More than just a rhinestone cowboy.

The great Glen Campbell died yesterday. And I mean truly great. Yes, he was one of the world’s most popular singers but also one of its greatest guitarists. Long before he was a famous singer, Glen Campbell was a revered session guitarist. He played on countless American hit records, including practically everything The Beach Boys ever made. It was many years before the world discovered that he could sing as well as play. Here he is displaying his prodigious talent for both on a wonderful clip that my friend Tony Harris brought to my attention. Glen wasn’t the only famous singer to have been a backing musician first. Marvin Gaye, Karen Carpenter and Phil Collins were all drummers before they stepped forward to sing. Though in Phil’s case, it might have been better if he’d stayed put.