Inside: Governor’s letter to Glen Campbell

FAYETTEVILLE — Country music legend Glen Campbell will say good-bye to his Northwest Arkansas fan base not once, but twice, this weekend.

Tickets to Campbell’s Friday (April 27) show at the Walton Arts Center sold so quickly that a second show was added for the following night.

The Delight, Ark., native and Country Music Hall of Famer   was diagnosed with Alzheimers last year, and this final round of performances across Europe and now the United States has been dubbed his “Good-bye Tour.”

Before the Friday night show, Campbell will be presented with a private letter from Gov. Mike Beebe. The governor cites the many obstacles Campbell has overcome on his way to worldwide fame and lauds his music as “a unifying force in our world, bringing people together across cultural and geographical divisions.”

At age 75, he’s been performing two-thirds of his life. His backup band includes his three youngest children: Cal on drums, Shannon on guitar, and his youngest, Ashley, who is charged with keeping him on task while on stage. Those attending the show may notice a teleprompter at Campbell’s feet.

Regardless of what happens after the Rhinestone Cowboy leaves the stage for good, his record — and records — will speak to his iconic status: 21 Top 40 hits, nearly 50 million records sold and six Grammy Awards, including his recent Lifetime Achievement Award in February.

Watch The City Wire for Michelle Parks' review of Campbell's sold-out show Friday night.