THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Glen Campbell’s Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions reimagines the late singer-songwriter and guitarist’s critically acclaimed, history-making 2011 farewell album with some of the biggest icons in music.
The project is the first of its kind, an album recreated completely as duets posthumously, blending the late Campbell’s original vocals with the talents of artists like Brian Wilson, Carole King, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Hope Sandoval, Linda Perry, Sting, Brian Setzer and more to create an artful and unique body of work that celebrates the Rhinestone Cowboy’s final ride.
The only album known to be written and recorded while its creator battled Alzheimer’s disease, Ghost On The Canvas was filled with honest songs of hope, reflection, mortality, gratitude and acceptance of fate. Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions is a project created out of love for Glen and his beautiful take on the conclusion of his life. Legends from across the globe and of all genres came together to work with the original producers of Ghost On The Canvas to compose a striking and thought-provoking tribute.
Says Clapton: “I’ve always admired Glen Campbell’s guitar playing and loved his singing. I was moved recently when one of his final performances, during his illness, came on TV. When I was asked to sing and play with Glen on the song Jakob Dylan wrote (Nothing But The Whole Wide World), it all just felt right, and I am happy to be part of it.”
Adds Eric Church, who sings on Campbell’s cover of Guided By Voices’ Hold On Hope: “It was really special to me to be able to be part of this project. Glen was so important to not just country music, but all of music. What a stallion!”
Campbell was one of the biggest stars of his generation, even outselling The Beatles in 1968. Across his illustrious 50-plus year career, the Country Music Hall of Fame member released 64 albums and earned countless awards and recognitions for his music (including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award). He was a huge influence on pop culture, hosting a number of TV specials and shows, including The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour (which featured Clapton as a guest). He earned Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his work on the iconic film True Grit, and was credited for recording the first existential country song (Jimmy Webb’s Wichita Lineman). His contribution to music history can be heard across the soundtrack for Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas, The Beach Boys’ revelatory album Pet Sounds and recordings with Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and many other legends.
Beloved by so many, a myriad of artists and musicians from all genres tendered their talents to this project, including: Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Chris Isaak, Wendy Melvoin (Prince and the Revolution), Rick Neilsen (Cheap Trick), Steve Hunter (Lou Reed), The Dandy Warhols, Chris Chaney, Jason Faulkner Jr., Kim Bullard, Josh Freese (Foo Fighters), Vinny Caliuta, Marti Rifkin, Dick Dale and Tim Pierce.
Campbell’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2011 shocked the world but gave people hope with the release of Ghost On The Canvas album and subsequent Goodbye Tour. Before succumbing to the disease in 2017 Campbell released the inspiring documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me, which followed him and his family as they face hardships on his farewell tour across the globe. Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions is produced by Dave Kaplan and Julian Raymond and executive produced by Scott Borchetta and Scott Seine.”
