Rhinestone Cowboy Dies At 81

Country legend Glen Campbell had died at the age of 81.

The Rhinestone Cowboy had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease, passed away after a brave battle his family announced.

Glen was diagnosed with the condition in 2011.

Born on April 22, 1936, in Billstown, Arkansas in the United States, he picked up a guitar from an early age and learned to play, with the help of his Uncle Boo.

He began playing in bands from 1954 before moving to Los Angeles in 1960, where he worked as a session musician. In 1961 he joined the Champs, a rock 'n' roll band and took a job writing songs to earn extra money.

He played guitar in the studio for Bobby Darin, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin, Nancy Sinatra and even Elvis.

Although he began recording in 1958, it was in 1967 that he got his big breakthrough with his hit single "Gentle On My Mind", which was followed by "By The Time I Get To Phoenix".

The hits followed through the years with songs such as "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston" and of course his classic hit "Rhinestone Cowboy".

Campbell also had a spell with the Beach Boys, playing guitar on their classic "Pet Sounds" album, and toured with the band singing Falsetto and playing base.

During his career he won ten Grammy Awards and ten Country Music awards.

The star leaves a legacy in the world of music as a song writer, musician and recording artists but was also a movie actor and TV star.

Source: BBC News Content: TPVS