Did You Know That at Age 10, Glen Campbell Opened for Hank Williams?

The most popular contemporary music artist who was a child prodigy is Stevie Wonder. In country music, that title likely belongs to Ricky Skaggs. However, it could also maybe, just maybe, be given to Glen Campbell. Campbell, with the help of his uncle, achieved an enormous feat at just 10 years old. That feat was Campbell and his uncle opening for Hank Williams in 1946.

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Before Glen Campbell became a smashing success in both pop, rock, and country music, Campbell grew up in Billstown, Arkansas. One of twelve children, Campbell’s parents were sharecroppers, and at a young age, Campbell joined the trade, as he started picking cotton early in his life.

At the age of four, Campbell’s father picked up on his talent and bought him a $5 Sears & Roebuck guitar. Subsequently, Campbell would go on to teach himself guitar and had a little help from his uncle, William “Boo” Campbell, who was only seven years older than Glen.

As the two musically progressed and formed a bit of chemistry, they started supporting their families’ income by performing. Reportedly, Glen Campbell started playing for local radio stations at the age of six. Though the moment that seemingly marked the highlight of Glen Campbell’s youth music career was when he and his uncle opened for Hank Williams.

A Small Moment in Glen Campbell’s Large Life

It is unclear how Glen and William “Boo” Campbell procured the opportunity to open for Hank Williams. Regardless, the show transpired in 1946 in Prescott, Arkansas. Other than that, not much else is known about Glen Campbell’s opening set for Hank Williams. Though we can’t say the same for everything that transpired after that show.

Four years after that performance, Campbell joined a migrant work crew at 14 years old. Later on, with his uncle, he founded a band in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The man finally got his foot in the door after he moved to California, worked as a session musician, and became a member of The Champs in his 20s. 15 years later, at 25 years old, Glen Campbell released his debut solo album, Big Bluegrass Special, in 1961.

In the grand scheme of music, Glen Campbell’s life story is certainly one of the most impressive and unique. Also, given just how colorful and eventful his story is, it seems like opening for Hank Williams is just a small moment in his rather large life.

Photo by David Redfern/Redferns