Globe columnist Peter Grant pays tribute to the country giant Glen Campbell.

Sometimes, as a showbiz reporter, a real legend comes along who leaves his or her mark.

One such man who inspired me and left a lasting impression was singer-songwriter Glen Campbell who has sadly passed away at the age of 81.

But what a star-spangled legacy the ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ has left behind.

Ahead of a UK tour in the 90s - with a date in Liverpool - I was allocated a 15 minute phone interview with him.

"Glen will ring YOU from his home in Nashville. That’s how he likes to do things.’’ And he did VERY late at night.

Glen apologised for the time difference, and then like old friends, we talked for an hour.

He cheered me greatly with his natural charm and wit delivered with a warm drawl.

Glen went on to say how much he admired The Beatles and how Liverpool 'should be so proud’.

And here was a man who, at one point in the late 60s, had sold more records than the Beatles What struck me was his sense of humour and sheer professionalism.

Asking me if he had given me enough material for my article. The press respected him and it was easy to see why.

He told me how he loved his fans and every time he sang Rhinestone Cowboy he dedicated it to them with the line: "Getting cards and letters from people I don’t even know." He spoke of working with John Wayne in the 1969 film True Grit.

And spoke about his ‘wilderness years’ when he battled booze and drugs.

Glen, who was born in Arkansas in a farming community in 1936, said music and his family pulled him through the hard times.

It was poignant and yet uplifting just like his music.

A musical talent he shared as a guitarist with Elvis and The Beach Boys.

He can be heard on The Byrd’s classic,Bob Dylan’s Mr Tambourine Man.

His own songs will live on: classics such as Gentle on My Mind, Galveston, Wichita Lineman and Where’s the Playground Susan.

His creative collaboration with Jimmy Webb went on to make him a global success.

Six years ago he announced he had Alzheimer’s.

He bravely gave interviews about the illness to help others and incredibly performed and recorded a farewell album until the words and the music finally faded from his memory.

But what memories he has given me and millions of other fans across the world.

As Dolly Parton said in a moving social media tribute about the Granny award-winning Mr C.

"He was so gifted- so talented, one of the greatest voices that ever was and one of the greatest musicians who could play anything.’’ Now his family say they will carry on his campaigning work to help one day beat Alzheimer’s.

And we who loved his record have his golden catalogue of songs to remember him by and his outstanding 50 year contribution to music.

Ride on, Rhinestone Cowboy.