“By the Time I Get to Phoenix” was written by Jimmy Webb, and originally recorded by Johnny Rivers in 1965. But it was Glen Campbell’s 1967 version that made the song famous. Campbell would go on to record – and have hits with – a few other Jimmy Webb compositions including “Wichita Lineman” (1968), and “Galveston” (1969). It’s interesting to note that in 1961, at the age of 14, the very first record Webb ever bought was “Turn Around, Look at Me” by Glen Campbell.
Campbell’s version of “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” reached #2 on the U.S. Country charts in 1968, and garnered Campbell two Grammy awards — for Best Vocal Performance, Male; and Best Contemporary Male Solo Vocal Performance.
In this video, Glen Campbell performs “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” live.
