Smokey Robinson & The Miracles  – Wichita Lineman (1968)

Glen Campell, the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” was one of the greatest Country-Pop Stars of the Sixties and Seventies. He even had his own TV show –  which I was a big fan of.  Every Boomer reading this post remembers his million selling version of the Jimmy Webb penned classic along with the hit follow-up “Galveston” and the hit predecessor “Gentle on My Mind.” Oh and my favorite Campell tune was “By The Time I Get To Phoenix.”: then  when Isaac Hayes covered the song it took on a whole other level of greatness for me.

Obviously Smokey Robinson and The Miracles knew a great song when they heard it.  “Lineman” is one of  some other covers that were on their 1969, #25 (Billboard Top 100) album “Time Out For Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.”A great song stands the test of time,  as both songwriters  Smokey Robinson and Jimmy Webb can attest too.

I think SRATM did a fine job on the cover.  Now here is Glenn’s original.

Glenn Campbell – Wichita Lineman (1968), on Capitol Records, sold over two million copies, staying at number one pop for five weeks.

“Wichita Lineman” – Composed by Jimmy Webb.

I am a lineman for the county and I drive the main road
Searchin’ in the sun for another overload
I hear you singin’ in the wire, I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line

I know I need a small vacation but it don’t look like rain
And if it snows that stretch down south won’t ever stand the strain
And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line

And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line

”Time Out for Smokey Robinson And The Miracles” is still available as a 2-for import combined with the 1970 follow-up LP “Four In Blue” #3 R&B & #78 Billboard Top 200.

And I almost forgot to announce — November’s Motown Theme is obviously  “Motown Covers Pop!”  It wasn’t something they did often, but it did happen on once in a while. Sometimes they even hit it big,  as you will find out later on this month!

Now I am curious to know which rendition of “Wichita Lineman” floats your boat?   Please vote below.

Musically yours,

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