The 1960s ushered in a winning streak of hit singles that evolved into a long and multi-faceted career for the late Glen Campbell. Known for songs like “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” and “Gentle on My Mind,” the charismatic Arkansas native made music that blurred the lines between country and pop.
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His success as a vocalist and songwriter earned him his own variety show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, multiple acting roles, and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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His later years were impacted by the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2011. The award-winning documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me, released in 2014, offered fans a look into how the disease had significantly altered his life.
Campbell died on August 8, 2017, at the age of 81, but his life and accomplishments have been documented for new generations of fans to discover.
From his wife’s heartfelt reflections to an intriguing autobiography, here are three Glen Campbell books to put on your reading list:
1. Gentle on My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell
Campbell’s fourth wife, Kim, looks back at their more than three-decade-long relationship in her 2020 memoir. This riveting and candid read sprinkles in the joyful moments from their marriage while recalling the health challenges that dominated Glen’s final years.
2. Rhinestone Cowboy: An Autobiography
Although this out-of-print release is a little harder to track down than the other books on our list, it’s worth the extra time and effort. Released in 1994, Rhinestone Cowboy provides a first-hand retelling of Campbell’s career highs and lows but also gives interesting context into his personal beliefs. He doesn’t mince words when discussing religious and political issues, offering blunt responses to many controversial topics.
3. Glen Campbell: Life With My Father
This 2014 memoir from Campbell’s daughter, Debby, gives a surprisingly honest look back at the country star’s tumultuous career. Glen Campbell: Life With My Father takes readers through her experience as one of nine children who saw their famous father navigate stardom, addiction struggles, and four marriages.
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