Glen Campbell

Before finally enjoying success on his own in the late 1960s, he was one of the top studio guitarists on the West Coast for more than a decade. A list of performers he accompanied reads almost like a who's-who of the top names of the era and includes Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Nat 'King' Cole, Frankie Laine, Ricky Nelson, Jan Berry and Dean Torrence (aka Jan and Dean), Judy Garland, Dean Martin, The Kingston Trio (contributing a fourth voice on their 1963 hit "Desert Pete," you can easily hear him on the chorus), The Crickets and The Limeliters.

Phenomenally successful pop/MOR singer and TV personality of the late 1960's and 1970's. His many hits from this period, all on Capitol records, include "Gentle on My Mind," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman," "Hey, Little One," "Galveston," "Honey, Come Back," "Try a Little Kindness," and "Rhinestone Cowboy."

Was in great demand as a session musician in the early 1960s. He was part of the famous studio musicians clique known as "The Wrecking Crew," many of whom went from session to session together as the same group.

Played rhythm guitar on Shelley Fabares' #1 hit "Johnny Angel" that peaked in April 1962.

Played guitar on the soundtrack of Viva Las Vegas (1964) starring Elvis Presley.

Was a touring member of The Beach Boys, filling in for an ailing Brian Wilson in 1964 and 1965. He played guitar on the group's "Pet Sounds" album, among other recordings. On tour, he played bass and sang high harmony.

The 1964 hit "Little Honda" by The Hondells was actually recorded by a group of studio musicians, including Campbell on lead guitar and Hal Blaine on drums. The group known as The Hondells was put together for touring purposes after the song became a hit, but they had nothing to do with the actual recording of the song itself.

Was hand-picked by actor John Wayne to play alongside him in the western film True Grit (1969), which gave Campbell a Golden Globe nomination for "Most Promising Newcomer," and had a hit with the title song which was nominated for an Academy Award. He performed it live at that year's Academy Awards Show.

Briefly dated and lived with Tanya Tucker in 1981.

Children with Kim Campbell (nee Woollen): Cal Campbell (born in 1983); Shannon Campbell (born in 1985); and Ashley Campbell (born in 1988). Cal and Shannon both have their own bands and play locally in L.A. and Phoenix (AZ), and Ashley attends Pepperdine University,in Malibu, CA, as a Theatre major.

His eldest daughter from his first marriage, Debbie Campbell, joined his stage show in 1987 and has toured with him ever since.

In the 1990s, Glen released a series of gospel albums, which opened up new vistas for the star and garnered a prestigious Dove Award.

When his career went into a decline, he developed a drug problem from which he recovered. In November 2003, however, he was arrested for drunk driving that included a charge of battery to a police officer, which was later dropped. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail and community service.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease [June 2011].

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard in HOllywood, California.