R.I.P. Glen Campbell, dead at 81

R.I.P. Glen Campbell, dead at 81

Country music legend Glen Campbell has died, losing a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 81 years old and was diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, but remained active up until his death.

A representative for Universal Music Group, Campbell’s record label, confirmed the singer’s death.

With a career spanning five decades, Campbell is widely considered one of the greatest songwriters ever , capable of bridging the worlds of country and pop, also selling more than 70 albums worldwide. Among his most iconic songs there are “Witchita Lineman”, “Gavelston”, and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” in addition to his crown opus, “Rhinestone Cowboy”, considered by many to be the greatest country music song ever written.

Campbell won a total of 10 Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2014.

Beyond his career in music, Campbell also dabbled in acting with roles in films like "Norwood", "Any Which Way You Can", and "True Grit", for which he won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer in 1968.