Music Blog, Sixties

Smooth Saturday Sounds: By The Time I Get To Phoenix

Nancy's Notes đŸ–ŠïžđŸŽ¶

“By The Time I Get To Phoenix”
Written by: Jimmy Webb
Recorded:  August 29, 1967
Producer(s): Al De Lory, Nick Venet
Arranger/Conductor:  Al De Lory

Released: October 23, 1967

Available on:
By The Time I Get To Phoenix

Personnel:
Glen Campbell – vocals, acoustic guitar
James Burton – acoustic guitar, electric guitars
Joe Osborne – bass
Jim Gordon – drums

The inspiration for “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” originated in Jimmy Webb’s breakup with his partner, Susan Horton. Their relationship, which peaked in mid-1965, was also the primary influence for “MacArthur Park”, another Webb composition. Webb called the song a “succinct tale” with an O. Henry type twist at the end which consists merely of the guy saying, ‘She didn’t really think that I would go,’ but he did.” Although the protagonist in the song plans to leave his lover, Webb did not leave Horton; their breakup was a mutual agreement.

Glen Campbell’s version topped RPM magazine’s Canada Country Tracks, reached number two on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and won two awards at the 10th Annual Grammys. BMI named it the third most performed song from 1940 to 1990. The song was ranked #20 on BMI’s Top 100 Songs Of The Century. It was #450 on Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 500 Songs of All Time. And perhaps the greatest accolade …. Frank Sinatra called it “the greatest torch song ever written”.

This is the exquisite “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” by Glen Campbell.

May your Saturday be smooth sailing. Thanks for stopping by.

See you on the flip side. 😎

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29 thoughts on “Smooth Saturday Sounds: By The Time I Get To Phoenix”

      1. I hear ya. WP keeps us on our toes. Mind you, sometimes there are just too many notifications, and we miss one. No worries, amica mia.

        And yes, Now, I think I’m going to listen to him!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

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