5 Glen Campbell Songs That Defined His Career & Country Music

In addition to being a legendary figure in country music, Glen Campbell was an essential part of the Wrecking Crew, a band of top session musicians responsible for many of the 1960s’ biggest singles. Holding a guitar, Campbell contributed to songs by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and the Beach Boys. In addition to these collaborations, his solo career strengthened his legacy in music. Here are five tracks that epitomize Glen Campbell’s amazing legacy.

“Gentle on My Mind”
“Gentle on My Mind,” a 1967 single that combined pop and country elements and featured Campbell’s easy, organic voice, was his breakthrough hit. Its sentimental and romantic tone established his style and catapulted his solo career into the public eye.

“By the Time I Get to Phoenix”
Later the same year, Campbell achieved another gold standard with “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” which garnered him four Grammy Awards and a remarkable 15 weeks on Billboard’s Top 100. It became one of his most enduring successes due to its poignant lyrics and expressive delivery.

“Wichita Lineman”
“Wichita Lineman,” written by Jimmy Webb, is frequently praised as the apex of Campbell’s career. The song combined moving lyrics with contributions from Campbell’s Wrecking Crew teammates and was inspired by a lone lineman working on power lines. It is still a timeless masterpiece.

“Galveston”
Another Jimmy Webb masterpiece, “Galveston,” was given by Campbell during the height of the Vietnam War. Released in 1968, the song’s eerie rhythm and introspective lyrics developed into a subtle yet potent statement about longing and war.

“Rhinestone Cowboy”
It’s easy to understand why Campbell referred to “Rhinestone Cowboy” as his favorite song ever. Audiences responded well to this story of a tenacious wandering singer, which became his biggest hit and topped the charts. This 1975 track confirmed his status as a music legend and signaled a victorious return to the industry.