Posted on 06/12/2015 3:28:16 PM PDT by FlJoePa
I visited my friend Glen Campbell Wednesday in Nashville. Laura and Kim Campbell were there as well.
You may be aware that Glen has bravely been living with Alzheimer's Disease. Along with his strong and courageous wife, they have changed the face of Alzheimer's forever. The world watched as Glen traveled from city to city, to continue doing what he loves to do: perform and share his music. Doctors were amazed at how the music and activity appeared to slow the pace of the disease for awhile. With his family, they showed the world that you don't have to hide when you become ill. They raised awareness, and in turn, funds for Alzheimer's research.
Glen is currently residing in a memory support community—it reminded me of one of the nice hotels he would stay at while on tour. Kim has found this place for Glen that is safe, where he is cared for 24 hours a day. The ratio of caregivers to residents astounded me--he is never alone. And there are only 17 other residents; his neighbors are former lawyers, doctors, teachers and others who are living with the same challenges that dementia brings. Glen has been my friend for a long time and I love him like a brother. I am sure that Kim has made the right choices for and with my friend of 50 years.
Glen has his private room and bathroom, all decorated by Kim with custom paint, lots of photos murals and framed memorabilia. The place is bright and clean. He loves color and still wears his blue suede shoes from time to time!
The memory center has elaborate arrangements for activities. There are many different rooms and spaces for him to experience each day, each furnished tastefully and safely.
There is an airy screened-in porch where Glen likes to sit and where we visited with him. He has a full time care-er, Brody. Brody is in his early twenties with long blond hair--he looks like a surfer! Brody is patient and kind. He plays the guitar with and for Glen. They sing, they walk around the grounds and converse almost constantly. We instantly fell for Brody and thanked him for the care he gives to Glen and the important breaks he gives Kim so she can rest and work.
Glen has always been a happy guy and a jokester. He still is. For longer than I'd like to remember, he has imitated Donald Duck and during the visit, he did his Donald voice for us. He sings in a low register all the way to high clear notes that are reminiscent of the performances we are all familiar with. He seems almost to go from song to song, under his breath at times. He looked at me after singing one song and said, "that was a good song wasn't it?" Music is still at the very center of who he is. It is almost as though he is giving a never-ending performance.
The last thing he said to me when it was time for us to go was, "Was it a good one?" like he used to say to me at the end of a concert. That phrase made me think that he recognized me, that and the fact that he said my name to Kim and Laura when I left the room briefly.
He sees his family all of the time; Kim and two of his younger children live just a few minutes away. And his oldest daughter Debby was visiting just the day before.
He is loved. He is cared for. He is respected. And most of all, he has his dignity. We can all be comforted by that.
Yours very truly,
Jimmy L. Webb
It's nice of him to go spend time with Glen and it's also nice of him to write something like this to reassure fans.
Fans should approach him on FB - he's very accommodating. What a songwriter he is. Top 1% easy.
Glen is and was my favorite artist. Wish I could have seen him live.
Galveston, oh, Galveston
Interesting observation, especially from someone who made his living creating new works.
Thanks for posting. Jiummy Webb has always seemed a very decent, and certainly talented, guy.
He is and will always be an American Treasure
Thank you for posting.
Turn Around, Look At Me (1961)
This is a 50 year friendship, very touching tribute by Webb.
Jimmy Webb...I thought it was former Senator....then I though decent and talented and thought must be someone else except those words were probably used when he was Secretary of the Navy under President Reagan.
Was just playing a little Glen Campbell for my kids as we were coming up from New Mexico. He sure could sing and play the guitar. Thanks for pisting. Will have to share with my mom. She always liked him and feels bad that he has Alzheimer’s.
Jimmy Webb wrote many of Glen’s hit records. Jimmy is probably most famous for “MacArthur’s Park” that was recorded by Richard Harris.
I find that few people know this little factoid about Glen ... he also played bag pipes.
..”It’s not clinging to the rocks and ivy planted on their columns now that bind me/ or something that somebody said because they thought we fit together walking....’’
Sounds about as good as can be expected, and that’s great to know, as he gave us so much.
Glen was an extraordinarily gifted musician and did MANY sessions as a part of the famous “Wrecking Crew” led by Hal Blaine.
He played on most of the Beach Boys hits and traveled with them for concerts after Brian Wilson stopped touring.
“Wichita Lineman” is one of the most haunting songs Jimmy Webb ever wrote and Glen performed it perfectly.
Thanks for posting. I love both these guys.
Johnny Rivers first recorded BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX. Then Glen heard it and fell in love with it. Webb is one of the greatest song writers to ever live. And what a team he and Glen made.
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