Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

“Wichita Lineman” Gives Glen Campbell His 1st Gold Single

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

It should not already come as a surprise that one of the greatest singers to have ever graced the country music scene was Glen Campbell. This 81-year-old, who passed away in 2017, was a multi-faceted artist. In fact, he was not merely a singer. More than an amazing singer, he was also a guitarist, songwriter, television host, and actor. It’s so unfortunate that we have lost him due to Alzheimer’s disease, and we miss him very dearly. No one can ever do Glen Campbell as Glen Campbell did.

RELATED: Throwback To Glen Campbell Songs That Are As Legendary As He Is

For a career that spanned five decades, Campbell released over 70 albums, selling over 45 million records worldwide. Twelve of these were gold albums, four were platinum while one went double-platinum. But, behind all these achievements that he had, there was this one particular song that started his run for gold. And, this is his “Wichita Lineman,” the single that paved his way for more chart-topping hits.

“Wichita Lineman:” Campbell’s Very First Gold Single

Penned by Jimmy Webb in 1968, “Wichita Lineman” was first recorded by Glen Campbell on May 27 in the same year. It was then followed by another recording on August 14, and then it was released in October. His version appeared on his 1968 album of the same name.

Throughout time, the song went to the third spot on the US pop chart and stayed in the Top 100 for 15 weeks. Moreover, it toppled other songs as it clinched No. 1 on the American country music chart for two weeks and the adult contemporary chart for six weeks.

Furthermore, “Wichita Lineman” penetrated other countries’ music charts. It placed at No. 7 in the United Kingdom while maintaining its No. 1 spot in Canada’s RPM national and country singles charts.

With the tune’s amazing chart performance, RIAA certified it gold in January 1969, signifying sales of 500,000 copies. To note, this was Campbell’s first ever gold-certified song for his entire career.

In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine included “Wichita Lineman” in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and ranked it 195th. Further, the song has been referred to as “the first existential country song.” On the other hand, the BBC has also referred to it as “one of those rare songs that seem to somehow exist in a world of its own – not just timeless but ultimately outside of modern music.”

As of August 2017, “Wichita Lineman” has sold 357,000 downloads in the digital era in the United States.

For now, let’s watch Glen Campbell singing his first ever gold single, “Wichita Lineman:”

Latest Stories

The Highwaymen—Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson—pose together, smiling and relaxed, showcasing their legendary camaraderie in country music.

Why The Highwaymen Refused Alcohol on Tour and What They Drank Instead

The Highwaymen were four of country music’s roughest legends, each with enough scars to write ten albums. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson made up the outlaw ...

Maren Morris and Taylor Swift pose together in glamorous outfits, symbolizing their connection as female artists navigating major shifts in and out of country music.

Maren Morris Turned to Taylor Swift and The Chicks for Advice on Leaving Country Music

If you’re gonna walk away from country music, you better know what you’re walking into. Maren Morris didn’t just pack up and go. Before she made the jump to pop ...

Phil Robertson and Miss Kay Robertson from Duck Dynasty hold hands and sit side-by-side in a care facility, reunited after months apart due to health concerns.

Duck Dynasty’s Uncle Phil and Miss Kay Robertson Are Back Together After Months Apart

Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson has officially reunited with his wife, Miss Kay, after months of being separated due to ongoing health issues—and the family says it’s been a major boost ...

Shania Twain, Keith Urban, and LeAnn Rimes are among the bold country artists who embraced vulnerability and body confidence in the spotlight.

7 Country Stars Who Stripped Down Without Regret

In a genre that still hides behind hymns and denim, these seven artists stripped down—and what they revealed wasn’t just skin. It was ownership, defiance, grief, and freedom—and country music ...

Carrie Underwood defends her decision during a heartfelt moment on American Idol, advocating for the show's first Easter faith special.

Carrie Underwood Fought for American Idol’s Easter Episode When Others Said It Was “Inappropriate”

For the first time in its 23-season history, American Idol aired a fully faith-based Easter special. It was bold and heartfelt—and according to a report from The Sun, it almost ...

Pope Francis smiles and waves in his traditional white robes during one of his final public appearances before his passing at age 88.

Pope Francis, the First Pope from the Americas, Dies at 88 After Easter Weekend

Just one day after delivering his final Easter address and meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas and a defining spiritual voice ...

Jelly Roll cracks up alongside Luke Bryan and Jennifer Hudson while sharing a hilariously embarrassing onstage story on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

Jelly Roll Overshared on National TV Telling Jennifer Hudson He Once Pooped His Pants While Performing on Stage

There’s oversharing, and then there’s Jelly Roll on The Jennifer Hudson Show, telling a national audience he once trusted a fart onstage and paid the price. It happened on April ...

Luke Bryan delivers an emotional Easter performance of “Jesus' Bout My Kids” on American Idol, capturing the raw heart of a father’s prayer.

Luke Bryan Sang “Jesus’ Bout My Kids” on Easter and Brought Real Emotion to American Idol

Luke Bryan has spent the last seven seasons of American Idol being the jokester, the crowd-pleaser, the guy who hands out compliments with a grin and a wink. But on ...

Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake perform “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on American Idol’s “Songs of Faith” Easter special, bringing emotion and testimony to the stage.

Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on Idol Felt Like a Personal Testimony

Easter Sunday on American Idol brought faith to the forefront, but when Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake took the stage to sing “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” it stopped being a TV ...

Carrie Underwood sings “How Great Thou Art” on Easter Sunday during American Idol’s “Songs of Faith” special, delivering a soul-stirring moment.

Carrie Underwood’s Easter Performance of “How Great Thou Art” Was Nothing Short of Heavenly

Some performances raise goosebumps, and then the rare few feel like they could raise the dead. On Easter Sunday, American Idol turned primetime into sacred time. Carrie Underwood stood in ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.