It was very sad to hear of the death of superstar Glen Campbell, 81 years old when he passed away. In the years between 2009 and 2011 Glen began to show signs of some medical problem, which Kim Campbell described as possibly dementia. During those years Glen suffered from short-term memory loss and confusion. Kim, his wife of 34 years, was both frustrated and alarmed, because she did not understand why Glen was acting in these ways, and afraid that he was suffering from a serious ailment. Then, in 2011, there came the day that Glen could not remember the way home from the country club only ten minutes away. Kim insisted Glen go to the doctor, and she went with him. The doctor eventually diagnosed Glen as being in the early grip of Alzheimer's Disease.
Glen and Kim had to pack a lot of life into the next few years, not knowing how long Glen had to live, much less to remain cognitive and lucid. Glen Campbell continued to tour and to sing at various engagements, and Kim stayed very close to him during these times. During his last tours there were times when Glen forgot songs, forgot recent conversations, even forgot where he was playing or what was the next destination. By the end of 2015 Glen was succumbing to the most serious effects of Alzheimers, to the point where he could no longer be left alone. Eventually Kim had to place Glen in a nearby nursing home so that he could receive twenty-four hour help. Kim herself was exhausted and emotionally drained after caring nonstop for Glen for the past several years. But she said to many people that she cherished every minute with Glen as the disease progressed and gradually began stealing the life from him. She spent every second with him, and his now-grown children also spent as much time with him as they could. Glen was all but incommunicado when he passed away today.
But Glen Campbell's light will shine on. An article I read about him at one point called the very big hit "Rhinestone Cowboy" Glen Campbell's "signature" song. I agree with that assessment, but only partly. Rhinestone Cowboy, released in 1975, WAS Glen's signature song from then on, but I assert that Glen's original signature song the great love ballad, "Galveston." Released in 1969, Galveston peaked at #4 on the Country and Pop Charts, and #1 on Easy Listening. Although the song did not hit #1, Galveston was requested at his tours and on the radio, and was a favorite of Campbell fans until Rhinestone Cowboy was released.
Glen Campbell sang many great songs, but my favorites were Galveston, Rhinestone Cowboy...and two that are not as well known. Glen Campbell released a version of Bonaparte's Retreat in 1974. In Campbell's fast-paced cover, modern studio technology allowed Glen to play every instrument that was featured in the cut, and play them well. My other favorite song is Glen's release of Amazing Grace, in which he both sang and played the bagpipes very effectively and emotionally. I can listen to that song over and over, and both feel comfort and feel Campbell's emotion in the song.
Farewell to Glen Campbell, one of the great stars of Country Music, and prayers for Kim and the children, and for all of Glenn's friends, and his brothers and sisters of Country Music. A star dimmed here, and the great Opry in Heaven has one more member tonight.
Glen and Kim had to pack a lot of life into the next few years, not knowing how long Glen had to live, much less to remain cognitive and lucid. Glen Campbell continued to tour and to sing at various engagements, and Kim stayed very close to him during these times. During his last tours there were times when Glen forgot songs, forgot recent conversations, even forgot where he was playing or what was the next destination. By the end of 2015 Glen was succumbing to the most serious effects of Alzheimers, to the point where he could no longer be left alone. Eventually Kim had to place Glen in a nearby nursing home so that he could receive twenty-four hour help. Kim herself was exhausted and emotionally drained after caring nonstop for Glen for the past several years. But she said to many people that she cherished every minute with Glen as the disease progressed and gradually began stealing the life from him. She spent every second with him, and his now-grown children also spent as much time with him as they could. Glen was all but incommunicado when he passed away today.
But Glen Campbell's light will shine on. An article I read about him at one point called the very big hit "Rhinestone Cowboy" Glen Campbell's "signature" song. I agree with that assessment, but only partly. Rhinestone Cowboy, released in 1975, WAS Glen's signature song from then on, but I assert that Glen's original signature song the great love ballad, "Galveston." Released in 1969, Galveston peaked at #4 on the Country and Pop Charts, and #1 on Easy Listening. Although the song did not hit #1, Galveston was requested at his tours and on the radio, and was a favorite of Campbell fans until Rhinestone Cowboy was released.
Glen Campbell sang many great songs, but my favorites were Galveston, Rhinestone Cowboy...and two that are not as well known. Glen Campbell released a version of Bonaparte's Retreat in 1974. In Campbell's fast-paced cover, modern studio technology allowed Glen to play every instrument that was featured in the cut, and play them well. My other favorite song is Glen's release of Amazing Grace, in which he both sang and played the bagpipes very effectively and emotionally. I can listen to that song over and over, and both feel comfort and feel Campbell's emotion in the song.
Farewell to Glen Campbell, one of the great stars of Country Music, and prayers for Kim and the children, and for all of Glenn's friends, and his brothers and sisters of Country Music. A star dimmed here, and the great Opry in Heaven has one more member tonight.
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