Artist News

Artists line up to pay tribute to Glen Campbell 

By | Published on Wednesday 9 August 2017

glen campbell

A plethora of artists last night paid tribute to country star Glen Campbell – possibly best known for his country-pop crossover hit ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ – who has died aged 81.

The singer’s family said in a statement that “it is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather” who had died after “a long and courageous battle” with Alzheimer’s disease.

Other country music legends were among those paying tribute, with Dolly Parton telling reporters: “Glen was one of the greatest voices that ever was in the business and he was one of the greatest musicians. He was a wonderful session musician as well. A lot of people don’t realise that, but he could play anything. And he could play it really well. So he was just extremely talented. I will always love you, Glen!”

Meanwhile Kenny Rogers noted the illness Campbell faced in the final years of his life, remarking that “it’s always tragic when you hear of a friend passing, but he had to be miserable that last few years of his life – at least he doesn’t have to deal with that anymore”.

Referencing his own former band, Rogers added: “We worked together a lot through the years. In fact, Glen played on almost all First Edition music. He played a dynamic riff on the guitar that was trend setting. I also shot a few of his album covers back in the day and, at the time, I never knew people were paid to do that, but a few weeks later I received a cheque in the mail that was unexpected and highly received. I’ll never forget that. He was a good friend and it breaks my heart that he’s not here to contribute to music anymore”.

Meanwhile Billy Ray Cyrus told media: “Glen Campbell was such a huge influence on me. Growing up, I studied his writing, songs and how he was an ‘entertainer’s entertainer’. Along with Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, Glen Campbell was one of the first to parlay country music into mainstream television and broaden the entire country music fanbase across the globe. Ride on Rhinestone Cowboy. God Bless”.



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