Brian Wilson has recorded a posthumous duet with the late Glen Campbell, on a version of the latter’s song ‘Strong’ – listen to the track below.
The song is taken from Campbell’s upcoming album, ‘Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost on the Canvas Sessions’, which is out on April 19. The record sees a host of music luminaries join forces with the singer, including Elton John, Dolly Parton, Carole King, Eric Clapton and Daryl Hall.
Campbell, known for hits including ‘Wichita Lineman’ and ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’, died in 2017 at the age of 81 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He addressed the disease in the original version of ‘Strong’, which appeared on his 2011 album ‘Ghost on the Canvas’, singing: “As I look into these eyes I’ve known for all these years / I see for the first time in my life fear”.
On this new version, Wilson adds his signature golden harmonies, while also echoing Campbell’s longing verses. Listen to it below:
Speaking about the collaboration, and referencing a song he wrote for Campbell in the 1960s, Wilson has said: “Glen was a great singer and a great guy. Our intention in doing ‘Strong’ was to echo back to ‘Guess I’m Dumb’ and the times that Glen and I worked together. It’s kinda got that vibe to it and I dig the sound of it.”
The song takes on added poignancy in the light of the news in February that Wilson himself has been diagnosed with dementia.
The 81-year-old has been placed under a conservatorship after being judged no longer able to care for himself. This comes after the recent death of his wife and longtime manager Melinda Ledbetter in January, who had been acting as the musician’s caregiver and taking care of his “daily living needs” following his health decline.
Wilson’s long-lost country album, ‘Cows in the Pasture’, has also finally been scheduled for a release sometime in 2025.