August 29, 2025      —–     Chart #313

Howdy, friends!

It’s time for another musical ride down memory lane, and this week we’re hitching a ride with Glen Campbell on that long and winding road to Phoenix. Now, before we even dive into the song, let me just tip my hat to a fellow Arkansan. I grew up in Little Rock, and Glen Campbell hails from a little town called Delight, Arkansas. It’s always a treat to talk about one of our own who made it big—like watching your neighbor’s kid become a superstar.

“By the Time I Get to Phoenix” was penned by the legendary Jimmy Webb, and Glen Campbell recorded it back in August 1967. It hit the airwaves on October 23, 1967, and it wasn’t long before it was cruising up the charts. The song climbed all the way to number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and even made waves on the pop charts. Not too shabby for a tune about a guy leaving town and ticking off the miles in heartbreak.

What’s truly magical about this song is the way it paints a picture with every verse. You can almost see the map unfolding—by the time he gets to Phoenix, she’ll be rising, and by the time he reaches Albuquerque, well, let’s just say she’s got a few things to think about. Campbell’s smooth vocals turn Webb’s lyrics into pure storytelling gold.

So if you’re in the mood for a classic that’s as much about the journey as the destination, give “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” a spin. It’s proof that sometimes a song can take you places you’ve never been, all while making you feel right at home.

Keep Rockin’,

Stan Bradshaw

PS: While preparing this post I found a pretty funny video from the Carol Burnett show. Check this out: