Jimmy Webb is a rock legend, even though most people have never heard of him. He was a Grammy-winning songwriter at age 19. He wrote for some of the most successful acts of the sixties, and he's been recorded by everyone from The Troggs to Frank Sinatra. These three tracks show how vast his influence has been.
Wichita Lineman was a huge hit for Glen Campbell. Campbell is an underrated singer and guitarist who recorded with The Champs (of Tequila fame) and replaced Brian Wilson during the Beach Boys '65 tour.
By The Time I Get To Phoenix also charted for Campbell in 1968. This recording is by Soul God Isaac Hayes from the next year. It was on the great Hot Buttered Soul LP. At just over 7 minutes, it's a radio edit (the original ran over 18 minutes).
Finally, 5:30 Plane gets the Bossa Nova treatment from Walter Wanderley. This one's a relative obscurity (also recorded by the Supremes). The orchestration is lush, and the vocals are lovely. Find it on Moondreams.
Glen Campbell - Wichita LinemanIsaac Hayes - By The Time I Get To PhoenixWalter Wanderley - 5:30 Plane
1 Comments:
Another great post. I'm a big Jimmy Webb fan, especially Wichita Lineman, Phoenix and Galveston. Anytime you post any Webb material, you're sure to have at least one appreciative visitor.
Tom
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