Jimmy Webb is one of my songwriting heroes, along with Joni Mitchell, Bob Franke, Robin Williamson, and several others (for more posts later). One of my favorite books on songwriting is Tunesmith. In it, Jimmy is humorous and encouraging as he talks about process, ideas, inspiration, and strategies for expression. The stories also make it a great read. I like his tips for collecting different bits and fragments to use in future songs.
Jimmy's songs are still in our culture, even after 35+ years. Frank Sinatra called Jimmy "Kid" and liked his songs, particularly "Wichita Lineman" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix." Richard Harris sang "MacArthur Park" and "Didn't We." He wrote "Little Tin Soldier" especially for Barbra Streisand. Rosemary Clooney sang his "Time Flies" and a whole new audience came to love her and him. Glen Campbell sang "Pocketful of Keys" on a television special -- a song that Jimmy wrote when he was 19! Add Linda Ronstadt and almost every other singer to the list of performers of Jimmy's songs because they are so good.
Thankfully, he has been touring the past few years -- just him at the piano with his songs and his stories. My husband and I went to one of these intimate concerts in a small theater in central New York a year or two ago, and it was more than a mere evening of delightful entertainment. It was an affirmation of the power of expression and belonging. We were a house full of appreciative graying baby boomers who joyfully helped him sing "ba-LOOOOON" when it came time in the show to do "Up, Up and Away."
Jimmy's songs are still in our culture, even after 35+ years. Frank Sinatra called Jimmy "Kid" and liked his songs, particularly "Wichita Lineman" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix." Richard Harris sang "MacArthur Park" and "Didn't We." He wrote "Little Tin Soldier" especially for Barbra Streisand. Rosemary Clooney sang his "Time Flies" and a whole new audience came to love her and him. Glen Campbell sang "Pocketful of Keys" on a television special -- a song that Jimmy wrote when he was 19! Add Linda Ronstadt and almost every other singer to the list of performers of Jimmy's songs because they are so good.
Thankfully, he has been touring the past few years -- just him at the piano with his songs and his stories. My husband and I went to one of these intimate concerts in a small theater in central New York a year or two ago, and it was more than a mere evening of delightful entertainment. It was an affirmation of the power of expression and belonging. We were a house full of appreciative graying baby boomers who joyfully helped him sing "ba-LOOOOON" when it came time in the show to do "Up, Up and Away."
A big thrill was getting to meet him after the show. He autographed my copy of Tunesmith and was very generous with his time. We also met his beautiful wife and had a nice chat about astrology.
Catch this amazing musical master while you can. Check out his website (Webb site, ha ha) for his touring schedule. Even living legends will be only legends one day.
Catch this amazing musical master while you can. Check out his website (Webb site, ha ha) for his touring schedule. Even living legends will be only legends one day.
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