Did Glen Campbell Play Guitar with the Beach Boys?

Yes, Glen Campbell did play guitar with the Beach Boys during the mid-1960s. This article delves into the details of his contributions to the iconic band, listing the songs he performed on and the roles he played.

Interactions with the Beach Boys

Although renowned for his solo career, Glen Campbell had a brief stint with the Beach Boys as a session musician. In 1964, Brian Wilson decided to focus on recording and touring less, leading to Campbell's temporary replacement for a short period.

Songs Played by Glen Campbell with the Beach Boys

Here's a list of the studio songs Glen Campbell played guitar on during his time with the Beach Boys:

Today! (1965) - Acoustic guitar Help Me Ronda - 12-string acoustic guitar Dance Dance Dance - Acoustic guitar (playing the same thing as Carl’s 12-string and Ray Pohlman’s six-string bass) Please Let Me Wonder - Acoustic 12-string guitar Summer Days And Summer Nights!! (1965) Help Me Rhonda (single version) - 12-string electric Pet Sounds (1966) Don’t Talk Put Your Head On My Shoulder - 12-string electric I Know There’s An Answer/Hang On To Your Ego - 12-string electric lead, banjo overdub I Just WAsn’t Made for These Times - 12-string acoustic rhythm

Role Beyond the Studio

In addition to his studio work, Glen Campbell also played guitar, bass, and sang Brian Wilson's parts during live performances for the Beach Boys. Campbell's abilities made him a valuable asset during this transitional phase of the band. According to Craig Slowinsky, a renowned Beach Boys sessionographer, these were Campbell's contributions during this period.

Beyond the Beach Boys

After "Pet Sounds," Glen Campbell shifted his focus more towards his solo career and subsequent projects. It is believed that he may have also played guitar on some of Brian Wilson's side-projects, though the details are less clear. There hasn't been extensive research on these additional projects, and the session players involved might be largely unknown.

Media and Recognition

In some interviews, Glenn Campbell claimed to have played guitar on "Surfin' USA" and "Fun Fun Fun," but these claims were somewhat misleading. He indeed played on those songs, but not on the Beach Boys versions; rather, he participated in Bruce Johnston's cover versions by other "surf rock" bands, such as the Catalinas.

Additional Career Highlights

After his stint with the Beach Boys, Glen Campbell became a prominent member of 'The Wrecking Crew,' a group of talented Los Angeles studio musicians. This group was highly respected and contributed to numerous hit songs across the music industry.

Entertainment Value: For those interested in learning more about Glen Campbell and 'The Wrecking Crew,' a YouTube documentary provides a fascinating insight into their work and the broader music scene of the 1960s and 1970s. It introduces viewers to Carol Kaye, who was not only a superb bass player but also an exceptional guitarist.