I have previously posted here expressing my admiration for Glen Campbell, both as a man and a singer. As many of you know, he has been suffering from Alzheimer's and apparently his progression has been rather rapid. He is now at the final stages of this devastating disease whereby he cannot talk, but he still can bestow hugs and kisses, bless his soul.
This has a special relevance to me because I took care of my dear Mother for 9-1/2 years in my home, when she went through the stages of Alzheimer's.
I became acquainted with Glen years ago and have spent hours with him on the golf course.
Until I ran across the following video I did not know he ever taped a song that I had heard him sing first hand. One day as I was riding with him in the golf cart he was in a particularly happy mood. It was a sunny summer day and he began singing this song and as he pulled up to the tee and stopped I implored him to continue. He did, and I will never forget this cherished memory, sitting shoulder to shoulder with him and hearing his fine voice doing this song a capella, singing it just for the two of us to enjoy. He sounded incredible in person...far better than his records or TV appearances. He was raised in the South and knew a lot of old hymns.
I don't mind telling you I had a lump in my throat when he finished and he got a big smile and laughed at my reaction. Just then some ladies came up from behind us; apparently his voice had been carried by the breeze, and they had heard him singing and didn't know he was there, and almost fainted, squealing in enthusiasm when they spotted him.
Glen was a very spiritual man and we talked a lot about religion, even the last time I spoke with him a few years ago.
I am so thankful that a video exists of him singing this song on a show and I want to share it with you now so you will experience a bit of what I did many years ago. Sometime I will post more stories about him, and btw, I have a bunch of stuff on tape of him and me as well.
Click the link to see and hear Glen perform "In the Garden."
My prayers are with this wonderful artist and fine man and his family as he draws closer to the Lord...
Posted by Larry Jordan on March 17, 2016, 12:07 am, in reply to "Glen Campbell"
OK...one more. The thing that struck me when I first heard Glen sing live years ago was that he had such a rich lower register, as this song demonstrates -- "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." He is known for hitting those high notes but seldom utilized his deeper voice. But it was beautiful and he also sang more softly..in the style of Jim Reeves! See this compelling performance with an orchestra backing him -- and his fabulous guitar playing. He started out as a studio musician backing many stars on their hit records, before the music biz realized the guy could SING. I wish he would have recorded more material that showed off his baritone notes.
(The video starts out black for a few seconds but hang in there because you will then see it).
Posted by Doris Gath on March 17, 2016, 12:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Glen Campbell"
Glen did have a beautiful ballad voice when he sang low. Like Jim he could also reach the high notes. Sorry to hear he is declining. Always for Jim, Doris
Re: Glen Campbell
Posted by Gary Bryson on March 24, 2016, 7:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Glen Campbell"
Larry, Thanks for the post and the videos. Enjoyed it all.
In your talks with Glen, did you ever talk to him about Jim Reeves?
Re: Glen Campbell
Posted by Larry Jordan on March 28, 2016, 1:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Glen Campbell"
Yes, we spoke about Jim Reeves but I honestly can't recall specifics except that I know Glen liked him. I am trying to remember if he ever saw Jim perform or met him. The last time we spoke I taped the conversation so I may get that tape out and review it to see...