Every week we would wait for it:
“Hi, I’m Glen Campbell!”
Glen Campbell would be playing his guitar and welcome his viewers in a squeaky voice that sounded so different from his singing voice.
And away he would go, singing his country songs like “Gentle on My Mind” or “Wichita Lineman” or his signature “Rhinestone Cowboy.” He might do some visiting with John Wayne, trade comedic barbs with Tim Conway or Bob Newhart, or play guitar beside his legendary musical guests — Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, Three Dog Night or Merle Haggard.
Variety shows don’t cut it these days, but The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour was cutting-edge TV in the early 1970s. He had to be — he replaced the Smothers Brothers!
That show helped make Glen Campbell into a legend, transcending his playing, singing and songwriting abilities. His path nearly got derailed by addictions and he eventually succumbed to Alzheimer’s at the age of 81, but we’ve still got his music or we can scan the Internet for his concerts and clips of that goofy, wonderful TV show.