Reacting to GLEN CAMPBELL play 'Wichita Lineman'

[@ltaylor770]

True story. About 25 years ago I was visiting my sister in Branson Missouri and she asked me and my other sister to put on a little concert at her church. It was a tiny country church with a gravel driveway and while we were in the parking lot getting ready to go inside a black Cadillac pulled up and my sister said, “Oh my God, that’s Glenn Campbell”. In shock, we went into the church with maybe 50 other people and Glenn sat on the back row with his sunglasses on. It was a great service, and when it was over Glenn came up and talked to us. He said he was in town to do a show and wanted to go to church and stopped at the first one he came across. He complemented us on our singing and asked which show in Branson we were in. We told him we were simple church musicians and he said it was some of the best singing he had ever heard. That such a famous entertainer would not only go to a little country church but also go out of his way to complement us shows what a wonderful person he was.

[@wendyryder2708]

What a beautiful memory!

[@anitapeludat256]

That gave me goosebumps. What a story!! And memory for you. !!

[@JoaninFlorida]

God bless the linemen who are here in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Helena. Thank ypu!!!!

[@NC-Mama-Bear]

@@JoaninFlorida Yes!

[@KarenOCallaghan-u5o]

Good luck with Milton

[@amandagish5976]

Thank God for the linemen who rescue us all.

[@ncwoodworker]

And western NC too.

[@docdurdin]

Dave, A lineman works the power lines keeping the electric flowing. Wichita is a city in the State of Kansas, USA. Brings tears to my eyes watching a legend we all loved, now gone. Glen was a session player who played on the most important recording sessions of the 60's and 70's and toured with the Beach Boys before his breakout as a singer soloist.

[@alpenglow4243]

Following the lyrics, this lineman is working on telephone lines and hearing the electrical impulses from people using the telephone.

[@kristinechristlieb1383]

My father was a lineman for Southwestern Bell in the 1950s. He climbed telephone poles and repaired telephone lines. He worked out of Springfield, Missouri, cultural genre very similar to Wichita, KS and just up the road from Branson, Missouri, see above comment. I always thought my dad was very brave. Loved the way he wore his leather tool belt on his hip. WWII Marine Raider. Norman Rockwell did a painting of a lineman.

[@Robbob9933]

In this sense, a "lineman" is someone who works for the electric utility who maintain and repairs the power lines. The character in this song is in Kansas, one of the rural states

[@DaveWildheart]

Yeah definitely didn't catch on to that one.

[@EgbertWilliams]

Ergo, if it rains, he'd get a "small vacation," but if there's heavy snow, he'll be very busy because that could collapse some of the lines.

[@katrinaprescott5911]

​@@DaveWildheartAn interesting aspect to this song is that he sings about the whine of high tension wires (I can hear you singing in the wire) and the high pitched notes after he says, "is still on the line" is intended to bring that to mind. In the original recording it is much stronger.

[@michlkwitz]

@@katrinaprescott5911 plus this version seems slower to me. And he's playing with the melody which is throwing it off for me a bit.

[@sylvanaire]

@@katrinaprescott5911I don’t think I ever put that together before I started listening to reaction videos to this song, but I can absolutely hear the whine of the wires in that section now that I’m paying attention. 👍👍😄

[@hoosierdaddy5050]

“and I need more than I Want You, And i want you for All Time” This is one of the greatest, most beautiful most sincere lyrics of all time. Fantastic of you to notice it !

[@StevenJones-l5r]

Jimmy Webb wrote this song.

[@coloradolover5343]

I played this at my dads funeral. He was a lineman in Kansas, as is Wichita 🥰

[@nielgregory108]

He is only considered one of, if not, THE best studio guitarist.

[@deejohnson4793]

He and Roy Clark!

[@AlexLightGiver]

James Burton. 900 LPs

[@lindawick455]

Wrecking crew

[@Jon-uc6nw]

And he toured as a Beach Boy early on

[@belvagurr403]

Glen died from Alzheimer’s in 2017. Released 64 albums over 50 years, sold 45 million records. Known as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

[@SteffiReitsch]

Campbell was self taught and never learned to read music , yet worked as a professional studio musician, playing only by ear. He was so good they'd just tell him how they wanted it to sound and he'd do it, putting his own spin on it. He was a natural.

[@davidgreer4615]

a lineman is the person that works the "lines" (power lines, telephone lines, etc). they're the front line when storms come.

[@DaveWildheart]

Man, I was so far off

[@louiseasmith1336]

Mandatory Overtime.

[@punkydoodle4774]

I have two nephews who are linemen.

[@blippacg]

Wichita as in Wichita, Kansas. So the Wichita lineman worked power lines in Kansas. Tough work.

[@badmother7615]

My son is a lineman in Michigan. I didn’t really think about it as a profession until he decided at 11 years old to become one. This is actually their vocational anthem. They all sing it when they’re drunk (a lot) and at important occasions.

[@daventunes3822]

The one-note-repeated motif is meant to suggest the signal sent down the telephone/telegraph lines.

[@GoodieJoy-hh9uc]

Kind of like a telegraph sound, very cool effect!

[@timjb19621]

Campbell started as a session musician and played guitar on hits by Elvis, The Righteous Brothers, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Jan and Dean, and Ricky Nelson. One of his very best friends and frequent golf partners was Alice Cooper. He was a very nice man and great musician.

[@DaveWildheart]

Ahh well that explains why he is so damn good.

[@piedmontish]

According to Cooper (has been repeated by others) Eddy Van Halen called Cooper and asked if he could arrange a guitar lesson for him

[@mr.knowitall6440]

I thought it was interesting that he's playing a Mosrite guitar here, harkening back to his surf music sessions. 😎

[@rebeccamcvey8600]

Glen was a member of The Wrecking Crew, a collection of studio musicians. They have a documentary about them and there is also one about the studio in Muscle Shoales in Alabama.

[@jeffbrowning4684]

Not bad for a self-taught guitar player who never learned to read music.

[@llschnitz]

Written by the great Jimmy Webb who has a whole bunch of top ten hits.

[@serenade4739]

I think Jimmy is playing piano in this clip. Take a look!

[@dianevolpe1943]

Greatest one line ever written in a pop song. And I need you more than want you…

[@sarahhornor3989]

@@dianevolpe1943 I agree - with the addition of "and I need you for all time". Most romantic sentence ever written in a song! Just a shame, Jimmy Webb was dating jailbait at the time. She was a 12-year-old model for Yardley Cosmetics that he would marry a few years later and have kids with. Sorry if I burst your bubble but I was bummed when I found out about this upsetting fact. He was 10 years older than her. P.S. They divorced later.

[@safromnc8616]

One of the absolute greatest pickers in any genre.

[@lauriebox9034]

First time here. This takes me back. 1968, I’m 17 wondering where the world is going, esp with Vietnam raging, the Draft scaring all the young men to pieces. Then over my AM radio comes the clear poignant tenor voice of Glen Campbell. It was calming, sincere and oh so romantic. My young self fell hard for the man, the music and I still miss him. The song was written by the great Jimmy Webb as so many other Campbell songs. So much more to choose from! Thanks for the late night of remembering! tenor

[@DaveWildheart]

That was a lovely comment. Thank you!

[@sandramoore]

You should listen to the original record. Glenn was a member of the legendary group of LA session musicians The Wrecking Crew. Before he became a star, he played on scores of hits for Phil Spector, the Beach Boys. the Mamas and the Papas. This was nowhere near his best performance of Wichata Lineman.

[@RandyHall324]

Agree about the original, although on this video, we do get to see him shred a bit. Dude was a magician with a guitar, and the original, while brilliant, doesn't show that off at all.

[@rockitflash]

You need to listen to the original 1968 studio version. It has a lush arrangement that really sets the mood for the lyrics.

[@Mrs.Patriot]

Wasn't he in the Eagles for a short time?

[@MrEdwinhardesty]

@@Mrs.Patriot, I think the Beach Boys.

[@Mrs.Patriot]

@@MrEdwinhardesty Oh yes! Thanks! At any rate, one of the GREATS!

[@thewindle]

Check out him doing The William Tell Overture on a 12 string, won't disappoint. Also have you checked out Roy Clark or Jerry Reed? Again, they won't disappoint.

[@AcmeRacing]

There are a few YT videos of Roy Clark playing Malaguena blindingly fast, and one where he's playing multiple different stringed instruments in succession while making faces and doing comedy. Roy was amazing.

[@roniboyd613]

The William Tell Overture is 🔥 I hope it's being reacted to in the very near future ❤

[@jeffking4176]

William Tell Overture by Glen Campbell is a MUST ‼️‼️ 📻🙂

[@reneeeiier4818]

My favorite is he and Roy Clark doing an instrumental Ghost Riders in the Sky

[@larryblaich4347]

Check that one out for sure. He plays a 12 string and shreds it. One of the greatest guitarists there ever was.

[@ericporter1255]

Someone once asked Eddie Van Halen what it was like being the greatest guitar player. He said," I dont know. Ask Glen Campbell"

[@marshastapleton1148]

This is how I heard it: Someone once asked Eric Clapton what it was like being the greatest guitar player. He said, "I don't know. Ask Prince."

[@duhB0MB]

it was Roy Clark but Glen is just as good

[@user-mg5mv2tn8q]

It was Jimi Hendrix, who said "Ask Terry Kath."

[@austexpilot1]

That’s the most cliche post ever! 😂 Who REALLY said that? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@pigpenclymer6098]

Yeah Eddie never said that about Glen, he never even mentions him as an influence.

[@davidgreer4615]

austin city limits is a premier live music venue. anyone who's anyone aspires to play there. it's been going strong since the seventies and is still going today.

[@peterwilson8039]

It was originally intended to show off the local talent, but nowadays they bring in top acts, often from a few years back. Sometimes it's really good country talent that has yet to hit the mainstream. As you'd expect, for a show based in Austin, they bring in really good acts from what I think of as alt-country - such as Townes van Zandt, and Guy Clark. You might even consider Steve Earle in the same category.

[@connielynn195]

Austin City Limits is in it's 45 season (longest running music show in the US) and is aired weekly on PBS (Public Broadcasting System).

[@wayne1074]

Glenn Campbell was a very underrated guitarist. He was never a show off, but when he wanted to he could pick with the very best. Thank you Mr. Campbell for all the music you gave us over the years. It was sad to see you go down with Alzheimer's. You will always be remembered for your music and kindness to your fans. Rest in peace. 🌹❤️🙏

[@jeromebarry1741]

Under-rated? He was FAMOUS in the 1970's. He was on his own albums, other artists' albums, television shows. I know in internet terms those few words are TLDR, but he was famous and well known.

[@johncollier6959]

Underrated? Glen Campbell was once part of the wrecking crew a group of LA musicians that were famous. He also played with the Beach boys. He is recognized as one of the best guitar players ever to pick up the instrument.

[@msc2116]

Glen was never “underrated!”

[@zoznak1943]

Glenn Campbell is not "very underrated". At least not by anyone who knows something about music, and particularly not by guitar players. He's generally acknowledged as one of the absolute greatest pickers in pop music history.

[@guacamolekid3899]

I got to meet Glenn Campbel and a conversation with him at the Illinois State Fair, a long time ago. He's just as cool as he seems on TV. Nicest guy you'd ever want to meet.

[@DaveWildheart]

Ahh that sounds so cool

[@thomastimlin1724]

You're the lucky one!

[@crmlcd]

I first met Glen Campbell when he moved to Albuquerque to play in his Uncle’s band, Dick Bills and The Sandia Mountain Boys. We knew his uncle Dick and aunt Judy.

[@cluny]

visiting my sister in Paradise Valley AZ, it was sundown, time to walk the dogs. We drove half a mile to the fairway, no streets, just grass and mansions on one side. My sister: That is Paul Harvey's house, (then next was) and that is Glen Campbell's.

[@krazycatz]

My mother’s friends took her to see him in concert for her birthday in the 1980s. When he heard it was her birthday he gave her all of the flowers and other gifts that fans had left for him on stage.

[@kenrobins6262]

You should see the video of Glen doing "Gentle on My Mind". (The version that says "terrific guitar break".) He sings 2 verses then says "I'll play one", and plays a great solo. He's sitting among greats like Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, Willie Nelson, etc. and they're all impressed! Besides the Wrecking Crew, there was a time when he toured with The Beach Boys.

[@redbirdjazzz]

Anything from that TV show is worth a look. Willie Nelson does a fantastic version of "Funny How Time Slips Away" on it, and Kris Kristofferson does "Why Me, Lord?" also.

[@RockandRollWoman]

Gentle on my Mind is a John Hartford tune, and his steamboat / banjo / Americana stuff is worth a deep dive.

[@kyle381000]

Great suggestion. I have enjoyed that video many times. It would make for a terrific reaction.

[@brentharker7868]

The song is a beautiful love song about a man who works for a power company maintaining the power grid. He's lamenting he can't spend time in the company of the true love because duty calls. God bless these heroes!

[@derbyd10]

He’s also playing a Mosrite Baritone guitar. A member of the world famous “Wrecking Crew” LA’s top session players. Look them up. Glen was a monster talent

[@DaveWildheart]

Seems like it!

[@bluebird1239]

@@DaveWildheart There is a documentary film called THE WRECKING CREW (2008), about Glen Campbell and the many other studio musicians that played on many of the original recordings of hit songs. It is worth a watch.

[@FarenCole]

According to his close friend Alice Cooper, EVH (thru AC) requested a lesson from Glen.

[@derbyd10]

@@FarenCole I heard Eddie talk about lessons from Glen

[@Cheryworld]

Glen was a legendary session guitar player for years. He played for everyone, and was well known by music people, famous in the industry. . He then started a solo career , singing pop songs that by and large didn't show off his playing. He was very big in the 1970s. In concert he would show off a bit, , to the delight of his fans. Track down him fooling around with the William Tell Overture

[@sgrocker1]

Glen Campbell was a session guitarist with the Wrecking Crew before he became famous as a solo performer.

[@NancyMoran-r3b]

He got Alzheimer’s in his later years and died not long after. It was very sad. My mom had it also.He had his own tv variety show. He was very much loved.

[@DaveWildheart]

Ahh that's real sad. It gets so many people.

[@TeRiFic05]

❤❤❤

[@FarenCole]

@@DaveWildheartwatch the documentary “I’ll Be Me”. It documents his journey with Alzheimer’s and touring with the disease. He won a Grammy for one of the songs from the documentary.

[@briandonovan1584]

@@DaveWildheart My parents both have Alzheimer's as they are 2 weeks and 7 weeks respectively from 89. It's horrible. My dad is a living legend in the law as a civil trial attorney and wrapped that up with 24 years as a very highly respected federal judge. For him to be losing his mind is almost too much for me to take. My mother as well ... The nicest lady you could ever meet has had periods of verbally violent behavior. Makes me want to self-delete sometimes.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

@@FarenColeThat was unbelievable how he could play and sing, but didn’t know who was around him.

[@mikewhelan9561]

he was a studio guitarist in the wrecking crew, he was in True Grit with John Wayne , he had his own TV show in the 60's That's him creating unforgettable guitar parts on the Beach Boys' landmark Pet Sounds album, Frank Sinatra's “Strangers in the Night,” the Righteous Brothers' “You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling” and the Monkees' “I'm a Believer,” not to mention hits by Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, Lou Rawls, Ricky Nelson, Merle Haggard ...

[@snowysnowyriver]

Glen Campbell has been acknowledged as the finest guitarist in music of any genre. He could also play several other instruments including the bagpipes. He started playing guitar at 4 years old and was playing on local radio stations by the time he was 6 years old, and writing his own music. In addition to his phenomenal music career, he was also an actor. He had his demons and faults, but he rightly deserves the title of Legend.

[@michaellockhart554]

This song was written by Jimmy Webb, Jimmy wrote many of Glen's hits, also wrote MacArthur Park, Billy Joel broke down the lyrics and composition of this song once, it's out there on KZbin

[@CC-gd9wl]

You MUST listen to the studio version with all the beautiful violins.

[@Polyphemus47]

And the lyrics 'as written'. Jimmy Webb is also a virtuoso with words and melodies, in my opinion. The two together are a perfect combination.

[@Sommiel]

There is a video of him doing it on his 60s variety show. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3mpdKh4gaadjtEsi=AazA7tUsnQC0guVB

[@Jkaterchannel]

And the baritone guitar…

[@debzvideos]

I recommend you listen to his songs "Galveston" & "By the Time I Get to Phoenix". I think "Wichita Lineman" was probably his first big hit & it crossed over into the pop charts & was played on ALL the radio stations back in 1968 when this song was released. It's my favorite song of his. I wish it was a longer song. The orchestration is just over the top on the studio version of the song which is the best one, I think.

[@wtfesme235]

Witchita Lineman is a haunting and beautiful blue collar love song. I am so glad I found your post because I had forgotten about that song. ❤ RIP Glen Campbell.

[@lsbill27]

The studio version of this tune is really top level. Live it's impossible to match the atmosphere in the studio version. It sounds very ordinary live.

[@Tdrummmer-rs2hat]

100% Agree! The studio version is hauntingly beautiful.

[@springertube]

I agree as well..... There are live versions which are more true to the original's special feeling - he proved it can be done! Some of those better live performances may have had orchestra support, but I have heard him play some pretty decent sparse arrangements as well.

[@MAG-li5jo]

The studio version from the late 1960's is incredible. A true masterpiece. Glen's voice is even better on it. Glen was studio guitarist before he became a solo artist.

[@BrianScott-h3o]

A lineman is a person that works on electric lines and telephone poles to keep our power grids working .

[@JDLuke]

He was a legend, full stop. Check out Roy Clark and Buck Owens.

[@DaveWildheart]

Ooh nice. I'll check them both out.

[@rorystorm4284]

And Chet Atkins! The best.

[@scottsmith6631]

Have heard critics say Glenn had a perfectly balanced voice.

[@davidgoldstein1526]

You’ve no idea what a great guitar player he is from watching this video. There are others which would make your jaw drop. Glen was amazing.

[@davesnothere8859]

This isn't the first time you've heard him, just the first time you knew it. Righteous Brothers:' You lost that loving feeling" Beach Boys "help me rhonda" Frank Sanatra :"strangers in the night" and a bunch more

[@charlenezack37]

The Champs Tequila

[@christineleblond7777]

I believe Jimmy Webb wrote that song. Lineman in this case fixes the above ground phone lines (used to be above the ground). Glenn had his own Television show called The Glenn Campbell Good Time Hour in the 1960s in the states. He passed away a few years ago from Alzheimers disease, but no matter how his memory failed, he could still play music and sing. He did concerts well into his diagnosis.

[@EgbertWilliams]

Glen was widely acclaimed as a master guitarist and was even part of the famous Wrecking Crew of session musicians.

[@Shari225]

The dot .. dot ... dot on the guitar is mimicking the morse code, which was sent on the line even before phones.

[@DaveWildheart]

Oh that's cool

[@SmovInfo1]

Analog telephone and data signals going across copper wires make a whining sound. You could "tone" the wire with a device to hear if the signals were going through.

[@jamessummerlin9516]

Glad you recognize Glen Campbell for being above average. You ought to hear some of his instrumental stuff. He was a one time member of the Wrecking Crew, a studio group of musicians that where the actual instrumental talent of so many pop artists of the 60s and 70s. I was a long time metal and hard rock bassist, but always had mad respect for Glen Cambell, Roy Clark, Bassist Carol Kaye of the Wrecking Crew, & Big Jim Sullivan of studio & Tom Jones guitar weapon of choice. Thank you for having the foresight to check out other genres, there has been some real talent out there over the years.

[@Anonymous99997]

4:48 This is, in my opinion, the most romantic line ever written. “And I need you more than want you. And I want you for all time.” Songwriter, Jimmy Webb is truly a master.

[@piedmontish]

He had a lot of much faster guitar solo type songs. You can catch him while doing the William Tell overture and I believe he’s playing on a 12 string guitar.

[@Lancefrei]

Hats off to you for instantly recognizing Glen's talent as both a singer and a guitarist, Dave. It's a rare combination to have incredible singing pitch, great playing chops and amazing musicality. Glen started playing guitar when he was very young and would practice his runs over and over and over until he got them right. I'm lucky I got to play with him and have many conversations with him about his music. A huge loss when he died.

[@jasonmorton1355]

To really see Glenn be a master guitarist check out him play the William Tell Overture. Love to see you experience new artist. Big howdy from Texas.

[@DaveWildheart]

Yeah im headed in that direction soon. Thanks for the tip

[@FarenCole]

Or him performing “MacArthur Park” (another Jimmy Webb masterpiece) with the Boston Pops.

[@DLCSTexas]

The linemen were interchangeable from state to stae for emergencies and bad weather. They woukdvtrapesvoff across country from state to stae helping neighbor sets. They were busy all the time. I just picture this lonely lineman out there wet and hungry missing his sweetheart.

[@bcjnk]

watch him play the william tell overture then you will see what a great guitarist he was

[@DaveWildheart]

I'm excited for this one

[@DougRayPhillips]

@@DaveWildheart Various versions of that out there, too. In some, he plays part of it with the guitar up behind the back of his neck. Also, find something where he's dueting with Roy Clark.

[@lefty3141591]

@@DougRayPhillips I was thinking about suggesting his duet of "Ghost Riders In The Sky"

[@JamesJohnson-ig6of]

@@lefty3141591 I AGREE!! Both Glen and Roy are maestros on the guitar and most other stringed instruments! "Ghost Riders In The Sky" is one of the greatest songs to play! Plus I loved Johnny Cash's version!

[@rebeccalloyd140]

Wichita is a city in the state of Kansas. A lineman is a person who works on the electric lines. Glen is an awesome guitarist who played with the Wrecking Crew and also toured as a Beach Boy when he filled in for one of the Beach Boys. He died in 2017 from Alzheimer's disease. The day before he died he sat and played his guitar with his daughter. He forgot a lot of things but not how to play.

[@raygunsforronnie847]

I got to work with Campbell soon after his illness was disclosed to the public (it was a poorly kept "Nashville secret" for a couple years), and his band was mostly his kids with second wife, Kim. He made a few mistakes, like starting a song in the wrong key; "Dad, we're playing that in "F", like always". "Oh, did I forget to move my capo? Let's start this over." It was sad in some ways but also a special look into the artist and how his family enabled him to continue professionally. Kim allowed a documentary crew to follow their shows and private lives until Glen was unable to appear in public. It's a touching film.

[@katearmiger8535]

And I need you more than want you and I want you for all time. I bought it when it came out because of that line

[@mandarinlearner]

Written by Jimmy Webb.

[@FizzFop1]

I saw Glenn Campbell in concert a couple of years before he passed away. He performed with a full orchestra. He was freakin' awesome! When I was a kid, his big song was Rhinestone Cowboy...but I always liked his song Country Boy.

[@odochartaighofodonegal9815]

You'd be doing yourself a dis-service if you never watched the documentary on the Wrecking Crew, of which Glenn was a part. I'll leave it at that.

[@DaveWildheart]

Better get on it then

[@1225KPH]

@@DaveWildheart Evidently, you haven't heard any guitar players and know nothing about the music business.

[@lindaw8958]

My all time favorite song - it’s just perfect!

[@rebeccageiser5692]

Wichita, Texas. A lineman worked on the old powerlines keeping the world using electricity.

[@ChrisYoung-x1s]

Wichita, Kansas. Though there IS a Wichita Falls in Texas.

[@jdgoade1306]

Kansas.

[@rmcc42]

My mothers family and Glens family were friends in southwest Arkansas when I was little! He was 6 years older than me and I am now 82! He is considered one of the all time best guitar players, a great country/western vocalist, and an outstanding songwriter! And he even was in several great western movies! I heard recently that he and Roy Clark, another country musician, are the only 2 people ranked in the top 25 guitarists who were not rock music stars! Many people even rank Glen as one of the top 2 or 3!

[@antoniofigueroa3407]

He popularized the song Rhinestone Cowboy.

[@DaveWildheart]

Oh yeah. So maybe I have heard him 😂

[@alexanderjack3543]

You may not know but Glen Campbell stepped away from his carrier as part of the infamous wrecking crew to go solo with this song. With the wreaking crew he was asked to fill in for Brian Wilson with the Beach Boys. With the wrecking crew his guitar work shows up in over 100 albums. Adding to this since you are a hard metal fan Eddy Van Halen was a student of Glen Campbell and 5they used to get together till their passing. Being able to ride the coat tails to these sessions are legendary in the rock community are legendary and an invite was considered acceptance on to hollowed ground.

[@curtismarsh4528]

Eddie Van Halen in his prime, contacted Alice Cooper and scheduled a guitar lesson from Glen Campbell. The documentary The Wreckers shows his brilliance. A lineman checks the phone lines in all types of weather, including climbing poles.

[@DaveWildheart]

That's mad that he taught Eddie

[@coffee-xg6my]

Great reaction Dave! That little one note ding ding ding on the high string that you pointed out is sort of a representation an electrical current or telephone signal flowing through the wires. This song by the way was written by Jimmy Webb specifically for Glen to record because of his vocal style. Jimmy wrote many songs that Glen recorded and made hits of. (You should listen to the original 1968 release of "Wichita Lineman" Glen had a voice as smooth as honey as a young man!) This is my absolute favorite song out of all of Glenn Campbell's songs. The production, the melody and the way he sings, it just catches the mood and imagery of the freedom of driving out on a long stretch of a lonely blacktop road with the view of the telephone poles against a burnt orange sky as the sun is starting to set behind the flatlands and mountains in the distance on the horizon. It just all comes together perfectly in this song's lyrics and melody.

[@joekenyon4700]

If you want a true indication of his guitar virtuosity, look up him doing William Tell Overture with the full orchestra. WOW!

[@RLU-wt8vi]

THANK YOU. I've dropped that suggestion to a LOT of reaction channels. He comes close to 'savant'.

[@DaveWildheart]

I'm looking forward to watching this!

[@TeRiFic05]

Yes, Austin City Limits is still going on today. Wonderful artists in a smaller venue. It’s in Austin, Texas.

[@ericpetty8387]

I don’t think that anyone has answered this question for you. Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.

[@DaveWildheart]

Thank you!

[@kaybear1972]

Released in 1968! The meaning behind the Wichita Lineman song? It was a big hit for singer Glen Campbell. Later Jimmy said, “This song is not just about a lineman. It is about anyone who can think about other things while they work-a truck driver, for example, or a farmworker. It is a song about an ordinary person who has extraordinary thoughts.”

[@757optim]

Glen ad libbed a bit on this rendition, vocally and on the guitar. As for his playing ability - two words. Wrecking Crew.

[@lizmil]

Loved his tv show when I was a kid, and my Dad had all of his records.

[@skiptrace1888]

Check out Glen's "guitar dual" with Roy Clark----fantastic! Good show, bro! Thanks for posting! 😂😊😅

[@djbail1]

Dave, you got that right….Genius! As a child of the 60’s & 70’s Country wasn’t cool until the Eagles helped break through. But today, with Nashville and everyone there rocking hit after hit, it really opened up my generation to artists like Glen Campbell. His voice and guitar play are nothing short of amazing. It’s sad he passed of Alzheimer’s but he lives on through songs like Wichita Lineman. Thanks for reviewing this incredible American Artist. Cheers!

[@markalumbaugh2756]

Linemen work on overhead power and telephone lines.

[@DaveWildheart]

Ahh OK, I was well wrong.

[@rmatteson3142]

Glen Cambell was HUGE in the USA!

[@jeffstumpf9129]

Never call a virtuoso merely decent. 10:08

[@tonyjipechala88]

Really appreciate your candor and sharing your first listening. I’ll keep tuning in.

[@DaveWildheart]

Thank you!

[@clementsfamily7002]

This is just the tip of the iceberg. He's got reems of videos on KZbin where he is shredding.

[@paulbrandon5735]

He was a guitarist with the “Wreaking Crew” where he played on some of the greatest records of the 1960s and early 1970s. He preformed with an incredible group of famous studio musicians who performed the music on a number of the most recognizable albums of rock history. From The Beach Boys to the Beatles, Frank Sinatra to Santana, Glen was there. Even after he became a star, he would still go back and play with his friends at the Crew.

[@annereidy7981]

A lineman was a telephone line service maintenance man.

[@robertwoods3750]

glen was a studio musician , you don't get to be a studio musician without being really good at your craft , his just happened to be the guitar and as it turns out he had a good voice , when he got to put out his own song Wichita lineman , his career took off like a bottle rocket and as talent would have it, he had a lot of other good songs to keep his newly found fame afloat. his style of music was kinda a cross of roc and country , a gentler , smoother ride for the soul and i'm glad i got to experience him when he first made the scene . it was a good ride!.

[@mamaflush9945]

This is one of Glenn Campbell's big hits, but it really doesn't demonstrate his masterfulness on the guitar. So, if you'd like to see what he can really do. Check this one out, if interested, "Glenn Campbell - William Tell Overture (Smokin'' Instrumental)" (by the channel: Glenn Campbell Forums) --Glen Campbell began his musical career as a songwriter, and he played with some of the biggest musical groups and bands during the 1960's. He was also a renowned sessions musician and part of the famous group of Los Angeles-based session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew" which were known for playing with certain artists like The Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra just to name a few. And if you're interested in knowing more guitar virtuosos from this same time frame then give this one a listen as well, if interested. "Jim Stafford - Plays Classical Gas Branson, MO" (by the channel: Jim Stafford) --Jim Stafford is also considered a guitar virtuoso. He's also a multi-instrumentalist and is self-taught he plays guitar, fiddle, piano, banjo, organ and harmonica. He rose to fame in the 70's with songs such as "Spiders & Snakes" and "Swamp Witch" his genre is considered country, but he tells wonderfully funny stories due to the fact that he's just as big of a comedian and you can see this as well in this video. I hope you'll give him a watch. And I really enjoyed your reaction, thanks for sharing. peace out~

[@RichardSpeights]

Campbell was in the Wrecking Crew, the group of studio musicians who recorded a massive number of songs in the Sixties and Seventies. He was one of the best guitar players ever. All the best guitar players would stop and listen to Campbell play. Then, he exploded on the scene as a singer, and son, what a singer. When his songs came on the radio, everyone turned up the volume to hear.

[@julieb7785]

Never heard of Glen Campbell. Well, better late than never. You are in for a treat.

[@johnleonard3806]

For a metal guitarist you would appreciate the well known fact that Eddie VanHalen sought out Glen for a lesson. Explore more Glen videos, he is fantastic. There is good reason he is legend. My favorite is Glen covering Roy Orbison CRYING.

[@chrisdavis3869]

I loved him. He’s deceased. He had a show along time ago I watched as a kid. Def 70’s not 80’s! My favorite song from him. My father played his record in the bathroom getting ready in the morning. A lineman is literally a phone guy putting up cable/ phone over vast miles of poles across the center of the country Wichita Kansas? I don’t remember.

[@texasron9131]

Campbell was also a much sought after studio session musician. He was around for a while before becoming famous.

[@LorraineCareyAuthor]

"And I need you more than I want you." What beautiful words. YES!

[@robertthomson5485]

Glenn Campbell was a session musician for many years and part of the “wrecking crew” based out of LA.

[@stevenbaggett6549]

Hey Dave..Glen and Alice Cooper were golfing buddies when Glen lived in Phoenix Arizona. The story goes Eddie Van Halen asked Alice to introduce him to Glen. Alice said oh you wanna play golf with us and Eddie said no I want a guitar lesson. That shows you the caliber of Glen's talent

[@emptynest2travel]

One of the guitarist I heard as a child that made me want to play guitar. Glen Campbell, my uncle, Roy Clark, and Ace were the first guys to inspire me.

[@rick00770]

He was very versatile, and one of the best. Respected by many Rock and country people. Check out his solo on = Gentle on my mind with the Nashville stars setting around .

[@stevew7599]

Way back in the day, in America, the power companies were responsible to produce the electricity, but most counties maintained the power lines, so this song is about someone who climbed the power polls and repaired the power lines and who spent his day fantasizing about a woman speaking to him on the powerline ... And the sound Campbell is making with the hammer-on-pull-offs is supposed to sound vaguely electronic (for that period of time).

[@Progneto]

My cousin, Micheal Smotherman, wrote several songs for Glenn and played keys for him for a few years after playing for Roger Miller. All of the songs on Glenn's album "Basic" were written by Micheal and Micheal is playing keys on the album.

[@mmaloney196915]

When I was a lot younger, he was one of my favorite musicians. I still always sing Rhinestone Cowboy every time I hear it. My sister mentioned to me the other day that she wished she still had the recording she made of me singing that song when I was around 8 years old.

[@josephmotta3756]

You need to hear the original recorded version of this song. It was written by Jimmy Webb and performed brilliantly by Glen Campbell

[@michaelrocker9000]

Glen was originally a studio musician. He was part of a group known as "The Wrecking Crew". They played on more albums than you can count. At one point in his career he was asked to join the Beach Boys when Brian Wilson left. He had a pretty good run till dementia hit him. May he RIP.

[@congaman100]

Glen was part of the Wrecking Crew one of the most sought-after recording ensembles of the 60's & 70's in Los Angeles. You can of course Google that up. He played on thousands of recordings. He was the first choice of the Beach Boys to take Brian Wilson's place when Brian stopped going on the road.

[@Progneto]

Written by Jimmy Webb who also wrote many of Glen's other hits. A "Lineman" in this instance, is a person who works on telephone poles or power poles. He makes sure the lines stay up so people have service. "And if it snows down south, that stretch won't stand the strain."

[@donnav6219]

My dad loved Glenn Campbell in the 60's and 70's. Austin City Limits, from Austin Texas, is still around even today. A lineman is the repairmen who fix the electric lines on the side of the road.

[@jimmyjackson2361]

He was also a studio musician. A excellent guitar player! I’m with you, I miss them too.

[@robertpolnicky7702]

Actually the character in this song was a lineman for wichita County Texas where wichita falls is. According to a report on Jim Webb.

[@chuckmiller9057]

Wichita is a city, it's in Kansas. Alice Cooper was his best friend and he tells a story of Eddie Van Halen asked Alice for an introduction to meet him and get guitar tips. So yeah he was pretty good at 🎸

[@markg.4246]

"He went on a mad one". We have a lot of expressions in the "States" as well, but I've never heard that one. Brilliant! Enjoyed the video Dave, and all the best to you! Mark

[@churchofpos2279]

The amazing thing about Glen is that he couldn't read music, yet was a talented musician and guitar player.

[@JJthelonelybullinasia]

Written by Jimmy Webb, one of the greatest song writers of all time. Best line for a love song... "and I need you more than want you. And I want you for all time." A lineman works on the power lines when they go down along the highways. Wichita is a city in southern Kansas close to Oklahoma.

[@roseelliott2728]

I call Glen’s vocals “ high lonesome “ perfect pitch. This song was written by the great Jimmy Webb. They collaborated quite a bit throughout Glens career. His last studio album Ghost on a Canvas is one of his best. First time on your channel, new sub.