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The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum recently hosted an evening brimming with nostalgia and celebration for the posthumous release of Glen Campbell’s album, “Duets: Ghost on the Canvas Sessions.”

The event, coordinated by Big Machine and Surfdog Records, not only heralded the new album but also introduced the Glen Campbell exhibit—a homage to the singer’s storied career.

Linda Chambers, CEO and President of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration saying “When you look around the entire museum, you can see and feel Glen’s work in so many of the other exhibits. We talk about the Musicians Hall of Fame representing all genres of music because studio musicians don’t play genres. They just play music. They may be playing a Country session in the morning, Gospel in the afternoon, and Rock ‘n Roll at night. Glen Campbell was that player,”.

The exhibit, which includes personal memorabilia from Campbell’s life, provides fans a deeply personal glimpse into his world.

The album itself, a compilation of duets, features the late Campbell, with various artists added posthumously. Stephen Curtis Chapman, a notable Christian music artist who spoke at the event, shared his awe and personal reflections. “If somebody had told my eight-year-old self that I would ever be involved in any way with something honoring Glen Campbell, I would’ve said ‘yeah right,'” Chapman remarked, emphasizing the surreal honor of participating in the event.

Kim Campbell, Glen’s widow, provided insight into the emotional significance of the exhibit and album. She shared anecdotes about the artifacts now housed at the museum, such as the suits Campbell wore and the guns he used in “True Grit.”

Reflecting on the exhibit’s personal items, she said, “The entire exhibit is made up of things we had around the house during our three decades of marriage…Glen would be so honored to be a part of the Musician’s Hall of Fame.”

The event also included heartfelt discussions about Campbell’s impact on other musicians. Steve Wariner, a long-time collaborator with Glen, shared his personal experiences, saying, “One of the greatest thrills of my life was getting a call one day and it was Glen, and he said, ‘Hey, Steve, I found this Ted Harris song that’s really awesome. It’s called The Hand That Rocks a Cradle. Would you want to do it with me?” Wariner recounted, showcasing the personal connections Campbell forged throughout his career.

Julian Raymond, a key figure in the production of “Duets: Ghost on the Canvas Sessions.” discussed the meticulous process of selecting artists for the duets, aiming to honor Campbell’s legacy while introducing his music to a new generation. Julian remarked, “They were all very careful of Glen’s voice. They didn’t want to do too much, and we always wanted them to do more, and we’d have to actually send it back and go, man, can you just sing a little more, sing more harmony here?” Raymond explained.

The album “Duets: Ghost on the Canvas Sessions.” features a remarkable lineup of artists collaborating with Campbell, including Elton John and Sting, adding a rich layer of musical diversity and star power to the record. The inclusion of such iconic musicians not only enhances the album’s appeal but also serves as a testament to Campbell’s widespread influence and admiration within the music industry.

The evening at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum was further enriched by the presence and contributions of Cal Campbell, son of Glen Campbell. Cal, a multi-hyphenated talent in his own right, shared personal memories of growing up with a father who not only dominated the airwaves but also nurtured his family with love and music.

Cal remembered that “He’d come over start jamming something along with you. Drums were the first thing I really gravitated towards, and he and I would just sit and play for hours. I’ll cherish it forever. Those were the greatest days.” Cal recounted, describing his musical upbringing in a home where collaboration was just a part of daily life.

Dave Kaplan, founder of Surfdog Records and a key figure in the production of the album, spoke about his connection with Glen Campbell and the genesis of the “Duets: Ghost on the Canvas Sessions” project. Kaplan, known for managing an array of distinguished artists, reflected on his initial disbelief at the opportunity to work with Campbell. He specifically noted how incredibly “disarming and humble” Glen was for such a big star.

The event also featured a poignant moment when award-winning Christian artist Stephen Curtis Chapman performed a song he wrote in tribute to Glen Campbell, evoking deep emotions in the audience. Chapman shared, “I wrote this a couple of years ago, I’m incredibly honored to get to share it with you all.”

He recounted his childhood memories of being mesmerized by Campbell’s guitar solos, explaining how he would slow down his records to understand the intricate play. “My first real guitar was an Ovation Blacktop because that was what Glen Campbell played,” Chapman said, highlighting the profound influence Campbell had on his musical career.

The song was a touching homage, with lyrics that walked through Campbell’s hits, evoking the landscapes and emotions contained in songs like “Wichita Lineman” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.”

The evening served as a powerful reminder of Glen Campbell’s enduring legacy, both through his music and now through an exhibit that captures his life’s work and impact. As attendees left, they were encouraged not only to explore the new album but to visit the exhibit, ensuring Campbell’s contributions to music and culture were celebrated and remembered. This event was not just a release party; it was a profound gathering of music industry giants, family, and fans, all united to honor a true music legend.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 14 , 2023) — Following flood damage which shuttered the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum for six weeks, the iconic museum kicked off a milestone year on Feb. 1, 2023, celebrating the 100th birthday of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips with a Q&A with his son, Jerry Phillips.

In March, the museum’s Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame Room — featuring a fully-restored and functioning historic console previously used for mixing the Grand Ole Opry and WSM radio shows — opened for use, and in April, the museum hosted “An Evening with Jimmy Webb: Celebrating 50 Years of Music & Friendship with Glen Campbell.”

In May, MHOF&M CEO and co-founder Linda Chambers and (posthumously) her late husband/MHOF&M co-founder Joe Chambers, along with Eric Church and Butch Spyridon, were inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame by Garth Brooks, receiving the 98th, 99th and 100th stars for their significant work of preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and contributing to the world through song.

June brought the relocation of the Chet Atkins bronze statue — the most photographed statue in Nashville — to the museum, recently displaced from its home of 23 years at the corner of 5th and Union in downtown Nashville. The unveiling ceremony was hosted by Chambers, and legendary guitarist/country artist/MHOF Inductee Steve Wariner. August saw the release of MHOF&M’s coffee table book.

In September, the museum opened a retail store at the Nashville International Airport and hosted a tour for Tommy Emmanuel’s Guitar Camp. On Sept. 24, music and culture icon Ringo Starr was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame with the Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award during a private ceremony. Linda Chambers was joined by presenters Brenda Lee and Peter Frampton, who spoke about their experiences with Starr and his contributions.

Starr’s private induction followed the Nov. 22, 2022 ceremony and concert inducting Billy F Gibbons, Don McLean, Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives (Chris Scruggs, Harry Stinson, Kenny Vaughan, and Mick Conley), Ray Stevens, Vince Gill, engineer George Massenburg and producer James William Guercio.

The MHOF&M moves into 2024 with a focus on featuring diverse artistry, and continues to make the museum accessible for more people with audio tours being translated to Chinese, French, and Spanish.

Follow the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum’s social media for updates on exhibits, special events and performances:

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About Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum:
Joe Chambers was an accomplished musician and songwriter, and, as a couple, Joe and Linda Chambers opened a chain of guitar stores, Chambers Guitars. The couple co-founded and opened the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in 2006 on 6th Avenue South. They relocated to what is now known as the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum at Nashville’s Historic Municipal Auditorium in 2013 and also houses the GRAMMY Gallery.

The museum, revered by artists including Keith Richards, Garth Brooks and Neil Young, recently added exhibits featuring Alan Parsons, Marshall Tucker Band and drummer, Stan Lynch. 

The mission of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is to honor all great musicians regardless of genre or instruments. This is done by exhibiting the actual instrument they used to record some of the most iconic songs in recorded history. Not only does the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum entertain local and international visitors but also educates them about the musicians who actually played on the “soundtracks of their lives.” 

The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is a 501 (c) (3) charity organization.

“Where else are you gonna get all the cats that are in this room?” — Keith Richards

“You can see the hood ornament on the car if you go to The Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame. But, if you want to look at the engine and see what’s making it go, then you go to The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum.” — Neil Young

“There’s so many things that an artist sings that aren’t his or her own creation. There’s so many things that you hear that make you love a record that, the truth is, ‘Joe Blow’ could have sang them. Because the song was so great and the signature licks were so identifiable that it didn’t matter who sang them. There are very few records that the artists made, but there’s a hell of a lot of them that the musicians made.” — Garth Brooks

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Best known for his time as the drummer in the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mitch Mitchell used this iconic kit to record on Axis Bold as Love and the group’s final studio album, Electric Lady Land. 

These drums can be heard on “All Along the Watchtower” and “Crosstown Traffic.” They were also used live by Mitchell with the Jimi Hendrix Experience at the Miami Pop Festival and the Hollywood Bowl.

Roger Hawkins, the heartbeat of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (aka the Swampers), played on hits like “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett, “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think” by Aretha Franklin, “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge, “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger, “I’ll Take You There” by the Staple Singers, and “Slip Away” by Clarence Carter. He used this specific drum set both live and in the studio.

Al Jackson, Jr. was a producer, songwriter, drummer, and founding member of the legendary Stax Records session group, Booker T. & the M.G.’s. As a session musician at Stax, Jackson recorded on most every song by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, and Rufus Thomas. This drum set was used by Jackson on the hits, “Soul Man,” “Knock on Wood,” “In the Midnight Hour,” and “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” During recording sessions, Al would tape his wallet to the snare drum head to craft his iconic sound. Remnants of the tape remain on the drum to this very day. 

Milton Sledge is a member of Garth Brooks’ G-Men, a group of session musicians known to consistently back Brooks in the recording studio throughout his career. Sledge can also be heard on recordings by Barbara Mandrell, Randy Travis, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Alabama, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, and Toby Keith. He has played drums on over 30 number 1 hit singles and can be heard on albums that have sold over 180 million copies. Sledge used this Gretsch drum set on all of Garth Brooks’ recordings.

Though not quite a “drum set,” this significant snare drum was used by legendary member of the Memphis Boys, Gene Chrisman, at Memphis’ American Sound Studio. It was used by Chrisman on Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds,” Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” B.J. Thomas’ “Hooked on a Felling,” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.” You can see in the image that Gene even signed the drum, stating, “To Joe (Founder & CEO of the MHOF) and the Musicians Hall of Fame, this was a long time coming and it is great. Best to you always, Gene Chrisman “The Memphis Boys” ’07.”

Jerry Allison is best known as drummer for Buddy Holly and the Crickets and co-writer of their innovative and influential hits, “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue.” Allison purchased this drum kit in England in 1958 and played it with Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers, and the Crickets. It can be heard on “Til I Kissed You” by the Everly Brothers.

This iconic Slingerland drum set belonged to Opry staff drummer, Harold Weakly. For decades, drums were expressly forbidden on the Grand Ole Opry stage as they were thought to be untraditional and represent competing genres of popular music; rock and roll, blues, and jazz. Though drums were introduced to the Opry stage prior to the pictured kit, this Slingerland drum set was the first official complete set of drums sanctioned by the Grand Ole Opry.

Whilst on the topic of drums at the Grand Ole Opry, we couldn’t forget to mention this upright bass owned and used by pioneering Nashville session musician and Opry player, Lightnin’ Chance. Note the drum head mounted on the upper left shoulder of the bass. This percussive contraption was built by Chance and his brother and was the only drum allowed on the Grand Ole Opry for many years.

In addition to the Opry, Chance used this bass on countless hit records, including but not limited to all of the Everly Brothers’ hits, such as “Wake Up Little Susie” and “All I Have to Do is Dream.”

This 1967 Ludwig drum set was played by Santana drummer, Michael Shrieve, throughout their historic performance at Woodstock in 1969. In addition, Shrieve can be heard using this kit on the first two Santana albums, as well as on the hits, “Evil Ways,” ”Oye Como Va,” “Black Magic Woman,” “Jingo,” and “Samba Pa Ti.” Shrieve also played this iconic kit at Santana’s first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and their performance at the Altamont Speedway Free Festival.

Kenny Buttrey began his professional career playing in night clubs when he was only 14 years old. He became one of the most in demand session drummers of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, recording with Elvis Presley, George Harrison, Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffet, and Neil Young. Buttrey used this drum set on Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” and Bob Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay.”

In 1964, Uriel Jones became a member of the legendary Motown session group, the Funk Brothers. According to arranger Paul Riser, Jones was the “funkiest” of the three Motown drummers. He can be heard playing on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” and “Ain’t too Proud to Beg.” Uriel played this kit on several Motown hits, including “Reach Out” by the Four Tops and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder.  

Hal Blaine played on over 150 hit records and at least 40 number 1 hit singles throughout his career. As a member of LA’s legendary session troupe, the Wrecking Crew, Blaine used this drum kit in the studio with the Beach Boys, the 5th Dimension, Frank Sinatra, the Mamas & the Papas, the Byrds, the Carpenters, the Monkees, America, the Righteous Brothers, and the Ronettes, to name a select few. 

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