Keith Urban, Toby Keith Express Adoration for Glen Campbell Ahead of ACM Tribute
"When you think of Glen Campbell, you think of, I think of ‘Galveston,’ ‘Wichita Lineman,’ then I also think of him being a phenomenal guitar player,” Urban said.
Glen Campbel is a not only a gifted singer but also a talented guitarist. He made a statement through country music that will last a lifetime and then some.
During the 10th Annual ACM Honors, a group of artists including Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Toby Keith and Dierks Bentley all paid tribute to the country superstar by performing a medley of some of his most famous tracks. It was a treat for all of them as their sounds all channel Campbell’s work in some way, shape or form, but for Urban and Keith, it went beyond just a simple performance.
Urban was completely honored to be a part of the tribute, which paid respect to a man and an artist he’s looked up to for quite some time.
“I’ve always been a fan of what I like to call guitartists, you know those guitar-artists like Glen Campbell, who’s probably one of my biggest influences; those guys who knew a good song, had a great voice and played great and just the all-around guys with a guitar, you know? When you think of Glen Campbell, you think of, I think of ‘Galveston,’ ‘Wichita Lineman,’ then I also think of him being a phenomenal guitar player,” he said recently.
Understanding the health difficulties that Campbell has been facing for the past few years of his life, Keith pointed out that he’s still a hero in the country music industry for his devotion to his craft no matter the circumstances that arise.
“The amazing thing about Glen’s deal is, Glen looks so good,” Keith explained. “Glen looks 15 years younger than he is, and he has full-blown Alzheimer’s. It’s just really sad to think that he’s in as great a shape as he is physically, except for that debilitating affliction. But, man! He was one of the greatest guitar players of all time, and I don’t think most people realize that. I think most people saw him on the Glen Campbell Good Time Hour and some movies, and they just thought he’s a singer that sings some pop country. But Glen was one of the greatest guitar players of all time too, and even when he couldn’t remember his songs he could still play them without remembering the words.”
The medley tribute, along with many other stellar performances by the hottest artists, from the 10th Annual ACM Honors show will air tonight on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/PT following the Stand Up 2 Cancer charity program.
