By JJT (written for ThinkChristian.net)

Even in the face of Alzheimer’s, Campbell sung of dogged faith in a loving God.

After a long, painful, and disarmingly transparent dance with Alzheimer’s disease, one of the greatest talents in American popular music takes his exit. Glen Campbell set a bar so high few bothered to even notice it any more. He was in the firmament. That’s what made his final chapter—which came to a close this week at age 81—so riveting.

There was a lot more to Glen Campbell than “Rhinestone Cowboy.” He was one of the best guitar players of the 1960s, adding his unique tone and dexterity to songs by Elvis, The Beach Boys, Merle Haggard, Frank Sinatra, and many others. He even played on Pet Sounds and filled in when Brian Wilson decided not to tour with The Beach Boys anymore. Only the best players in the business got to be members of the famous Wrecking Crew, and Campbell was one of them.

Campbell seemed utterly unconcerned with labels or lanes. His music transcended genres, landing at the top of the pop and country charts numerous times. His voice was amazing. His instincts were almost always spot-on. He possessed a personal charm that lit up the small screen. Though I was too young to have seen his initial television series, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, I grew up with regular and never-to-be-missed Glen Campbell TV specials. He sang gospel songs right alongside love songs. He constantly tipped his hat to the artists and songwriters who had influenced or encouraged him. His 2005 album, Meet Glen Campbell, interpreted songs by U2, Foo Fighters, The Velvet Underground, and others. Following in the footsteps of his friend and compadre, Johnny Cash, Campbell demonstrated the ability of a great song to transcend style. His final album, Adios, was released this June.

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