Little Big Town delivered an emotional tribute to the late Glen Campbell by delivering a poignant rendition of one of his biggest hits: “Wichita Lineman,” during the CMA Awards. The live version is now available http://strm.to/LBTWichitaLineman and you can WATCH THE PERFORMANCE too! (CLICK THE MORE button below to watch)
Little Big Town performed one of the most touching tributes at Wednesday night’s (Nov. 8) 2017 CMA Awards. The group, made up of Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet, sang “Wichita Lineman,” in honor of Glen Campbell, accompanied on the piano by Jimmy Webb, who wrote the classic tune. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iz83-Cmt6A
“We grew up on Glen Campbell’s music,” Schlapman shared with The Boot and other reporters backstage during the ceremony. “It means everything to us. It formed who we are as musicians, and what an incredible honor it was to share that music tonight. And we love his family so much.”
Added Westbrook, “It was such a special moment, and Jimmy Webb — this was the first time that we actually got to meet him. He’s such a sweet soul. And to stand up there and have a moment like that with him was so special, and I don’t know – it was just a special night tonight, and we’re just proud to be a part of that moment.”
Webb, who wrote other hits for Campbell, including “Galveston” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” couldn’t think of a better way to pay tribute to his late friend than by sharing the stage with the reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year.
“The blend of the male and female voices is angelic. It’s like something you just don’t hear that much,” Webb says of Little Big Town. “I’ve been making records, writing songs, for 50 years, and there’s something special about that group. So when they asked me, would I play the piano for “Wichita Lineman,” first I picked myself up off the floor, and then I said, ‘Yeah. I think I will take a shot at that. I hope I don’t disappoint.'” – The Boot
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“Little Big Town paid tribute to county and pop legend Glen Campbell at the 2017 CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 8), performing a stunning cover of his classic hit, “Wichita Lineman.”
A simple, somber piano motif from songwriter Jimmy Webb began their arrangement of the classic song, which became one of Campbell’s signature hits after he recorded it in 1968. It’s one of several Webb songs Campbell helped turn into all-time hits.
Little Big Town’s rendition was muted, but powerful, relying on Karen Fairchild’s strong lead vocal and the sinuous, shimmering vocal harmonies that have made LBT one of the most successful and acclaimed vocal groups in contemporary country music.
Campbell died on Aug. 8 after battling Alzheimer’s since 2011. His daughter, Ashley, cried in the audience as LBT performed her dad’s hit.” – A Taste of Country
http://tasteofcountry.com/little-big-town-tribute-glen-campbell-wichita-lineman-2017-cma-awards/