Wikipedia photo Glen Campbell performing at the Michigan State Fair that was held in Detroit in 1970. Campbell recently passed away on Aug. 8 from Alzheimer’s disease.

ESCANABA — He was handsome, he was homespun, and he was oh-so-talented.

You could even say he was my first love.

The recent death of Glen Campbell triggered some sweet memories of my adolescence in the early 1970s.

Glen burst onto the scene after working quite a few years as a session musician for other acts, including — among others — The Beach Boys.

His Arkansas drawl and clean-cut good looks stood out from many during that “hippie” era. His tawny hair, honey-colored guitar and cowhide jacket created a natural, down-to-earth image, a personality as true as the notes he sang.

I remember our family hurrying home from camp to watch the latest installment of “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” on Sunday nights.

It was something even my dad could enjoy. (This is the same guy who’d objected to my Aunt Rita watching Elvis the Pelvis).

I think Glen Campbell was one of the first big teen heartthrobs of my generation, way ahead of Bobby Sherman or David Cassidy. I even had one of his posters on my bedroom wall.

He seemed to be such a good-humored, all-American boy. But besides that, he had a ton of talent.

Just listen back — on YouTube or your old vinyl — how he rendered “Wichita Lineman.” The aching vocals, a nice touch of strings, the echoing guitar solo on the bridge. He seemed so real, so human.

Other songs flood my mind, from “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” to his theme number, “Gentle On My Mind.” Just when concerts were growing to arena size and performers getting more outlandish, Glen kept it simple.

In the era of Vietnam and Watergate, Glen did a Christmas album with a beautiful version of “There’s No Place Like Home” and a tenderly narrated “The Night Before Christmas.”

Glen went on to have many radio hits, including the crossover “Rhinestone Cowboy,” and did innumerable shows after the end of his TV program.

Substance abuse and personal problems dogged him for a good while, but things changed in recent years.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which would eventually rob him of his ability to entertain. However, his family was open to the media about it and helped reacquaint many with the legend.

Glen passed away at the age of 81 and left behind a treasure for all.

Don’t believe me? Just sit back on a hot afternoon, grab some iced tea and let the good times roll with Glen again.

——

Karen (Rose) Wils is a lifelong north Escanaba resident. Her folksy columns appear weekly in Lifestyles.