Just genius...First time hearing GLEN CAMPBELL- WICHITA LINEMAN

[@michelepaccione8806]

Wichita is a place in Kansas, in the middle of the USA, where it’s very flat and can be quite desolate. A lineman repairs and maintains the telephone lines. It’s a lonely job, traveling alone and climbing telephone poles. “The Wichita lineman is still on the line” is a double entendre, literally meaning he’s on the telephone line, but also figuratively that his heart is still on the line…he’s still attached to the woman he loves. This song was lauded for its string section, using the strings to sound like the whine of the telephone lines and the sound pattern of the telegraph. This song has one of my favorite lines: “and I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time…” what a great way to express the incredible depth of someone's love.

[@maureeng8599]

Very nice explanation.

[@eileenanderson3517]

One of my favorite lines too!

[@Siansonea]

I always heard this as the story of a man who is consumed by loneliness, who hears a beautiful voice on the telephone line, and falls in love with someone he's never seen and never met.

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

that line.. need you more than want you and want you for all time.... always gets me../ I was born and raised and spent my first 31 years in Wichita... I have lived my last 33 in Everett, Washington. I miss growing up in Wichita... back in the 60's...

[@ffjsb]

ELECTRIC lineman not a telephone lineman... Phone lines don't have overloads... Nor do they have the "whine" that transmission lines have.

[@paulbarnett3849]

"And I want you for all time" Hauntingly Beautiful

[@jrspike2ya]

Wichita Lineman is said to be the most frequently spun song ever played on radio stations from coast-to-coast. Don't know how that was calculated, but it wouldn't surprise me if true.

[@jessgopen4263]

It’s such a beautiful song. I believe the Righteous Brothers “ You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’ is the most played song ever in the States. That takes nothing away from this song. It’s a masterpiece, both the song and the performance.

[@traceydsm]

One of the very few existential country songs.

[@michaelsleater5865]

One of the best songs of all time.

[@guidedmeditation2396]

I have heard it thousands of times but it still mesmerizes me every time. I also love Glen Campbell's other city songs, Galveston and Houston both really cool songs with nice orchestrations.

[@dsusan17]

Glenn Campbell could sing the phone book and it would be perfect. He was one of the best guitarist ever! Roy Clark was another great guitarist. They did a couple of awesome duets. Please do Galveston!

[@beedeegee9374]

Yes! Please do an early version of Galveston.

[@prizzle9234]

😂😂😂 I can really hear it.

[@Noelle0026]

I cried when I watched the documentary about his life after his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s. It was heart breaking. Such an exceptional talent.

[@rranger1014]

Yes, you would cry, that was a sad reveal.

[@lefty3141591]

His last album. Adios is amazing and heart breaking. The songs seemed a great way to say goodbye.

[@allisonreed7682]

His delivery is nothing short of perfect. He so flawlessly conveys the loneliness of the lineman that the listener can’t help but feel it, too. He had a TV variety show in the ‘70s and the guests for each episode included some of the great music artists of that era. I loved watching him perform with his guests, often outperforming the guest but still treating the guest with great respect and humility. One of my favorite episodes included David Gates of Bread. He sings a medley of Bread songs with Gates, and it’s one of the most sublime things you’ll ever see on KZbin. Also on KZbin is a clip of Campbell singing the Bread song “If” on The Tonight Show. It’s so good that it’s mind-blowing.

[@caravan5557]

Yes...his show was great,guests were great...

[@ChuckHackney]

So very well said and spot on, could not add anymore. Blessings from NC, Chuck H.

[@ChuckHackney]

By the way, David and Glen did a duet together, it is on KZbin. Wings of Pegasus did an excellent analysis of it!

[@ChuckHackney]

His signature is Gentle on my Mind.

[@marcstover6934]

You are a beautiful man. Thank you for opening up to other types of music.

[@teej-h7w]

I agree with your thoughts on George Benson . . . when Whitney released The Greatest Love, I felt that George had been denied some very big kudos.

[@gevlar]

Beautiful song which contains the single greatest lyric ever written: “And I need you more than want you, & I want you for all time”.

[@dtennow]

I just love that line.

[@sherrymillerable]

I always love that line but never wanted that in real life - I wanted them to want me more than need me, lol

[@EdwardVodika]

All of Glens music that he was involved with, would add up to over 24hrs non stop. He did give Eddie Van halen guitar lessons, and many other top guitarist. He was the goat.

[@lipby]

He inspired Jimi Hendrix to play guitar behind his head

[@emilyflotilla931]

Along with being great friends with Alice Cooper...and golf buddies!

[@marklindsey2127]

"diamonds in my ears'. a perfect description.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

The best part about short songs is that they never over stay their welcome, but always leave you wanting more. This is such a song.

[@bearslair2010]

Yes, like Jimmy Buffett singing, "Come Monday" ... with perfect lyrics, arrangement, orchestration, tempo - and the right voice...

[@Rick-wx4md]

A man I grew up across the street from in Kansas was a pole climbing lineman for Kansas Power & Light. He was when this song hit the charts. This song really hit home with me. Just a few miles North of Wichita.

[@missblondie2393]

This song is beautiful, Glen not only had an amazing singing voice he was quite the guitarist, he was a session guitarist on many famous albums. I believe he was Eddie Van Halen's inspiration

[@mrtruthforever]

Glen Campbell was first and foremost one of the most talented guitarists the world has ever known; who was a studio musician for the biggest names (Elvis, Sinatra, Nat King Cole, etc., etc. ). His voice was a beautiful accompaniment.

[@mgonzales56]

His signature song was Gentle On My Mind. It was the theme song for his tv show. Glen was part of The Wreaking Crew. A group of session musicians the played on almost all of the his songs of the 60's and 70's. Many bands did not play on their own records. Glen is an amazing guitarist, and his voice is also amazing. He had the whole package. Many, many hits.

[@cog4life]

One of the most beautiful songs ever!

[@riccottrell7179]

Glen Campbell is the consummate singer, as a guitarist, part of the Wrecking crew was playing guitar on over 640 Capital hits in 1966 alone. Then became the first crossover Country & Pop charts. The 'marriage' with songwriter Jimmy Webb. He had his first hit in 62 a song he wrote'Turn around look at me' Eddie Van Halen asked Alice Cooper Campbell's golf buddy to see if Glen would give him lessons. That should speak to his guitar prowess.

[@sukie584]

I can hear this a million times and I’m still moved to tears. Jimmy Webb’s gorgeous lyrics pairing of the loneliness of a lineman with the longing for your loved one is magnificent. Galveston is another fantastic one.

[@lindacarlton3154]

It's pronounced "witch-a-taw". Great reaction Harri, sending love from Texas. Love your channel. ❤🙏

[@HarriBestReactions]

Thanx Linda..Give my love to JR and Sue Elleen 😀

[@kestrelle5345]

@@HarriBestReactions XD

[@lindacarlton3154]

@@HarriBestReactions 😂😂😂 love it! I'll tell 'em you said howdy. ❤❤❤

[@beedeegee9374]

@@HarriBestReactions 😁 Good one, Harri!

[@odiebryer2144]

Thsnx for the pronunciation explanation from Wichita. From an almost life-long Wichitan!

[@victoriajohnson5461]

Loved this song as a child. It's pure love.💕

[@topgazza]

Multi talented, multi skilled and all skills at the highest standard possible. Glen was and is iconic and a true great

[@Anaj-us4eo]

He was in the original movie True Grit with John Wayne…. Classic

[@CarolynAllen-fc2vs]

Glen was so talented! LOved this song! then and now!

[@hungfao]

Glen was considered the most versatile guitarist ever at the time. He could adapt to anything and was a sought after session musician including the Beach Boys. It seemed like Glen was in a little informal clique of other amazing guitarists like Chet Atkins, Roy Clark and the completely under rated Jerry Reed. These guys could really play technically superb but they never showed off. This song is probably the loneliest song I've ever heard. Those lyrics put him on a highway in the middle of a great flat expanse, going here and there, with the horizon always his destination. Every now and then his thoughts meander to the one he loves. He cannot go home. Great song! Glen's almost lazy or relaxed vocals nail it! He has several other hits I'm certain you would enjoy.

[@charleskemp2037]

Glen played with all the great rock bands of the sixties as a studio musician. He could play anything. Like Elvis, he was born into a poor Southern family that was rich in music.

[@abc456f]

Beautiful song and beautifully delivered. The arrangement is just perfect, love the strings.

[@guacamolekid3899]

I had a chance to meet Glenn and speak with him for quite a while when he played at the Illinois State Fair back in the early 80's. He was as friendly and cool as he seems.

[@terrisue4059]

The song that says Glen is Galveston to me. I was born in '61 and literally grew up with him. I miss the older music compared to modern crud coming out. I always had the radio on and loved the diverse music that came through on the transistor radio...

[@unstrung65]

Also written by Jimmy Webb -------- they were a great team . Glenn also does a great job with Webb's MacArthur's Park -- though he did not have a hit with it . There are videos on You Tube with Jimmy playing piano and Glenn singing . Check them out . It's Americana.

[@kirpalite]

The signature songs of G.C. are By the Time I Get to Phoenix and Wichita Lineman

[@HarriBestReactions]

Most here have saidhos signature song was a song featured on his Tv show..dont remember the name 😀

[@mikeharman9114]

Don't forget "Gentle on My Mind"

[@johnbattles1002]

@@HarriBestReactions , please do Campbell's "Gentle on My Mind," "Try a Little Kindness," and definitely "Galveston"! Thanks for your great reactions from the past "oldies" (like me)! :D

[@steve55sogood16]

Though not a particular fan of the musical style, this song just transcends the genre, and so glad I got to see him in in concert, in Liverpool, to do this and other classics, and were he spoke openly of his ongoing dementia, and the support he got from his daughter, and band, in helping him to carry on! R.I.P. mate!

[@cls6055]

I bet that phrase you're thinking of ..at beginning of song..is the part where he sings..I need a small.. va caaya tion 🎶🎵.( Vacation). Love that part!!!

[@realcoolbreeze]

Yes, a fantastic voice and guitar player. Session player. Even had his own tv show for awhile. He played background guitar to prbly hundreds of top singers and groups.

[@lr4428]

its a perfect song, written by jimmy webb and sung superbly by glen, it has so much atmosphere, its well over 50 years old now but still fresh

[@subwaygoddess1]

The first time I heard Wichita Lineman on the radio I fell in love with the song. It remained my favorite song by Glen 4ever

[@Cynthia...]

I love this man and that guitar just does me in.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

A good start would be "by the time I get Phoenix", "galviston", "gentle on my mind" and "the moon's a harsh mistress". Live versions are great too

[@unrulyjulie4382]

Galveston... sorry, I'm from Texas. 😉

[@Peter-oh3hc]

@@unrulyjulie4382 no problem. My spelling sucks, so I know better than to send things quickly. Great state. Great song

[@revsharkie]

"Southern Nights" is probably my favorite Glen Campbell song. I'm like Harri in that I hear a song and can tell you exactly what was going on when I first heard it. In the case of this one, it's strongly associated with the first years when we had a little cabin at a tiny lake outside of Caney, Kansas. I was eight or nine, I think, and we had a radio there but not a tv.

[@michaellazzeri9439]

Sir--------Witchita Kansas----------written by Jimmy Webb, arranged & produced, by Al De Lory, Fall of '68.-----------------------it is MY favorite of all-time by Glenn. ---------------------------MJL, 75 y/o

[@Mellismart]

I was 18 and a new bride the first time I heard this song, and it blew my mind...fantastic, gorgeous, amazing!

[@can2mar]

This song brings me to tears every time I hear it, I think it's the feeling the loneliness and longing of the lineman. Also memories of childhood...

[@Keedeeg]

The line: "..and I need you more than want you...and I want you for all time." What a romantic line!! I was like six years old and anxiously awaiting the Glen Campbell show.

[@visarr]

Jimmy Webb was driving on highway 152 in Washita County, Oklahoma when he saw a lineman on a pole. Afterwards, he composed this song. He used Wichita rather than Washita as he liked the hard "ch" sound better. Look at streetview on that highway and you'll see the lines.

[@rosswatson5996]

Glenn was a session man in the brilliant, " Wrecking Crew." As an aside, this song was Bob Dylan's favourite. It is pronounced Witch-a-taw.

[@SWTSU]

Great song for a reaction Harri. A “Line Man” is a person who fixes electrical cables “Lines” when they break like after storms and tornadoes which happened in Wichita Kansas all the time. Glen is just sooooooo smooth in his vocals!!!! So says Austin Tx!!!!😍😍😍🥳😎🍸

[@timtravasos2742]

Great song. I love how the song celebrates the working man and his life and emotions.

[@makeadifference4all]

Marvin Gaye was another session musician who later became a charismatic solo artist with a phenomenal voice.

[@calder027]

Another example of someone being primarily an instrumentalist and then being discovered as an amazing vocalist is Karen Carpenter. A drummer who eventually ended up being recognized as one of the greatest female voices of all time

[@daletwin1]

I was going to mention her but you beat me to the punch. That's exactly what I thought of when he was talking about how they didn't know that Glen Campbell could sing when he was playing guitar. Karen Carpenter came right to my mind. Another great singer who they didn't know could sing.

[@michaelasay6140]

Yes

[@leslauner5062]

And, while we're on the subject, Nat "King" Cole was a pianist first....and then shone as the velvet voiced crooner later.

[@richardgratton7557]

If Glen Campbell only sang, he’d be among the best singers of all time. And if he’d only played guitar, he’d be among the best also. But he was both! One of his great performances is « Gentle on my Mind ». ❤️

[@emilyflotilla931]

Written by the great John Hartford!

[@richardgratton7557]

@@emilyflotilla931 Absolutely! As a matter of fact, the first version I ever heard was John Hartford’s original that my Dad had on an 8-track tape that we listened to in the car! Only later did I learn about Glen’s version. Elvis also did one. Many others I’m sure too.😀

[@stephenwright8103]

This used to be my mum's favourite song still brings a tear to my eye every time i hear it....

[@Tijuanabill]

Colin Hay (Men at Work) casually SLAYS this on his personal channel. It's SOOOO goood. Harri...check it, amigo. You won't regret.

[@katherinebosse5706]

Such a soothing voice..always loved his music..great choice!! He could really play the guitar as well. Galveston..Gentle on my Mind are two lovely tunes you would appreciate. Thanks for this! ♥️♥️

[@shaunfinch1190]

"And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time" one of the greatest lines ever!

[@miamidolphinsfan]

This is my favorite Glen Campbell song...snd his guitar...just beautiful. In his concerts he played a 2 minute guitar solo during this song...it was magical

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Yes, it was

[@debbiechang5781]

His beautiful voice speaks for itself! He is also one of the best ever guitarists! He’s amazing in some of his old videos. 🌺✌️

[@bob02891]

His singing talent is matched by his guitar virtuosity! This guy could make a guitar absolutely sing! An amazing talent all the way around.

[@andrewpetik2034]

I remember riding in the backseat of our parents car and my mom had Glen Campbell's Greatest Hits on an 8 track tape......I remember, even at that young age ( 5 or 6), how that line hit me so deep.. '..I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time...' It is so descriptive of that feeling and it says SO MUCH in so few words. I grew up with these songs and I really enjoy watching you react, it is like I am experiencing hearing the song for the first time all over again. God's Peace to you and your family and all here.

[@catrionaanne4262]

I learned to love Glen Campbell from my Daddy when I was still a small child. Now that my Dad has passed, this song makes me weep because it reminds me of how much I miss him, but I listen regardless.

[@CaptainBakerJason]

Terrific singer, and most accomplished guitarist in the history of recorded music, Glen Campbell is one of the all-time greatest.

[@Dronesteve-72]

One of the best singers ever came out of USA I would loved to have seen him live 🙏

[@alfrede.neuman1257]

Campbell was a studio musician and played on many famous albums before anyone knew who he was.

[@deegomez2089]

"And I need you more than want you and I want you for all time "....Jeez if I could write a line like that. Kudos Jimmy Webb 🎵🎶

[@realbser1956]

Galveston is another favorite of mine. Well worth a listen Harri.

[@llschnitz]

Yes definitely!

[@stellaandes9622]

This singer and this sing were my husband's favorites. Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimers right as my husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

[@davidadams7578]

I've was a fan of glen camphbell my whole life and I'm 60. The best I've seen of glen was the soux falls concert.

[@veriteri32]

You recognize great music! This song is haunting and pure magic. Many folks cover it.

[@stellabandante2727]

"Diamonds in my ears....." Wonderful singing, but credit to the songwriter, Jimmy Webb. The song is exquisite, one of my favorites.

[@allendixon7700]

I still am still a great great musician but you you know the best thing that Glenn ever did?? Put me a big ass question mark on that and there brother cuz this is for Real Tanya Tucker Tanya Tucker Oh ma What She Lovely put this video on you find out for your damn self at the video is

[@nferris9316]

Yes, he was a well sought out session player. He is on many many recordings of other artists. Glen and Alice Cooper were great friends also. This song is even better (can you believe it?) on the PBS special.

[@diplomasaurus4232]

This song is so sentimental for me, a story told with the most heartstring tugging melody in the part..'and I need you more than want you,...'

[@go234ko96ts5]

Another great song by the talented Glen Campbell and my all time favorite. Such a soothing voice and guitar sound, another gem by Glen is Galveston, one of many. RIP Glen.

[@katkat-fm3wj]

One of my favorite Glen Campbell songs.

[@coronacrazy8200]

Love Glen Campbell. He fills your soul with his beautiful voice and his guitar. He is my most favorite. We miss you--thank you for your beautiful music.

[@dantean]

Shout out to composer Jimmy Webb, too! His collaborations with Glen on this, on "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," and the much-underappreciated "Where's the Playground, Suzie?" were magic.

[@cmkrowel]

This song is beautiful. Loved Glen Campbell. The instruments are amazing and so is Glen's voice magical.

[@patrician7445]

I've always felt that there's never been more beautiful instrumental music than this one and Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer," and I've been around a long time.

[@allenfutrelle9090]

World famous guitarist, never learned to read music. Played sessions with The Wrecking Crew in Los Angeles.He toured with the Beach Boys one summer and was offered a place in the band. He went on to be a totally awesome talent to all of the world.

[@noriemeha]

He had a beautiful tenor voice and was an accomplished guitarist who was a valued member of the Wrecking Crew who were a big part of the music behind so many great hits of the sixties.

[@francymurphy2887]

If a man wrote this for me he would never have to do anything else❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. It’s the most romantic song 🎵 I’ve ever heard a man sing 🎤 ❤❤❤❤

[@shyphyre]

It is so interesting to see your reaction and perspective hearing this classic tune for the first time, as if it is brand new. I was a toddler when this song was brand new and can remember hearing it on the radio

[@bookjeannie]

💙🎶Jimmy Webb incredible song writer. “AndI need you more than want you, and I want you for all time.🎶💙

[@davidschecter5247]

Glen and songwriter Jimmy Webb were one of the great musical "teams" of all-time. Check out Glen's guitar playing on the web. He was simply one of the greatest at that instrument and actually inspired tons of heavy metal shredders.

[@larrywaters7191]

The string and horn arrangements are fantastic, especially for those day, nothing wasted, spot on.

[@dalem8332]

My favourite Glen Campbell song! BIG hit for him ♥️🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

[@nickwardmusic]

Never gets old. Such an ethereal song

[@ronroc]

He's also a fantastic guitarist. He did a lot of session work for the Beach Boys in the '60's.

[@LarryNeie-lj7zc]

The great Duane Eddy on guitar on this recording. Song written by Jimmy Webb, who also wrote MacArthur Park recorded by Richard Harris circa 1967-68.

[@pamelapasechnick6899]

Great reaction! All of Glen Campbell's songs were great! Two of my favorites are "Galveston" and "Rhinestone Cowboy". I think you would enjoy both of them!

[@mrwhite2628]

Loved watching your reaction Harri! Wichita Lineman is as close to a perfect song as there is. Glen Campbell was a great story teller.

[@39thala]

'This' is my Glen Campbell favorite of all time! It's Glen at his finest as far as I'm concerned. Jimmy Webb wrote the song 'specifically' for him! Glen borrowed the Danelectro bass that he plays on the lead from fellow Wrecking Crew bassist, Carol Kaye. Love the sound that instrument makes. I've always thought it had a very 'southern or southwestern' sound with the tremolo and played with a pick. Fits the mood of this song very well. By the way Harri, Wichita is a city in Kansas. (pronounced "WITCH-a-taw") "On a summer afternoon in 1968, songwriter Jimmy Webb was driving on a road in Oklahoma. There were no houses along the road, and no trees-just grass in every direction. Next to the road, there were telephone poles...In the distance Jimmy saw a man on a ladder near the top of a telephone pole. He was a lineman. His job was to check the telephone lines to make sure they were OK...As he got closer, Jimmy could see that the man had a phone in his hand, and he was talking to someone...Jimmy wrote a song about the the lineman. Although he had seen him in Oklahoma, Jimmy imagined that the lineman lived in Kansas, near the city of Wichita. He called the song “Wichita Lineman.” The song became famous. It was a big hit for singer Glen Campbell." ~ From a story about the song by Sandra Heyer.

[@kenchristie9214]

For me it is the collaborative genius of of Glen and songwriter Jim Webb. Along with Glen's impeccable guitar technique, Jim's skill on the Hammond organ really sets the tone for the song. Jim recalled it was a struggle to get this organ into the studio, but it was worth it, giving the song that high pitched whine at the end of the chorus. Jim also wrote By The Time I Get Phoenix and Galveston for Glen along with a number of other great songs. He also wrote a number of songs for Johnny Rivers which included Do What You Gotta Do and Tunesmith.

[@User_gin_927untileternity]

This song has a beautiful visual ! His voice is like velvet, and working the lines paints a romantic picture of this supposedly "rough, tough cowboy"~Thanks Harri, Gin :) Pronounced: Witch-it-ta

[@jw4659]

This is a perfect Midwestern USA song. Captures the Midwest just perfectly. Hundreds of miles of prairies and farmland and yearning to get home to loved ones, after some hard work.

[@ringonor4298]

Diamonds in my ears, very well put, your reaction is awesome 👌

[@barryscott6222]

Campbell does a great job of singing this song. But credit too, to the guy that wrote the song (a huge talent there too).

[@mrpetrock8624]

Glenn's songs come to life..and completely agree with George Benson

[@michaelgrillo4333]

You have to watch a movie about Glen Campbell called "I'll Be Me". You will find a great deal of his music in the movie and a most moving story. A sound track to the movie is available as well.

[@cathyortiz1280]

Wichita, Kansas was where my dad grew up. Great song.

[@jondhuse1549]

Late in his life, Glenn did a very beautiful cover of a Jackson Browne song, "These Days"... I think you'd enjoy it for both the lovely music and the insightful lyric...

[@feferosette]

This is a nice song by Glen Campbell.

[@jeffcobb2734]

The incomparable Jimmy Webb wrote this song. Performed and delivered flawlessly by Glenn.

[@jamesmichael5475]

Glenn Campbell was one of the most versatile, accomplished guitarists of his day. He toured with the Beach Boys, sessioned as guitarist on countless albums in many different genres of music from country, classical, rock