especially that the image of a happy housewife that’s often depicted on TV shows and magazines doesn’t match with reality.
8. “Country Boy (You Got Your Feet in L.A.)”
When the song went to No. 11 on Billboard Hot 100, Campbell became one of the first country singers to enjoy a crossover success. The song’s worthy story of a redneck trapped in the big city cemented Campbell’s reputation as country-pop bonafide.
9. “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”
This ode to mothers is one of Campbell’s latter hits, and it represents how great the country legend is when it comes to country music storytelling.
10. “Gentle on My Mind”
This country ballad, “Gentle on My Mind,” dominated Grammy Awards in 1968 – winning in four categories, including Best Country & Western Solo Vocal Performance, Male. Not only that, but it has received more than five million plays on the radio.
11. “True Grit”
“True Grit” was one of the many songs of Campbell featured in film and television – this time, it’s for the 1969 Western film that starred an aging John Wayne while Campbell played an unforgettable role as La Boeuf.
12. “Ghost on the Canvas”
Campbell recorded the song – which sings about the place between life and death – during the early stages of his Alzheimer’s disease. He went on promoting the song despite his diagnosis.
13. “I’m Not Gonna Miss You”
Co-written by Campbell himself, the poignant ballad is the last song he ever recorded. It made references to his battle with Alzheimer’s disease and served as a message to his wife and children.
14. “Arkansas Farmboy”
Written by bluegrass musician Carl Jackson, “Arkansas Farmboy” is actually based upon the childhood stories Campbell told him – including growing up in a big farming family.
15. “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”
By early 1967, Capitol Records continued pushing Campbell as a country recording artist, and their efforts did not go futile as his breakthrough finally arrived – thanks to “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” which reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and even took home two Grammy Awards.
Here Are Some More Glen Campbell Songs That Are As Iconic As He Is
Indeed, Glen Campbell’s music has been a constant in the lives of countless country fans. Below are some more of his hits that you need to check out!
How about you? Which among these Glen Campbell songs left a mark in your heart?
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