Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 15, 1946 in Elk City, OK

Genre

:

Film

 

Jimmy Webb is a renowned American composer, singer, and songwriter who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 15, 1946, in Elk City, Oklahoma, Webb grew up in a musical family. His father was a Baptist minister who played the piano, and his mother was a church choir director. Webb's love for music began at an early age, and he started playing the piano when he was only six years old. Webb's family moved to California when he was a teenager, and he attended San Bernardino Valley College. He later transferred to California State University, where he studied music composition and theory. During his college years, Webb started writing songs and performing in local clubs. He was influenced by the music of artists such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The Beach Boys. In 1965, Webb signed his first publishing deal with Jobete Music, a subsidiary of Motown Records. He wrote his first hit song, "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," which was recorded by Glen Campbell in 1967. The song won two Grammy Awards and became a classic in the country music genre. Webb went on to write several other hits for Campbell, including "Wichita Lineman" and "Galveston." Webb's success as a songwriter led him to pursue a career as a solo artist. He released his first album, "Words and Music," in 1970, which included his hit song "The Highwayman." The album was well-received by critics and established Webb as a talented composer and performer. Throughout the 1970s, Webb continued to write and record music, releasing several albums and collaborating with other artists. He wrote songs for artists such as Barbra Streisand, Art Garfunkel, and Linda Ronstadt. In 1977, he released his most successful album, "El Mirage," which included the hit song "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress." In the 1980s, Webb's career slowed down, and he struggled to find success as a solo artist. However, he continued to write music for other artists and collaborated with several musicians, including Michael Feinstein and Carly Simon. In 1992, he released a tribute album to his friend and mentor, Harry Nilsson, titled "And So: On." In the 2000s, Webb experienced a resurgence in his career, thanks in part to his collaboration with singer-songwriter Michael Feinstein. The two released several albums together, including "Only One Life: The Songs of Jimmy Webb" and "Live in Las Vegas." Webb also released several solo albums during this time, including "Twilight of the Renegades" and "Just Across the River." Webb's music is known for its poetic lyrics and complex melodies. He has been praised for his ability to blend different genres of music, including country, pop, and classical. His songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Some of Webb's most famous compositions include "MacArthur Park," "Up, Up and Away," and "The Worst That Could Happen." He has won several awards for his music, including multiple Grammy Awards and the Academy of Country Music's Poet's Award. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Webb has also written a memoir, "The Cake and the Rain," which was published in 2017. The book chronicles his life and career in the music industry and includes stories about his collaborations with other artists. Overall, Jimmy Webb is a talented and influential composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

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