Glen Campbell is usually associated with country and pop music. What many people don’t know is that he’s a very gifted guitar player who made a name for himself as a member of a group of session players known as “The Wrecking Crew.” In the 1960s, artists such as the Beach Boys, the Byrds, the Righteous Brothers, and Simon & Garfunkel worked with music producer Phil Spector who was famous for a production technique known as “The Wall of Sound.” In order to create this unique sound, Spector took large groups of musicians and had them play the same parts in unison. Microphones picked up the sound which was transmitted to an echo chamber and then recorded on tape giving the music a densely layered, rich quality. The talented musicians who played in these sessions were collectively called the “The Wrecking Crew” and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Campbell went on to a successful solo career winning many accolades including the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 1968. Sadly, last year he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This summer he released a poignant new video for his song called “A Better Place” which is on his final CD Ghost on the Canvas.

In the video Campbell reflects on his life and career by sitting down with Josh Homme to flip through a book of memories as he bids goodbye. He looks back on his childhood, the start of his music career and other facets of his life as he performs this touching song which resembles a prayer. While he mentions failures and regrets, it’s really a song of gratitude, praise, and hope as Campbell sings:

One thing I know,

The world’s been good to me,

A better place awaits, you’ll see.

Mary McDonough