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Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – Wichita Lineman (1968)
Glen Campell, the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” was one of the greatest Country-Pop Stars of the Sixties and Seventies. He even had his own TV show – which I was a big fan of. Every Boomer reading this post remembers his million selling version of the Jimmy Webb penned classic along with the hit follow-up “Galveston” and the hit predecessor “Gentle on My Mind.” Oh and my favorite Campell tune was “By The Time I Get To Phoenix.”: then when Isaac Hayes covered the song it took on a whole other level of greatness for me.
Obviously Smokey Robinson and The Miracles knew a great song when they heard it. “Lineman” is one of some other covers that were on their 1969, #25 (Billboard Top 100) album “Time Out For Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.”A great song stands the test of time, as both songwriters Smokey Robinson and Jimmy Webb can attest too.
I think SRATM did a fine job on the cover. Now here is Glenn’s original.
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Glenn Campbell – Wichita Lineman (1968), on Capitol Records, sold over two million copies, staying at number one pop for five weeks.
“Wichita Lineman” – Composed by Jimmy Webb.
I am a lineman for the county and I drive the main road
Searchin’ in the sun for another overload
I hear you singin’ in the wire, I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the lineI know I need a small vacation but it don’t look like rain
And if it snows that stretch down south won’t ever stand the strain
And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the lineAnd I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line
”Time Out for Smokey Robinson And The Miracles”
And I almost forgot to announce — November’s Motown Theme is obviously “Motown Covers Pop!” It wasn’t something they did often, but it did happen on once in a while. Sometimes they even hit it big, as you will find out later on this month!
Now I am curious to know which rendition of “Wichita Lineman” floats your boat? ;-) Please vote below.
Musically yours,
Filed under:Capitol Records,Country Crossover,Country Pop,Glenn Campbell,Jimmy Webb,Motown Covers Pop,Motown/Tamla,R&B/Motown,Sixties,Smokey Robinson & The Miracles,Wichita Lineman
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