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Visiting the Glen Campbell Museum & Rhinestone Stage - "The Gem of Lower Broadway" in Nashville, Tennessee

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Glen Campbell (1936-2017) was born in the heart of the depression into a poor family. Still, he led a charmed life that was surrounded by love and music. Glen's father saw that his son had a gift, so Dad struggled to buy a $5.00 guitar from Sears & Roebuck for the youngster. This instrument is one of many gems on display at the Glen Campbell Museum & Rhinestone Stage located at 111 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.


"The Gem of Lower Broadway" aka The Glen Campbell Museum pays tribute to this legendary man. For many the music of Glen Campbell was the soundtrack to their lives. For a younger generation his songs may have been heard in a movie or covered by their favorite band. After all, Glen was a crossover artist who hit #1 on both the country and pop charts throughout his long career. He has influenced many such as Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, John Mayer and more.

"Glen was bigger than life. His global superstardom left us with such incredible music and experiences that a museum is only the first step in bringing all of what made him special to his many fans and fellow musicians around the world," said Ric Olsen, President at Clearbrook Hospitality and the man behind the inviting design of the space that stands apart from the honky tonks downtown. "We were honored to have worked closely with the Campbell family to create a museum and entertainment venue that truly honors his amazing voice, musicianship, his humanity and his gift of storytelling."


A lifetime of achievement is on display on Lower Broadway.

The Glen Campbell Museum features never-before-seen artifacts from Glen's early years on the farm in Arkansas through his climb to super-stardom, including many of his guitars, instruments, and stage clothes by legendary Western Wear Clothiers, Nudie Cohn and Manuel Cuevas, as well as his extensive collection of golf paraphernalia and intimate family photos. The Museum also has plenty of interactive exhibits such as a mixing station and a sound booth where one can sing along with Glen.

One section focused on Campbell's years in The Wrecking Crew. As a session player he performed on an astounding 586 sessions in 1963 alone. He worked with some of the top acts of the day providing guitar parts on the Beach Boys' landmark Pet Sounds album, Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night," the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", the Monkees' "I'm a Believer" and more.


A wall of albums featured Glen's first and final side by side.

As a solo artist, Campbell released more than 70 albums, selling 50 million copies with more than 80 songs charting. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame. Glen has won many accolades including the Grammy's most prestigious honor - a Lifetime Achievement Award. Many of his awards are showcased at The Glen Campbell Museum. Also of interest are personal gifts given to Glen such as a pair of sunglasses from Elvis.

In addition to being a successful musician, Glen starred in movies and on his own TV show. A separate room features movie posters and also has a big screen rolling scenes from the show. In other parts of the Museum there are visual and vocal clips of family members also telling Glen's story. The Museum flows through his life and in his later years Campbell took up golf.


Fashion, awards and personal items are on display at the Glen Campbell Museum.

Even in sports, Campbell was charmed. He hit the greens with some famous folks including Presidents Ford, Bush and Clinton while winning a number of trophies on the links and a World Series ring as a part owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks - all of which are on display at the Museum.

The exhibit concludes with panels on Glen's whirlwind romance with his wife before documenting his Goodbye Tour which happily featured his children but was also bittersweet as the artist had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's so he knew that it was most likely his last road trip. Campbell with his family navigated the unpredictable nature of the disease through laughter, love and music while raising awareness and funds in hopes of finding a cure.


Music and sports defined much of Glen Campbell's incredible life.

"I am thrilled that Glen's musical legacy will be preserved and celebrated in such a beautiful and enduring way. The museum is sure to inspire countless musicians and music lovers while continuing to entertain his lifelong fans and share his amazing gifts with generations to come," says Kim Campbell, Glen's wife of 34 years. "It's with a big heart and sincere gratitude that we share Glen's memories and cherished personal possessions with his fans and the world."

"The Gem of Lower Broadway" is set up to be a museum by day and an event and live entertainment space at night. The Glen Campbell Museum is an immersive experience into the artist and well worth a visit plus The Rhinestone Stage is an intimate entertainment destination with a state of the art lighting and sound system that is ready for private events or musician showcases. "The Gem of Lower Broadway" is a must see for locals and tourists. They also have a boutique style gift shop of exclusive Glen Campbell memorabilia that can be purchased online or better yet in person.


Many consider Glen Campbell to be the greatest guitar player of all time.

Related Links: For more information on the GLEN CAMPBELL MUSEUM and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Glen Campbell Museum & Rhinestone Stage | Glen Campbell


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