Glen Campbell is rightfully remembered as one of the country greats. And like many of his peers, he started off by working with other musicians. One of them happened to be one of the biggest bands of the 60s.
Before his country career took off, Campbell worked as a session musician in Los Angeles. He was most notably in a group known as The Wrecking Crew. He played guitar on tracks for such musicians as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. In 1963 alone, he played in 586 sessions.
Campbell and The Wrecking Crew also played on The Beach Boys’ classic album Pet Sounds, as well as some of their biggest hits, including “Good Vibrations”, “I Get Around”, “Help Me, Rhonda”, and more. But Campbell’s involvement with them goes even further.
Campbell Filled in for Brian Wilson
In 1964, The Beach Boys had scored their first No. 1 hit with “I Get Around”. They were constantly working, largely as a response to Beatlemania hitting America. But the band’s grueling schedule took its toll on Brian Wilson. He suffered a nervous breakdown on a flight to Houston for the band’s next show and decided to step away from the band, leading Campbell to take his place for their tour, playing bass and singing harmonies. His first show took place on Dec. 24, 1964. Soon after, in January of 1965, Wilson officially announced he would no longer be touring, but he remained involved in the band’s studio work.
Campbell was offered a permanent role in The Beach Boys, but he turned it down due to a disagreement over royalties. He played his final show with the band on April 24, 1965. After his departure, Bruce Johnston was tasked with finding his replacement, and when he was unable to do so, he became a full-time member himself. Campbell’s solo career took off soon after.
Wilson and Campbell collaborated in other ways over the years. Wilson wrote Campbell’s 1965 single “Guess I’m Dumb”, originally intended to be a Beach Boys song.
Although Campbell may not have taken on a more permanent role in the band, he was a crucial part of its history.