Wichita Lineman: Talking with Tunesmith Jimmy Webb

In today’s episode I sit down with legendary GRAMMY award-winning songwriter Jimmy Webb.

He is widely recognized for writing numerous hit songs performed by various artists, with some of his most famous works including "MacArthur Park," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman," and "Galveston." Webb is one of the most influential songwriters of his generation.

My Beato Club supporters:
Justin Scott
Terence Mark
Farren Mahjoor
Jason Murray
Lucienne Kilpatrick
Alexander Young
Jason Wagner
Todd Ladner
Rob Kline
Nicholas Long
Tim Benson
Leonardo Martins da Costa Rodrigues
Eddie Perez
David Solomon
MICHAEL JOYCE
Stephen Stubbs
colin stead
Jonathan Wentworth-Linton
Patrick Payne
MATTHEW KARIS
Matthew Barouch
Shaun Samuels
Danny Kurywchak
Gregory Reedy
Sean Coleman
Alexander Verbitskiy
CL Turner
Jason Pappafotis
John Fulford
Margaret Carno
Robert C
David M Combs
Eric Flatt
Reto Spoerli
Herr Moritz Adam
Monte St. Johns
Jon Beezley
Peter DeVault
Eric Nabstedt
Eric Beggs
Rich Germano
Brian Bloom
Peter Pillitteri

[marvinmatthews]

This might be one of Rick's greatest videos. There is no greater musical education than being educated by Jimmy Webb.

[kevinguitar]

What a rare privilege to be able to witness this interview with the incomparable Jimmy Webb. You're performing such a service for the community of musicians and music-lovers everywhere, Rick. So appreciated.

[stebstebanesier]

"And I need you more than want you." Wow! One of the greatest line ever written.

[leighgoldstein]

Rick, you really outdid yourself on this one. I almost cried at the end, Jimmy Webb really gets what's important in life. He has aged with so much class and grace. What an amazing talent he is.. What an amazing interview that was.

[MrMjp]

‘You can’t underestimate Burt Bacharach’. Never a truer phrase uttered. 
This magnificent interview with the genius, Jimmy, is one of Rick’s best ever.

[raymondvaldez]

Wichita Lineman remains one of the greatest examples of songcraft ever created

[jobranch]

He says to Rick, "It's been an honor to be here." That must be stunning to hear coming from Jimmy Webb.

[yamorak]

I can't... I just... No words. Rick Beato is today's Alan Lomax. What he's documenting is the lore, the beauty, the process, all of it. It's clear that many of the most important people in music of the last 60 years are seeing Rick Beato as an opportunity to relive and describe their work and histories. I think we always knew that it was this complex and beautiful. In this one, Jimmy Webb had so much to say that he was stumbling all over himself, shortcutting the shortcuts. He needed three hours or three days, like Daniel Lanois needed.

Well, thank you, Rick Beato. Keep on pounding away, man, because this is the best.

[stevejohnson]

This is one of the best interviews I have seen. The genius of Jimmy Webb is allowed to shine through without annoying interruptions

[williamjoiner]

“I need you more than want you and I want you for all time”. Has to be one of the greatest lines in music.

[anthonytorti]

UNFREAKIN BELIEVABLE interview. I'm a 66 year old engineer and listening to you geek out was a kick. The stories were utterly fantastic and epic. Jimmy is a wonderful and articulate person. This interview belongs in the Smithsonian and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fantastic job Rick. Thank you so much for this journey.

[mikemcmahan]

Jesus Rick, it must just be surreal to sit in a session like this almost in the third person. You get the rare privilege of being there, yet watching it again as you edit. I’m stunned at these different yet historic interviews you are taking part of. We NEED this history recorded and remembered. The genius you are capturing is fast passing us over. This could never be done by corporate media outlets. Cheers you YouTube and creatives like yourself. We all benefit.

[karenwinter]

Oh thank you, Mr. Beato for allowing Mr. Webb to talk without being interrupted!!! You are a great listener!

[purplezebrahoover]

This song never fails to make the hairs on my neck standup whenever I hear Glen Campbell sing it. Absolutely beautiful.

[alaskacanoe]

I have a fishing boat here in Alaska, , I might drive my boat out into the ocean many hours and miles from shore. When I get to my fishing grounds, where ever they may be.. I turn on my radio and bluetooth my music. and the first song on my song list is Wichita Lineman... Everyone loves it. And over the years, when my guests come back to fish with me again, they ask if I am going to play THAT SONG!!!.. its the best, thank you for going deep with this story.. Thank you Rick and Jimmy..

[Joe_Murphy-REV_Realty]

I didn't want this to end... What an absolute master of his craft and music, in general. There's no one else like Jimmy. He is truly a Legend.

[Jerrylumdegaard]

Man, I started to tear when he started playing the chords to Witchita. I work on those lines and poles for a living. And that song eternally hits me. Oddly I worked as an assistant engineer on a session Jimmy did in NYC in the late 80’s. I guess it was destiny.

[tomrussell]

This explains to me why the music today is lacking. He is a musician not a mechanic. This is

[ApeLikeCreature]

Plain and simply, this was a JOY to watch. I do not believe I've ever seen Jimmy so passionate about revealing the heart and soul of his music as he does here. he was feeding off of your passion Rick, and I thank you for it.

[charliepepper]

Rick..as a lifelong musician and writer I completely agree with you that Wichita Lineman is one of the finest song ever recorded!